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Revision as of 06:24, 26 October 2002 by Ortolan88 (talk | contribs) (manzarek, the musical member)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)James Douglas Morrison (December 8, 1943 - July 3, 1971), better known as Jim Morrison, was the lead singer and lyricist of the popular American rock band The Doors. He was also a poet. Morrison dated Pamela Courson before his death, though they never married.
Born in Melbourne, Florida, Morrison was son to a strict military officer (an admiral in the US Navy) of no noticeable musical gifts, Morrison would seem an unlikely rock star, but his poetry and unique singing voice, combined with the other three talents of The Doors, proved influential on later musicians. His voice had a stern power, though (like Bob Dylan) Morrison was rarely praised for his singing technique. For musical quality, the Doors depended heavily on organist Ray Manzarek, who also played bass on the organ pedals.
Morrison was a seeker, interested in exploring new avenues and new sensations. He led a bohemian lifestyle in California, attending UCLA, drifting about and sleeping on couches and rooftops, reading books voraciously before dropping out of college in favor of his band The Doors. (The name "The Doors" came from an Aldous Huxley book, The Doors of Perception). Morrison consumed a variety of drugs, drank constantly, and indulged in various bacchanalia. His shamanistic live performances have influenced others, including Patti Smith, as has his hedonistic lifestyle.
Jim Morrison died in Paris in his bathtub at the age of 27; many fans and biographers have speculated that the cause of death was a drug overdose though the official report listed "heart attack" as the cause of death. Morrison is buried in Le Père Lachaise Cemetery in eastern Paris.
Many of his fans have great trouble believing he is dead, and strange rumours still circulate about what "really happened." Each year some of the more passionate fans gather at his graveside to mark the anniversary of Morrison's death.