Remembering Ray Manzarek

"There was no keyboard player on the planet more appropriate to support Jim Morrison's words. Ray, I felt totally in sync with you musically. It was like we were of one mind, holding down the foundation for Robby and Jim to float on top of.  I will miss my musical brother." 

- John Densmore, Source: wmgk.com

The entire MGK air staff mourns the loss of a rock and roll pioneer, Ray Manzarek, keyboardist and founding member of The Doors.  Manzarek's keyboard parts were an integral part of The Doors sound, propelling them to the sales of more than 100 million albums worldwide.   

Here are some thoughts from our MGK Airstaff, remembering Ray Manzarek:

"Ray Manzarek was a person that ever member of the show felt close to. Every time he would call in we felt like we were catching up with an old friend. I played those first doors albums ...

Posted By: 102.9 WMGK

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Led Zep plays first US gig on Dec 26 1968

On December 26, 1968 Led Zeppelin played their first concert in the United States.  They opened up for Vanilla Fudge and Spirit in Denver. 

This page on Zeppelin's official website has some great press clippings, as well as recollections from Jimmy Page & John Paul Jones about this gig. 

There's also a story about how a legendary rock promoter almost prevented the band from being on the bill of the December 26th concert.  He narrowly escaped being known as 'the concert promoter who refused to book Led Zeppelin' .

Here are the songs that were part of their setlists for the first few dates of their first US tour.
Train Kept a Rollin', I Can't Quit You Baby, As Long As I Have You, Dazed and Confused, White Summer / Black Mountainside, How Many More Times.

Posted By: 102.9 WMGK

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Best Classic Rock Intros

As we started to play Kashmir today, the first 30 seconds really got me ready for the song. It was such a great lead-in. It changed my whole mood and I could now take on the task ahead of me with vigor.

There are just some songs with really great intros. In half of a minute they change your mentality. So around the office and studio we started talking about really great song starters and came up with this list.

Kashmir
Back in Black
Can't You Hear Me Knocking
Layla
Rebel, Rebel
25 or 6 to 4
Whole Lotta Love
Runnin' with the Devil
Radar Love
Born to Run
Money for Nothing
Feels Like the First Time
Lonely is the Night

Please share with us your favorite 1st 30 seconds of a Classic Rock song.

Posted By: 102.9 WMGK

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