Music Stars Interview Picture Disc

In 1965, University of California student Ray Manzarek invited a fellow student, singer/songwriter Jim Morrison, to join his and his two brothers' R&B band, Rick And The Ravens. Manzarek then recruited drummer John Densmore. His brothers then dropped out of the group, replaced by guitarist Robbie Krieger. The group, now named the Doors, became popular on the Los Angeles club scene. Elektra recording artists Love recommended the group to their label, which signed them in 1966. The Doors, released in 1967, showcased Manzarek's flowing organ and Morrison's dramatic voice. The group achieved massive success, but Morrison's frustration with his role as a pop idol grew ever more pronounced. In July 1969, following a concert in Miami, he was indicted for indecent exposure, public intoxication and profane, lewd and lascivious conduct. Although he was later acquitted of all but the minor charges, the incident forced the group to cancel its next few months of concerts. Morrison Hotel, a tough R&B-based collection, matched the best of their early releases. However, Morrison now preferred to write poetry. Having completed sessions for a new album, he escaped to Paris to pursue a literary career. On 3 July 1971, he was found dead in his bathtub. The official cause was a heart attack. LA Woman, Morrison's final recording with the Doors, is one of their finest achievements, including 'Riders On The Storm'. The surviving Doors soldiered on for two more albums before disbanding. Interest in the Doors flourished throughout the 70s and in 1991, the film biography The Doors appeared.