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"Thirty Powerful Photographs that Depict the Stormy Past of the 1960s Rock Group, The Doors"

iconic rock band The Doors, originating in 1965, ranks among history's top-selling groups, yet their lead vocalist, Jim Morrison, provoked debate through his provocative stage behaviors.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 20 . 7:53 AM

2 min read

Photographs Showcasing 33 Impactful Doorways Illustrating the Tempestuous Past of the '60s Rock... — Photographs Showcasing 33 Impactful Doorways Illustrating the Tempestuous Past of the '60s Rock Band, The Doors

"Thirty Powerful Photographs that Depict the Stormy Past of the 1960s Rock Group, The Doors"

The Doors, an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965, quickly gained notoriety for their unique sound and controversial reputation. Two UCLA film school alumni, Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek, founded the band, which later recruited guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore.

The band's name was inspired by Aldous Huxley's book 'The Doors of Perception.' Their sound was unlike any other band at the time, with a psychedelic edge that resonated with the youth of the late 1960s. Their debut album, released in January 1967, was an immediate success, with their signature song, 'Light My Fire,' quickly climbing the charts.

The Doors became the house band at the Whisky a Go Go on the Sunset Strip. Their performances were known for their rowdy audiences, onstage obscenity, and Morrison's unconventional antics and drunkenness. However, it was their performance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1967 that caused the most controversy. Morrison refused to change a lyric about drug use, leading to CBS Studios informing the band they would never be brought back to the show.

The Doors' second album, 'Strange Days,' was released later that year. It was followed by 'Waiting for the Sun' and 'The Soft Parade' in 1968 and 1969, respectively. While these albums were successful, they did not receive the same attention or acclaim as the band's first two records.

Jim Morrison, the band's charismatic lead vocalist, was more than just a rock star. He was an aspiring poet with a deep interest in philosophy and literature. His good looks also helped attract teen girls to the band. Despite his success, Morrison struggled with personal demons. He moved to Paris with his longtime girlfriend Pamela Courson in 1971. Tragically, Morrison was found dead in his bathtub in Paris on July 3, 1971, at the age of 27. The official cause was listed as heart failure, though no autopsy was performed.

The Doors' legend lived on after Morrison's death. Their songs, such as 'The End,' which tells the tale of a killer embarking on an Oedipus Rex-like quest, continue to resonate with listeners today. Despite being banned from The Ed Sullivan Show, The Doors' influence on rock music is undeniable. Their unique sound, controversial reputation, and Morrison's charisma continue to make them one of the most iconic bands in rock history.