History of Jim Morrison in Timeline

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

1919: Birth of Morrison's parents

In 1919, both Clara Virginia Clarke, Jim Morrison's mother, and George Stephen Morrison, his father, were born. George would go on to become a rear admiral in the United States Navy.

December 8, 1943: James Douglas Morrison Born

On December 8, 1943, James Douglas Morrison was born in Melbourne, Florida, to Clara Virginia and George Stephen Morrison, who later became a rear admiral in the United States Navy.

October 17, 1947: Car Accident on Indian Reservation

On October 17, 1947, a truck accident occurred on an Indian reservation, leading to one fatality of a non-Indian passenger on his way home after his last day of work. Jim Morrison's recollection of the event was later amplified and dramatized.

1947: Birth of Jim Morrison's Sister, Anne Robin

In 1947, Jim Morrison's younger sister, Anne Robin, was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, expanding the Morrison family.

1947: Witnessing a Car Crash

In 1947, when Jim Morrison was between three and four years old, he allegedly witnessed a car crash in the desert involving a truck and injured Native Americans, an event he later described as formative.

1948: Birth of Jim Morrison's Brother, Andrew Lee

In 1948, Jim Morrison's younger brother, Andrew Lee Morrison, was born in Los Altos, California, further completing the Morrison family.

1952: Attending Charles H. Flato Elementary School

In 1952, Jim Morrison attended Charles H. Flato Elementary School in Kingsville, Texas, while his father was stationed at NAS Kingsville, marking a period of his childhood spent in Texas.

1957: Attending Alameda High School

In 1957, Jim Morrison attended Alameda High School in Alameda, California, for his freshman year and the first semester of his sophomore year.

1959: Return to Northern Virginia

In 1959, Jim Morrison's family returned to Northern Virginia, influencing his high school education.

June 1961: Graduation from George Washington High School

In June 1961, Jim Morrison graduated from George Washington High School in Alexandria, Virginia, marking the completion of his secondary education.

1962: Transfer to Florida State University

In 1962, Jim Morrison transferred to Florida State University in Tallahassee, marking a new chapter in his academic pursuits.

1962: Meeting Mary Werbelow

In mid-1962, Jim Morrison met Mary Werbelow on a beach in Clearwater, Florida, when they were teenagers, marking the beginning of one of his early relationships.

September 28, 1963: Arrest at Football Game

On September 28, 1963, Jim Morrison was arrested for disturbing the peace and petty larceny while drunk at a Florida State Seminoles football game, marking an early brush with the law.

August 1964: Admiral Morrison in Gulf of Tonkin Incident

In August 1964, Admiral Morrison, Jim Morrison's father, commanded U.S. naval forces during the Gulf of Tonkin incident, a significant event in escalating U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

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: UCLA Graduation

In 1965, Jim Morrison completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA's film school but refused to attend the graduation ceremony. His diploma was later mailed to his mother.

1965: Gulf of Tonkin Incident Used to Justify Vietnam War Engagement

In 1965, the Gulf of Tonkin incident served as a leading pretext to justify the U.S. engagement in the Vietnam War. It was the year following Admiral Morrison's command of U.S. naval forces during the incident.

1965: Werbelow ends relationship with Morrison

In mid-1965, Mary Werbelow broke off her relationship with Jim Morrison in Los Angeles, a few months before he began rehearsals with The Doors.

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.

May 1966: Attending Velvet Underground Concert

In May 1966, Jim Morrison reportedly attended a concert by the Velvet Underground in Los Angeles, influencing his personal style and stage presence.

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.

December 9, 1967: Arrest Onstage in New Haven

On the evening of December 9, 1967, Jim Morrison was arrested onstage during a concert in New Haven, Connecticut, an incident that added to his rebellious image.

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.

1967: Morrison liked The Beach Boys' Wild Honey

In 1967, Jim Morrison greatly enjoyed The Beach Boys' album "Wild Honey", even considering Brian Wilson his favorite musician. This album was one of his favorites.

1968: Morrison writes to Wallace Fowlie

In 1968, Jim Morrison sent a fan letter to Wallace Fowlie, a professor of French literature, thanking him for his translation of Rimbaud's verse into English. Morrison expressed that he used Fowlie's book while traveling.

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: Joplin's appearance on Dick Cavett Show

During her appearance on the Dick Cavett Show in 1969, Janis Joplin made a veiled reference to Jim Morrison after Dick Cavett jokingly offered to light her cigarette by asking "May I light your fire, my child?"

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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 2, 1970: Admiral Morrison acknowledges family breakdown

On October 2, 1970, Admiral Morrison wrote a letter acknowledging the breakdown in communication with his son, Jim, as stemming from his negative assessment of Jim's musical talents. He expressed pride in his son despite their differences.

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: Unreleased Poetry from the December 1970 Session

As of December 1970, some of the poetry recorded during the December 1970 session remains unreleased and is in the possession of the Courson family.

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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1970: Handfasting ceremony with Patricia Kennealy

In Midsummer night 1970, Jim Morrison allegedly participated in a neopagan handfasting ceremony with rock critic Patricia Kennealy, according to Kennealy's account, but no legal marriage paperwork was filed, and the seriousness of the ceremony was questioned.

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".

July 3, 1971: Jim Morrison's Death

On July 3, 1971, Jim Morrison died unexpectedly in a Paris apartment at the age of 27. The circumstances surrounding his death were dramatic, and no autopsy was performed, leading to disputed causes of death.

1971: The Lost Paris Tapes recording date

Contrary to the story advanced by Philippe Dalecky that The Lost Paris Tapes were Jim Morrison's final recording made with Parisian musicians, experts determined the recordings were instead Morrison, Michael McClure, and Paul Rothchild jamming in Los Angeles well before Paris in 1971.

