Ray Manzarek
Organ Solo on
Light My Fire

About

Ray Manzarek's organ solo is the first of two solos on "Light My Fire" from The Doors' 1967 self-titled debut album. Manzarek takes his organ feature at a medium 129 BPM in A-flat with a rock feel, establishing the extended instrumental section that became the song's signature element. Written primarily by Robby Krieger, "Light My Fire" became The Doors' biggest hit, and the interplay between Manzarek's organ and Krieger's guitar solos in the song's middle section was central to its appeal. Manzarek's Bach-influenced organ work draws on classical keyboard technique, bringing a formal sophistication unusual in rock music.

Ray Manzarek was 26 to 27 years old at the time.