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The Doors

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Band Timeline

1965

Formation of The Doors

The Doors were formed in Los Angeles in 1965 when Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek, acquaintances from UCLA, met on Venice Beach. Morrison shared his songwriting with Manzarek, who was inspired to collaborate musically. They soon recruited guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore to complete the lineup. The band name 'The Doors' was inspired by Aldous Huxley's book The Doors of Perception, itself referencing poet William Blake. This marked the beginning of one of the most influential and controversial rock bands of the 1960s.
1967

Debut Album and Breakthrough Success

The Doors released their self-titled debut album in 1967, produced by Paul A. Rothchild and recorded for Elektra Records. The album featured iconic tracks such as 'Break on Through (To the Other Side)', 'Light My Fire', and 'The End'. 'Light My Fire' became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The album's unique blend of rock, blues, and psychedelic sounds along with Jim Morrison's charismatic but unpredictable stage presence quickly made the band a cultural sensation. Their music defined much of the psychedelic rock movement of the late 1960s.
1967

Release of 'Strange Days' Album

'Strange Days', the second album from The Doors, was released later in 1967. The album continued to display their experimental and moody sound with tracks like 'People Are Strange' and 'Love Me Two Times'. It further established their reputation for innovation in rock music through use of sound effects and varied instrumentation. 'Strange Days' solidified the band as major figures in the counterculture music scene at a time of great social and political upheaval in America.
1969

Release of 'The Soft Parade'

In 1969, The Doors released their fourth album, 'The Soft Parade'. This record marked a notable shift as the band incorporated more brass and string arrangements, making it somewhat controversial among fans for deviating from their earlier raw rock style. While featuring successful songs like 'Touch Me', the album received mixed critical reception. Nevertheless, it demonstrated the band's willingness to experiment and challenge expectations. This period saw heightened tensions within the band amid the pressures of fame and Jim Morrison's increasing erratic behavior.
1970

Release of 'Morrison Hotel' Album

'Morrison Hotel' was released in 1970, a return to blues-rock roots that was critically acclaimed. The album featured direct, hard rock songs like "Roadhouse Blues" and the title track 'Morrison Hotel'. The band regained some of the raw energy and grit that marked their earlier work. This album was seen as a response to the critique of 'The Soft Parade' and was viewed as The Doors reaffirming their core sound. It solidified their legacy with fans and critics during a turbulent time for the group.
1971

Release of 'L.A. Woman' and Death of Jim Morrison

1971 was a pivotal year for The Doors and rock music history. The band released 'L.A. Woman', their sixth album with Jim Morrison, which would become one of their most celebrated works with classics like the title track and 'Riders on the Storm'. This album was their final with Morrison and showcased a raw, bluesy sound. Tragically, Morrison died in July 1971 in Paris under uncertain circumstances. His death at age 27 marked the end of an era for the band and the iconic frontman left a legacy that would deeply influence rock music and countercultural movements.
1972-1973

Band Continues as Trio and Final Albums

After Jim Morrison's death, The Doors continued as a trio consisting of Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore. They released two more studio albums: 'Other Voices' in 1971 and 'Full Circle' in 1972. However, these albums received less acclaim and commercial success. The band struggled to continue without Morrison's distinctive presence. In 1973, The Doors officially disbanded, marking the end of their original era. Their contributions to rock, their trailblazing sound, and Morrison's poetic iconography cemented their place in music history.
1978

Reformation and Release of 'An American Prayer'

In 1978, The Doors reunited to release 'An American Prayer', an album combining previously recorded poetry recitations of Jim Morrison from 1969 and 1970 with new musical accompaniments by the surviving band members. This posthumous tribute celebrated Morrison's lyrical genius and offered fans a new way to experience his work intertwined with The Doors' sound. The album highlighted the band's impact beyond conventional rock and their efforts to keep Morrison's artistic legacy alive.
1993

Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Doors were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, recognizing their monumental influence on music and culture. The ceremony honored their groundbreaking fusion of rock, blues, and psychedelia with Jim Morrison's poetic charisma. This milestone reflected their status as one of the most important bands of the 1960s and beyond. Surviving members reunited briefly for events and celebrations commemorating their legacy and contributions to American and global rock music.
2002-2013

Later Years and Legacy Preservation

In 2002, Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger teamed with Ian Astbury of The Cult to perform as 'The Doors of the 21st Century'. However, legal actions from John Densmore and the Morrison estate forced a name change to 'Manzarek-Krieger'. They toured extensively until Manzarek's death in 2013. Despite lineup changes, The Doors' music continued to captivate new generations and remain a staple of rock history. Their pioneering sound, poetic lyrics, and association with 1960s counterculture have ensured their enduring cultural significance.

Albums

the-doors_1st_album
The Doors
11 tracks
1967
the-doors_2nd_album
Strange Days
10 tracks
1967
the-doors_3rd_album
Waiting for the Sun
11 tracks
1968
the-doors_4th_album
The Soft Parade
9 tracks
1969
the-doors_5th_album
Morrison Hotel
11 tracks
1970
the-doors_6th_album
L.A. Woman
10 tracks
1971
the-doors_7th_album
Other Voices
8 tracks
1971
the-doors_8th_album
Full Circle
9 tracks
1972
the-doors_9th_album
An American Prayer
13 tracks
1978
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

John Densmore

N/A

Membranophone

Percussion

Jim Morrison

N/A

Lead vocals

Robby Krieger

N/A

Guitar

Background vocals

Ray Manzarek

N/A

Background vocals

Keyboard

Keyboard bass

Story of The Doors

The Doors: A Tale of Psychedelic Poetry, Legal Trouble, and Unforgettable Music

Born in the heart of 1960s Los Angeles, The Doors were more than just a rock band. They were a cultural force, a potent mix of psychedelic sounds, poetic lyricism, and electrifying stage presence. The band's core consisted of Jim Morrison, the enigmatic vocalist whose raw, poetic lyrics and unpredictable on-stage antics became synonymous with the era's counterculture; Ray Manzarek, the soulful keyboard maestro; Robby Krieger, the guitarist who provided the band's signature sound; and John Densmore, the steady drummer who anchored their explosive energy.

Their name, taken from Aldous Huxley's "The Doors of Perception," itself inspired by William Blake's writings, hinted at their exploration of consciousness and the power of perception. Signed to Elektra Records in 1966, The Doors, led by Morrison's mesmerizing presence, unleashed a string of iconic albums within a whirlwind five years. Their debut, "The Doors," alongside "Strange Days" and "L.A. Woman," became instant classics, pushing the boundaries of rock music and cementing their place in the pantheon of all-time greats. Dubbed the "Kings of Acid Rock," they were one of the most successful bands of the era, selling over 4 million albums domestically and nearly 8 million singles by 1972.

But their rise was marred by Morrison's increasingly erratic behavior and legal troubles. His death in 1971, under shrouded circumstances, marked a turning point. The remaining trio soldiered on, releasing two more albums before disbanding in 1973. They reunited in 1978 for "An American Prayer," a powerful combination of new music and Morrison's haunting poetry recordings. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, marking their place in music history. They've also come together for select one-off projects in the 21st century, continuing to captivate audiences with their legendary sound and enduring mystique.

The Doors' legacy transcends their music. They were a generation's voice, a reflection of the tumultuous 1960s, and their influence on music, culture, and the spirit of rebellion continues to resonate today. They remain a testament to the enduring power of music, poetry, and the audacity to push boundaries, leaving behind a legacy that's as raw, potent, and unforgettable as Jim Morrison himself.

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