1971: Alice Cooper's Tribute Song

In 1971, Alice Cooper's song "Desperado", from the album Killer, was a tribute to Jim Morrison.

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1971: Morrison's Death in Paris

In 1971, Jim Morrison passed away unexpectedly in a Paris apartment at the age of 27, with conflicting reports surrounding the cause of his death. No autopsy was conducted.

1971: Planned visit to the Los Angeles Free Press

In 1971, before leaving for Paris, Jim Morrison planned to visit the headquarters of the Los Angeles Free Press, reflecting his commitment to the publication.

1973: Shield Stolen from Morrison's Grave

In 1973, the shield placed over Jim Morrison's grave by French officials was stolen.

1974: Courson's death and inheritance

In 1974, Pamela Courson, Jim Morrison's girlfriend, died and was buried as Pamela Susan Morrison. Her parents petitioned the court for inheritance of Morrison's estate, and the court judged their relationship as a common-law marriage.

1978: Release of "An American Prayer" album

In 1978, The Doors released the album "An American Prayer", which included segments from Jim Morrison's 1969 recording session. The album reached No. 54 on the music charts.

1981: Placement of Marble Bust and Gravestone

In 1981, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Jim Morrison's death, Croatian sculptor Mladen Mikulin voluntarily placed a marble bust and a new gravestone with Morrison's name at his grave, with the approval of the cemetery curators.

1981: Rothchild describes his first impression of Morrison

In the 1981 documentary "The Doors: A Tribute to Jim Morrison", Paul Rothchild described his first impression of Jim Morrison as being a "Rock and Roll Bing Crosby", highlighting Morrison's vocal style.

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1988: Release of "The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison Volume I"

In 1988, "The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison Volume I", titled "Wilderness", was released and became an instant New York Times Bestseller.

1988: Theft of Marble Bust

In 1988, the marble bust of Jim Morrison that was placed at his grave in 1981 was stolen after having been defaced through the years by vandals.

1989: Mikulin Creates Another Bust of Morrison

In 1989, Mladen Mikulin created another bust of Jim Morrison, but this piece was not placed at the gravesite.

1990: Release of "The American Night"

In 1990, "The American Night", Volume II of "The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison", was released and became a success.

The American Night: The Writings of Jim Morrison, Vol. 2

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1990: Placement of Flat Stone on Grave

In 1990, Jim Morrison's father, George Stephen Morrison, placed a flat stone on his grave after consulting with E. Nicholas Genovese. The bronze plaque bears a Greek inscription that translates to "true to his own spirit" or "according to his own daemon."

1991: Oliver Stone's Biopic Film Release

In 1991, Oliver Stone directed a biopic film about Jim Morrison, with actor Val Kilmer portraying him. The film's depiction of Morrison was heavily criticized by many who knew him personally.

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.

1993: Posthumous Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1993, Jim Morrison, along with the other members of The Doors, was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as a rock icon.

2001: Mikulin Creates Bronze Portrait of Morrison

In 2001, Mladen Mikulin created a bronze portrait (death mask) of Jim Morrison; this piece was also not placed at the gravesite.

2005: Death of Jim Morrison's mother, Clara Virginia

In 2005, Clara Virginia (née Clarke), Jim Morrison's mother, passed away, marking the end of an era for the Morrison family.

2005: Werbelow interview with St. Petersburg Times

In 2005, Mary Werbelow revealed in an interview with the St. Petersburg Times that Jim Morrison had told her the first three albums by The Doors were about her, but that she was not a fan of the band and never attended their concerts.

2007: References in "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story"

In 2007, the film "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story" included numerous references to Jim Morrison.

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2008: Death of Jim Morrison's father, George Stephen Morrison

In 2008, Lt.(j.g.) George Stephen Morrison, Jim Morrison's father and later a rear admiral, passed away, concluding a chapter in the Morrison family history.

December 8, 2010: Posthumous Pardon

On December 8, 2010, the 67th anniversary of Jim Morrison's birth, Florida Governor Charlie Crist and the state clemency board unanimously granted him a complete posthumous pardon regarding the 1969 Miami indecent exposure incident.

2011: Rolling Stone Readers' Pick: Best Lead Singers

In 2011, a Rolling Stone readers' pick placed Jim Morrison in fifth place of the magazine's "Best Lead Singers of All Time".

2011: Inspiration for Bollywood Film "Rockstar"

In 2011, the lead character of a Bollywood film, "Rockstar" starring Ranbir Kapoor, was inspired by Jim Morrison.

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2012: Skrillex Releases "Breakn' a Sweat" with Morrison Vocals

In 2012, electronic music producer Skrillex released "Breakn' a Sweat," which contained vocals from an interview with Jim Morrison.

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2013: Morrison's Notebook Sells at Auction

In 2013, another of Jim Morrison's notebooks from Paris, found alongside the Paris Journal in the 127 Fascination box, sold for $250,000 at auction. The box also contained a home movie of Pamela Courson and older notebooks and journals.

2016: Celtic Family Magazine Reveals Morrison's Ancestry

In 2016, Celtic Family Magazine revealed that Jim Morrison's Morrison clan originated from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, and his Irish side, the Clelland clan, were from County Down in Northern Ireland.

2019: Agnès Varda's last interview

In 2019, film director Agnès Varda gave her last media interview before her death, where she confirmed that she was one of only four mourners to attend Jim Morrison's burial.

May 2025: Recovery of Stolen Bust by Paris Police

In May 2025, the Paris police recovered Mladen Mikulin's original bust of Jim Morrison. The discovery was made by chance while the police were investigating another matter.