About The Doors

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 controversial and influential rock acts of the 1960s, largely due to Morrison's lyrics and charismatic but unpredictable stage performances. Morrison and Manzarek met as film students at UCLA in 1965. Manzarek, who had been studying Transcendental Meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, was immediately drawn to Morrison's poetry, and the two decided to form a band. Krieger and Densmore, who had played together in a jazz band called The Psychedelic Rangers, were soon recruited, completing the lineup. The Doors derived their name from Aldous Huxley's book "The Doors of Perception," which referenced the use of psychedelic drugs to expand consciousness. Their music blended elements of rock, blues, jazz, and classical music, creating a unique and atmospheric sound. Manzarek's distinctive keyboard playing, often resembling a bassline due to his simultaneous use of left-hand bass notes and right-hand melodies, was a crucial element of their sound, as the band famously lacked a dedicated bass player on their studio albums (though they occasionally employed one live). The Doors quickly gained a following playing in clubs on the Sunset Strip, most notably the Whisky a Go Go. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1967, was a massive success, featuring iconic tracks like "Break on Through (To the Other Side)" and "Light My Fire," which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Their subsequent albums, including "Strange Days" (1967), "Waiting for the Sun" (1968), "The Soft Parade" (1969), "Morrison Hotel" (1970), and "L.A. Woman" (1971), further cemented their reputation as one of the most important and innovative bands of the era. The Doors' music explored themes of love, death, sex, rebellion, and the search for meaning. Morrison's lyrics were often poetic and provocative, drawing inspiration from literature, philosophy, and mythology. His stage presence was equally captivating, ranging from charismatic and sensual to confrontational and unpredictable, leading to several arrests and controversies. The death of Jim Morrison in Paris in 1971 at the age of 27 marked the end of The Doors' original lineup. The remaining members continued to release music for a short period, but the band never regained its former glory. Despite their relatively short career, The Doors left an indelible mark on music history. Their unique sound, poetic lyrics, and Morrison's captivating persona continue to influence and inspire artists today. They sold millions of records worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.