Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jim Morrison

How Jim Morrison built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jim Morrison was the lead singer and lyricist of the Doors, a highly influential rock band. Known for his captivating stage presence, poetic lyrics, and distinctive voice, he became a cultural icon representing rebellion and the counterculture. His life and early death contributed to his enduring fame, solidifying his place as a legendary figure in rock music history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Legacy & Impact

1965: The Doors Formation

In 1965, Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek formed the rock band The Doors in Venice, California, marking a pivotal moment in music history.

1965: Bohemian Lifestyle in Venice Beach

In the middle of 1965, after graduating from UCLA, Jim Morrison adopted a bohemian lifestyle in Venice Beach, living on a rooftop and writing lyrics for early Doors songs.

June 1966: Opening Act for Them at Whisky a Go Go

In June 1966, Jim Morrison and the Doors were the opening act for Van Morrison's band Them at the Whisky a Go Go, influencing his developing stage performance.

November 1966: Production of Promotional Film

In November 1966, Morrison and The Doors produced a promotional film for their first single release, "Break On Through (To the Other Side)".

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August 1967: "Light My Fire" at Number One

In August 1967, The Doors' single "Light My Fire" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying their national recognition.

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September 18, 1967: "The Young Lion" Photo Session

On September 18, 1967, photographer Joel Brodsky took a series of black-and-white photos of Jim Morrison, shirtless, known as "The Young Lion" photo session. These images became iconic.

1967: Morrison's music ascends the charts

By 1967, Jim Morrison's music reached the top of the charts, marking a significant moment in his career. However, he had broken off contact with his family more than a year prior and falsely claimed they were dead.

1968: First Performances in Europe

In 1968, The Doors played in Europe for the first time, with four performances at the Roundhouse in London alongside Jefferson Airplane, marking their international presence.

1968: Release of Waiting for the Sun

In 1968, The Doors released their third studio album, "Waiting for the Sun", marking another milestone in their discography.

March 1, 1969: Miami Concert Incident

On March 1, 1969, during a concert at the Dinner Key Auditorium in Miami, an intoxicated Jim Morrison allegedly attempted to incite a riot and used obscene language. This event led to legal troubles for Morrison.

March 1969: Morrison's First Poetry Recording Session

In March 1969, Jim Morrison recorded his poetry in a professional sound studio in Los Angeles.

1969: Morrison's changing appearance and the release of The Soft Parade

In 1969, Jim Morrison changed his appearance, gaining weight and adopting a more casual style. The Doors also released their fourth album, "The Soft Parade", which marked the first time each band member received individual songwriting credit.

1969: Morrison publishes two volumes of poetry

In 1969, Jim Morrison self-published two volumes of poetry titled "The Lords / Notes on Vision" and "The New Creatures". These were the only writings published during his lifetime.

Jim Morrison: Lords and New Creatures

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1969: Morrison starts HWY: An American Pastoral

In 1969, Jim Morrison started "HWY: An American Pastoral", his best-known cinematic endeavor. He financed the venture and formed his own production company to maintain control of the project. He also played the main character, a hitchhiker turned killer/car thief, and asked Fred Myrow to select the film's soundtrack.

1969: Morrison's Rolling Stone interview about his family

In a 1969 interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Jim Morrison explained that he had distanced himself from his family to protect them from his musical career.

September 20, 1970: Morrison's Conviction

On September 20, 1970, Jim Morrison was convicted of indecent exposure and profanity in Miami following a sixteen-day trial related to the Dinner Key Auditorium incident. He was sentenced to six months in prison and a $500 fine, but remained free on bond while appealing the verdict.

October 1970: Recording of L.A. Woman

In October 1970, The Doors reconvened to record their final album with Jim Morrison, titled "L.A. Woman". During these sessions, producer Paul A. Rothchild left the project, and engineer Bruce Botnick took over.

December 8, 1970: Morrison's Second Poetry Recording Session

On December 8, 1970, Jim Morrison held his second poetry recording session in a professional sound studio. This session, unlike the first, was attended by his personal friends and included a variety of sketch pieces.

December 1970: Interview with the Los Angeles Free Press

In December 1970, Jim Morrison conducted a lengthy and in-depth interview with Bob Chorush and Andy Kent of the Los Angeles Free Press.

1970: Release of Morrison Hotel

In 1970, The Doors released the album "Morrison Hotel", which included the song "Peace Frog", referencing a car crash Jim Morrison allegedly witnessed in his childhood.

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March 1971: Morrison moves to Paris

In March 1971, Jim Morrison took a leave of absence from The Doors and moved to Paris to join his girlfriend Pamela Courson. During this time, he walked through the city, changed his appearance, and contacted John Densmore about the commercial success of "L.A. Woman".

1993: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1993, Jim Morrison was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Doors. The other band members dedicated their induction to Morrison.