The Doors

Introduction

The Doors were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965. The group consisted of vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. They were among the most influential and controversial rock acts of the 1960s, largely due to Morrison's lyrics and voice, along with his erratic stage persona. The band is known for their eclectic musical style, which incorporated elements of blues, psychedelic rock, and jazz.

Formation and Early Years (1965-1966)

The Doors were formed in the summer of 1965 after Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek met at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. Morrison shared some of his poetry with Manzarek, who was impressed and suggested they form a band. They were soon joined by Robby Krieger and John Densmore, who had previously played together in the Psychedelic Rangers.

The band's name was inspired by Aldous Huxley's book The Doors of Perception, which itself was a reference to a quote by William Blake: "If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite."

Breakthrough and Rise to Fame (1967-1968)

The Doors signed with Elektra Records in 1966 and released their self-titled debut album in January 1967. The album featured their breakthrough single, "Light My Fire", which became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album also included other notable tracks such as "Break on Through (To the Other Side)" and "The End".

Their second album, Strange Days, was released in September 1967 and continued their success with tracks like "People Are Strange" and "Love Me Two Times". The band's sound was characterized by Manzarek's distinctive keyboard playing and Morrison's deep, resonant voice.

Musical Style and Influences

The Doors' music was a fusion of various genres, including blues, psychedelic rock, and jazz. Morrison's lyrics often explored themes of existentialism, mysticism, and rebellion. The band's sound was also marked by Krieger's innovative guitar work and Densmore's jazz-influenced drumming.

Manzarek's use of the Vox Continental organ and later the Fender Rhodes piano bass was a defining element of their sound. The band's music often featured extended instrumental solos and improvisations, which were a hallmark of their live performances.

Controversies and Legal Issues

The Doors were known for their controversial performances and Morrison's unpredictable behavior. One of the most infamous incidents occurred during a concert in Miami in 1969, where Morrison was accused of exposing himself on stage. He was later convicted of indecent exposure and profanity, although he denied the charges.

The band also faced censorship issues with their lyrics. The song "The End" was banned from several radio stations due to its explicit content, and the band was forced to change the lyrics of "Light My Fire" during a performance on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Decline and Morrison's Death (1969-1971)

The band's popularity began to decline in the late 1960s, partly due to Morrison's increasing substance abuse and erratic behavior. Their sixth studio album, L.A. Woman, released in 1971, was their last with Morrison. The album included the hit singles "Riders on the Storm" and "Love Her Madly".

On July 3, 1971, Morrison was found dead in his apartment in Paris at the age of 27. The cause of death was listed as heart failure, although no autopsy was performed. His death marked the end of an era for the band.

Post-Morrison Era and Legacy (1971-Present)

After Morrison's death, the remaining members of The Doors continued to perform and record music. They released two more albums, Other Voices and Full Circle, but neither achieved the same level of success as their earlier work. The band officially disbanded in 1973.

The Doors' music has continued to influence generations of musicians and fans. They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and have received numerous accolades for their contributions to rock music. Their songs remain popular and are frequently featured in films, television shows, and commercials.

Discography

Studio Albums

The Doors (1967)
Strange Days (1967)
Waiting for the Sun (1968)
The Soft Parade (1969)
Morrison Hotel (1970)
L.A. Woman (1971)
Other Voices (1971)
Full Circle (1972)
An American Prayer (1978)

Live Albums

Compilation Albums

13 (1970)
Weird Scenes Inside the Gold Mine (1972)
The Best of The Doors (1985)
The Doors: Box Set (1997)