Jim Morrison's Milestones

Jim Morrison was an American singer, songwriter, and poet, best known as the lead vocalist of The Doors, whose charismatic performances and poetic lyrics made him a counterculture icon before his death at age 27.
1943

Birth

James Douglas Morrison was born in Melbourne, Florida, to Clara Virginia and George Stephen Morrison, a U.S. Navy officer.

Family December 8, 1943
1944

Early childhood

Grew up in a military family, moving frequently due to his father's naval career, living in various locations across the U.S.

Family January 1, 1944 - January 1, 1955
1947

Influential childhood experience

Witnessed a car accident involving Native Americans in the desert, an experience that deeply influenced his later poetry and worldview.

Other January 1, 1947
1958

High school years

Attended George Washington High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where he excelled academically and developed his interest in poetry.

Education September 1, 1958 - June 1, 1961
1962

Florida State University

Studied at Florida State University, majoring in theatre arts and becoming more serious about poetry and literature.

Education September 1, 1962 - August 1, 1964
1964

UCLA film school

Transferred to UCLA to study film, where he met future Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek.

Education September 1, 1964 - August 1, 1965
1965

Met Ray Manzarek

Met Ray Manzarek on Venice Beach and performed his poem 'Moonlight Drive,' leading to the formation of The Doors.

Relationship July 1, 1965

The Doors formed

Co-founded The Doors with Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore, becoming the lead vocalist and primary lyricist.

Career August 1, 1965
1966

First recording contract

The Doors signed their first recording contract with Elektra Records after being discovered at the Whisky a Go Go.

Career August 1, 1966
1967

The Doors debut album

Released The Doors' self-titled debut album, featuring 'Light My Fire' and 'The End,' which became a massive success.

Achievement January 4, 1967

Light My Fire success

'Light My Fire' reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making The Doors one of the biggest bands in America.

Achievement July 1, 1967

Ed Sullivan Show controversy

Performed on The Ed Sullivan Show but was asked to change the lyrics to 'Light My Fire,' leading to tension with censors.

Other September 17, 1967

Strange Days album

Released 'Strange Days,' the band's second album, which continued their success and artistic development.

Achievement September 25, 1967
1968

Waiting for the Sun

Released 'Waiting for the Sun,' which included hits like 'Hello, I Love You' and reached #1 on the charts.

Achievement July 1, 1968
1969

Poetry and artistic pursuits

Increasingly focused on poetry and artistic expression, publishing books of poetry and exploring his literary interests.

Achievement January 1, 1969 - July 3, 1971

Miami concert incident

Performed at a controversial concert in Miami where he allegedly exposed himself, leading to his arrest on indecency charges.

Other March 1, 1969

The Soft Parade

Released 'The Soft Parade,' a more experimental album that divided critics but showed the band's musical evolution.

Achievement July 18, 1969
1970

Morrison Hotel

Released 'Morrison Hotel,' a return to the band's blues and rock roots that was well-received by critics.

Achievement February 9, 1970

Miami trial

Stood trial for the Miami concert incident, facing charges of indecent exposure and profanity.

Other August 12, 1970 - October 30, 1970

L.A. Woman sessions

Recorded 'L.A. Woman,' which would become The Doors' final album with Morrison, featuring classics like 'Riders on the Storm.'

Career November 1, 1970 - January 1, 1971
1971

Moved to Paris

Moved to Paris with longtime girlfriend Pamela Courson to focus on poetry and escape legal troubles.

Location March 1, 1971

L.A. Woman released

'L.A. Woman' was released and became one of The Doors' most acclaimed albums, featuring Morrison's final recordings.

Achievement April 19, 1971

Death

Found dead in his bathtub in Paris at age 27, officially from heart failure, though circumstances remain mysterious.

Other July 3, 1971

Père Lachaise burial

Buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, which became a pilgrimage site for fans.

Other July 7, 1971
1993

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Doors were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their lasting influence on rock music.

Achievement January 12, 1993