Jim Morrison, the lead singer and lyricist of The Doors, was a major figure in rock music. Known for his powerful stage presence, poetic lyrics, and unpredictable performances, he became a cultural icon. His early death only added to his mystique, making him a symbol of rebellion and counterculture for generations.
December 8, 1943: Birth of Jim Morrison
On December 8, 1943, James Douglas Morrison, better known as Jim Morrison, was born in Melbourne, Florida. He would later become a prominent figure in the world of rock music.
1947: Birth of Jim Morrison's Sister, Anne Robin
Anne Robin, Jim Morrison's younger sister, was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1947.
1947: Jim Morrison Witnesses a Car Accident
Around the age of three or four, in 1947, Jim Morrison witnessed a car accident in the desert that profoundly impacted him. This event would later inspire elements of his music and poetry.
1948: Birth of Jim Morrison's Brother, Andrew Lee Morrison
Andrew Lee Morrison, Jim Morrison's younger brother, was born in Los Altos, California, in 1948.
1952: Jim Morrison Attends Charles H. Flato Elementary School
Jim Morrison attended Charles H. Flato Elementary School in Kingsville, Texas, in 1952, while his father was stationed at NAS Kingsville.
1957: Jim Morrison Attends Alameda High School
Jim Morrison attended Alameda High School in Alameda, California, for his freshman and part of his sophomore year in 1957.
1959: Jim Morrison's Family Returns to Northern Virginia
Jim Morrison's family relocated back to Northern Virginia in 1959, where he would eventually graduate from George Washington High School.
June 1961: Jim Morrison Graduates from George Washington High School
Jim Morrison graduated from George Washington High School in Alexandria, Virginia, in June 1961, marking the completion of his high school education.
1962: Meeting Mary Werbelow
In the summer of 1962, a teenage Jim Morrison met Mary Werbelow on a beach in Clearwater, Florida, marking the beginning of a significant relationship in his life.
1962: Jim Morrison Transfers to Florida State University
Jim Morrison transferred to Florida State University in Tallahassee in 1962 to continue his higher education.
September 28, 1963: Jim Morrison Arrested at Football Game
On September 28, 1963, Jim Morrison was arrested for disturbing the peace and petty larceny while intoxicated at a Florida State Seminoles football game in Tallahassee.
1965: Jim Morrison's Early Songwriting in Venice Beach
Following his graduation from UCLA in 1965, Jim Morrison embraced a bohemian lifestyle in Venice Beach. During this time, he penned lyrics for several songs that The Doors would later perform and record.
1965: Formation of The Doors
In 1965, Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek established The Doors, a band that would go on to achieve significant commercial and critical success in the rock music landscape.
1965: Jim Morrison Graduates from UCLA Film School
Jim Morrison graduated from UCLA's film school in 1965, obtaining his bachelor's degree. Despite this achievement, he chose not to attend the graduation ceremony.
1965: Breakup with Mary Werbelow
Jim Morrison's relationship with Mary Werbelow ended in Los Angeles in the summer of 1965. This occurred only a few months before Morrison began rehearsing with The Doors, potentially influencing his music.
May 1966: Jim Morrison Attends Velvet Underground Concert
Jim Morrison reportedly attended a Velvet Underground concert at The Trip in Los Angeles in May 1966. Some speculate that this concert influenced his style.
June 1966: The Doors Open for Them at the Whisky a Go Go
During June 1966, The Doors served as the opening act for Van Morrison's band, Them, at the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles. This event marked a significant early performance for The Doors and exposed them to a wider audience.
November 1966: "Break On Through (To the Other Side)" Release and Early Music Films
In November 1966, the Doors released their debut single, "Break On Through (To the Other Side)", accompanied by a promotional film. This marked the beginning of their ventures into music videos, with subsequent films for songs like "The Unknown Soldier", "Strange Days", and "People Are Strange". This period also saw the iconic "Young Lion" photoshoot with Joel Brodsky, capturing Morrison's stage presence in striking black and white imagery.
August 1967: The Doors' Rise to Fame and Ed Sullivan Show Controversy
August 1967 was a pivotal month for the Doors. Following their national recognition with Elektra Records, their single "Light My Fire" topped the Billboard charts. The band's appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, however, became a legendary incident. Despite being asked to alter the lyrics of "Light My Fire", Morrison sang the original version, leading to a clash with Ed Sullivan and the cancellation of future appearances.
