Born James Douglas Morrison, he was an American poet, song writer and author.  He is best known as the lead singer of the band “The Doors”.  He was intensely charismatic as the lead man of the band and wrote poetry extensively both for the band and in books. 

He attended Florida State University but at the urging of a professor, he transferred to UCLA’s film school in 1964 where he completed his undergraduate degree.  He lead a bohemian lifestyle, and with fellow UCLA student Ray Manzarek they formed ‘The Doors”.  Their sound featured Morrison’s baritone voice playing off Ray’s keyboards.  Morrison pioneered music videos decades before anyone else.   

“The Doors” rose to national fame in 1967 when “Light My Fire” hit number 1 on the top 100.  They mixed their psychedelic sound with blues and captured the American rebellious attitude of the times.   Fame had begun to take a toll on Morrison though, and his abuse of alcohol took on legendary proportions.  He began showing up drunk or late for his recoding sessions and concerts.  By the early 1970’s with all of Morrison’s intensely personal lyrics having been used up, their sound took on a decidedly pop sound.  Many of their original fans and producers left them at this point. 

In March 1971 Morrison moved to Paris to escape the pressures of performing.  He wanted to concentrate on his writing.  He lost a great deal of weight and shaved off his beard.  He was found on July 3rd in his bathtub with dried blood in his ear and bruising to his chest.  The official cause of death was listed as heart failure.