Nineteen Sixties Rock Band's Historic Doors Unveiled in Thirty-Three Fascinating Photos
The Doors, one of the most influential rock bands in history, were formed in 1965 by UCLA film school alumni Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek. Morrison, a charismatic and handsome frontman with a deep interest in philosophy and literature, was inspired by poets like Arthur Rimbaud and William Blake, as well as rock performers such as Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan.
The band's name was inspired by Aldous Huxley's book "The Doors of Perception." Morrison shared some of his lyrics with Manzarek, who was part of an unsuccessful group with his brothers and was eager to try something new. Manzarek was convinced to join the band, and with the addition of Robby Krieger on guitar and John Densmore on drums, the band's lineup was complete.
The Doors became the house band at the Whisky a Go Go on the Sunset Strip in 1966. Their unique sound, unlike any other band at the time, quickly gained them a dedicated following. In January 1967, the band released their self-titled debut album to immediate success, with their signature song, "Light My Fire," quickly climbing the charts.
However, it was not just their music that gained the Doors attention. Morrison's stage presence and lyrics, often filled with controversy, also played a significant role in their fame. Their first major incident of controversy came in September 1967 during an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, where Morrison refused to change a lyric deemed inappropriate for the family show.
The Doors continued to put out music in 1968 and 1969 with the albums Waiting for the Sun and The Soft Parade, but neither received the same attention or acclaim as their first two records. In 1969, the band lost their residency at the Whisky a Go Go due to Morrison's expletive-filled rant during a performance of "The End."
Morrison moved to Paris with his longtime girlfriend Pamela Courson in 1971. The Doors released their second album, Strange Days, later that year. On July 3, 1971, Morrison was found dead in his bathtub at the age of 27. The official cause was listed as heart failure, though no autopsy was performed.
Despite disbanding in 1973, the Doors have reunited several times over the years. Their hit song "The End" tells a story that is seemingly about a breakup but over its 11-minute runtime, it tells the tale of a killer stealing a face from a gallery and embarking on an Oedipus Rex-like quest to kill his father and lie with his mother. The Doors' music, marked by Morrison's powerful vocals and the band's unique sound, continues to influence musicians today.
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