1967: Musical Success and Estrangement
By 1967, Jim Morrison's music with The Doors rose to the top of the charts. However, this success coincided with a period of estrangement from his family, with whom he had not communicated for over a year. He falsely claimed they were deceased, possibly to protect his father's naval career and separate his personal and professional life.
1967: Morrison's Admiration for the Beach Boys
Record producer David Anderle reveals that Jim Morrison considered Brian Wilson his favorite musician and held the Beach Boys' 1967 album "Wild Honey" in high regard.
1967: New Haven Incident and Morrison's Rebellious Image
In 1967, during a concert in New Haven, Connecticut, Jim Morrison's encounter with a police officer backstage escalated into an on-stage arrest. This incident, fueled by Morrison's provocative language and behavior, solidified his image as a rebellious rock icon and led to him becoming the first rock performer arrested on stage.
1968: Morrison's Correspondence with Wallace Fowlie
Jim Morrison, an admirer of French poet Arthur Rimbaud, sends a letter to Duke University professor Wallace Fowlie in 1968, expressing gratitude for Fowlie's translation of Rimbaud's work.
1968: European Debut and Growing Personal Challenges
The Doors made their European debut in 1968, performing at the Roundhouse in London alongside Jefferson Airplane. These shows, filmed for the documentary "The Doors Are Open", marked a significant step in their international career. However, this period also marked a time when Morrison's struggles with alcohol began to impact his professional life, with increased instances of intoxication during recording sessions and performances.
1968: Waiting for the Sun and Hollywood Bowl Performance
The Doors released their third studio album, "Waiting for the Sun", in 1968. That same year, they delivered a memorable performance at the Hollywood Bowl, later immortalized on the "Live at the Hollywood Bowl" DVD. This period also saw Morrison engaging with other music icons, such as Mick Jagger, discussing their shared experiences as performers.
January 1969: Meeting and Relationship with Patricia Kennealy
Jim Morrison and Patricia Kennealy first met in January 1969 when she interviewed him for Jazz & Pop magazine. According to Kennealy, they initiated a long-distance relationship following this meeting.
March 1, 1969: Miami Incident and Legal Troubles
Morrison's attempt to incite a riot during a concert in Miami on March 1, 1969, led to multiple charges, including indecent exposure. This event had significant repercussions, resulting in canceled concerts and a protracted legal battle that would follow Morrison for years to come.
March 1969: Morrison's First Studio Poetry Recording
Jim Morrison records his poetry in a professional studio for the first time in March 1969.
1969: The Dick Cavett Show and Janis Joplin Incident
In 1969, during her appearance on The Dick Cavett Show, singer Janis Joplin seemingly referenced an altercation with Jim Morrison. When Cavett offered to light her cigarette with the phrase "May I light your fire, my child?" (a reference to The Doors' hit song), Joplin quipped, "That's my favorite singer... I guess not." This alluded to a previous incident at John Davidson's home in Calabasas, California, where Joplin reportedly hit Morrison with a whiskey bottle after he treated her poorly.
1969: Rolling Stone Interview
In 1969, during an interview with Jerry Hopkins for Rolling Stone magazine, Jim Morrison addressed his strained family relationships. He explained that his claim of being an only child stemmed from a desire to shield his family from the potential fallout of his rock and roll lifestyle, not from a place of malice.
1969: Publication of Morrison's Poetry Volumes
In 1969, Jim Morrison publishes two poetry collections, "The Lords / Notes on Vision" and "The New Creatures," marking his only published works during his lifetime.
1969: Morrison Embarks on "HWY: An American Pastoral"
In 1969, Jim Morrison initiates his film project "HWY: An American Pastoral," taking on the lead role and financing the venture himself to maintain creative control.
1969: Image Change and The Soft Parade
By 1969, Morrison's image underwent a noticeable shift. He embraced a more casual look and, more significantly, the band adopted individual songwriting credits for their album "The Soft Parade." This marked a departure from their previous practice of attributing all songs solely to "The Doors."
September 20, 1970: Conviction and Sentencing in Miami Trial
On September 20, 1970, after a 16-day trial, Morrison was found guilty of indecent exposure and profanity related to the 1969 Miami concert incident. He received a sentence of six months in prison and a $500 fine, remaining free on a $50,000 bond while appealing the verdict.
October 2, 1970: Admiral Morrison's Letter
On October 2, 1970, Jim Morrison's father, Admiral George Stephen Morrison, wrote a letter to the Florida Probation and Parole Commission District Office. In it, he acknowledged the communication breakdown within their family, attributing it to a disagreement over Jim's musical abilities. He expressed pride in his son and took some responsibility for the estrangement.
October 1970: Recording of Final Album and Producer Change
Following the release of "Morrison Hotel", the Doors began recording their final album with Morrison, "L.A. Woman", in October 1970. This period saw a significant change in their creative process as their long-time producer, Paul A. Rothchild, left the project, with engineer Bruce Botnick taking over the role.
December 8, 1970: Morrison's Final Recording Session
Jim Morrison participates in a recording session on December 8, 1970, where he records his poetry and engages in improvisational pieces with friends.
December 1970: Unreleased Recordings from December 1970 Session
Some of the recordings from Jim Morrison's December 1970 poetry and improvisation session remain unreleased and are currently held by the Courson family.
December 1970: Jim Morrison Interviewed by Los Angeles Free Press
Jim Morrison, a longtime advocate for the Los Angeles Free Press, gave an extensive interview to the publication in December 1970.
1970: Handfasting Ceremony with Patricia Kennealy
In 1970, according to rock critic Patricia Kennealy, she and Jim Morrison participated in a neopagan handfasting ceremony. Kennealy claimed they signed a document and were declared wed by a Celtic high priest and priestess during the Midsummer night ceremony. However, no legal marriage paperwork was ever filed.
1970: Release of "Peace Frog"
In 1970, The Doors released the album "Morrison Hotel," featuring the song "Peace Frog," which drew inspiration from the car accident Morrison witnessed as a child.
March 1971: Move to Paris and Reflection
In March 1971, seeking a change of pace and a break from the pressures of his career, Morrison moved to Paris to join his girlfriend Pamela Courson. He embraced a quieter lifestyle, taking long walks and reflecting on his life. He also maintained contact with the band, inquiring about the reception of "L.A. Woman."
July 3, 1971: Death of Jim Morrison
Jim Morrison, the iconic frontman of The Doors, died on July 3, 1971, at the age of 27 in Paris. The circumstances surrounding his death remain a subject of debate and speculation.
1971: Alice Cooper's Tribute Song "Desperado"
Alice Cooper releases the song "Desperado" on his 1971 album "Killer" as a tribute to Jim Morrison.
1971: Jim Morrison's Planned Visit to Los Angeles Free Press Canceled
Jim Morrison had planned to visit the Los Angeles Free Press headquarters shortly before leaving for Paris in 1971, but his untimely death prevented this visit.
1971: Jim Morrison's Death and The Doors' Disbandment
Jim Morrison's untimely death in 1971 had a profound impact on The Doors. Despite recording two more albums, they disbanded two years later, marking the end of an era.
1971: Debunking the "Lost Paris Tapes"
Recordings known as the "Lost Paris Tapes," initially believed to be Morrison's final recordings with Parisian musicians, are later identified as sessions with friends in Los Angeles before his time in Paris in 1971.
1973: Theft of Morrison's Grave Marker
A protective shield placed over Jim Morrison's grave in Père Lachaise Cemetery is stolen in 1973.
1974: Pamela Courson's Death and Inheritance
Following Pamela Courson's death in 1974, her family laid her to rest under the name "Pamela Susan Morrison," although she and Jim Morrison never legally wed. Her parents then petitioned the court to inherit Morrison's estate. Despite California not recognizing common-law marriages, the court ruled in their favor, determining that their relationship qualified as such. Morrison's will had named Courson as the sole beneficiary.
1978: Release of The Doors' Album "An American Prayer"
The Doors release the album "An American Prayer" in 1978, which features excerpts from Jim Morrison's 1969 poetry recording session and reaches number 54 on the music charts.
1978: Release of "An American Prayer"
The Doors released the posthumous album "An American Prayer" in 1978. It featured Morrison's spoken word performances "Dawn's Highway" and "Ghost Song," both of which alluded to the car accident he witnessed in his youth.
1981: Mikulin's First Bust of Morrison at Père Lachaise Cemetery
Croatian sculptor Mladen Mikulin installs a marble bust of Jim Morrison at his grave in Père Lachaise Cemetery to mark the tenth anniversary of Morrison's death in 1981.
1981: The Doors: A Tribute to Jim Morrison Documentary Release
The documentary "The Doors: A Tribute to Jim Morrison" is released in 1981, featuring insights from producer Paul Rothchild, who compared Morrison's vocal style to Bing Crosby.
1988: Release of "Wilderness: The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison Volume I"
"Wilderness: The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison Volume I," a collection of Morrison's unreleased writings, is published in 1988 and achieves immediate success, becoming a New York Times Bestseller.
1988: Theft of Mikulin's Morrison Bust
The marble bust of Jim Morrison created by Mladen Mikulin is stolen from Père Lachaise Cemetery in 1988.
1989: Mikulin Creates Second Bust of Morrison
Mladen Mikulin sculpts another bust of Jim Morrison in 1989, although it is not placed at the gravesite.
1990: Placement of Gravestone with Greek Inscription
In 1990, Jim Morrison's father, George Stephen Morrison, places a gravestone with a Greek inscription on his son's grave. The inscription, "ΚΑΤΑ ΤΟΝ ΔΑΙΜΟΝΑ ΕΑΥΤΟΥ," is commonly interpreted as "true to his own spirit" or "according to his own daemon."
1990: Release of "The American Night: The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison Volume II"
The second volume of Morrison's unreleased writings, "The American Night: The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison Volume II," is released in 1990 and enjoys a positive reception.
1991: Oliver Stone's Biopic on Jim Morrison
In 1991, Oliver Stone directed a biopic film about Jim Morrison, featuring Val Kilmer as Morrison. Kilmer learned over twenty of the Doors' songs to embody the role. Despite its inspiration from real events, the film faced criticism from those who knew Morrison personally, including Patricia Kennealy and the other Doors members. They felt the portrayal focused too much on Morrison's destructive side, neglecting his sensitive and humorous aspects.
1993: The Doors' Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1993, The Doors, including the late Jim Morrison, were honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying their place in music history.
1993: The Doors' Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Doors are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, with the surviving band members dedicating the honor to Jim Morrison.
2001: Mikulin's Bronze Portrait of Morrison
Mladen Mikulin completes a bronze portrait of Jim Morrison, referred to as a "death mask," in 2001. This artwork is also not placed at Morrison's grave.
2005: Mary Werbelow's Interview
In a 2005 interview with the St. Petersburg Times, Mary Werbelow, Jim Morrison's former girlfriend, revealed that Morrison told her his first three albums were about her. She also stated that she wasn't a fan of The Doors and never attended any of their concerts.
2007: References to Jim Morrison in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
In 2007, the film Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story included numerous references to Jim Morrison, showcasing his continued cultural relevance.
December 8, 2010: Posthumous Pardon
Decades after the controversial Miami concert, on December 8, 2010, Florida Governor Charlie Crist granted Jim Morrison a full posthumous pardon. This decision followed years of debate and assertions from the surviving Doors members and their road manager that Morrison never actually exposed himself on stage.
2011: Bollywood Film Inspired by Jim Morrison
In 2011, the lead character in the Bollywood film Rockstar, portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor, was inspired by Jim Morrison. This reflects Morrison's continued influence on global pop culture.
2011: Rolling Stone Readers Rank Morrison as Fifth Best Lead Singer
Readers of Rolling Stone magazine vote Jim Morrison as the fifth "Best Lead Singer of All Time" in a 2011 poll.
2012: Skrillex Features Morrison's Vocals in "Breakn' a Sweat"
Electronic music producer Skrillex releases the track "Breakn' a Sweat" in 2012, incorporating vocals from an interview with Jim Morrison.
2013: Auction of Morrison's Notebook and Personal Belongings
In 2013, a notebook and a box of personal items belonging to Jim Morrison, known as the 127 Fascination box, are sold at an auction for $250,000. The collection includes a home movie of Pamela Courson and other notebooks and journals.
2016: Celtic Ancestry Revealed
In 2016, Celtic Family Magazine published an article in its Spring Issue revealing the details of Jim Morrison's Scottish and Irish ancestry. According to the magazine, his Morrison clan originated from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, while his maternal Clelland ancestors hailed from County Down in Northern Ireland.