Jim Morrison

On December 8th, 1943, Steve and Clara Morrison gave birth to James "Jim" Douglas Morrison, unaware that he would become one of the most influential and original lyricists in the history of rock music. Jim Morrison, his sister Anne, and brother, Andy, were born into a navy family that had to move frequently. While growing up, Jim slowly became withdrawn and eccentric.

When Jim was four years old, he had what he calls "the most important moment of my life." (Hopkins, Sugerman 6) He and his family were in Albuquerque, New Mexico, pursuing his fathers' military duties. While driving along the highway one day, they came across an accident. A truck belonging to Pueblo Indians had flipped, and the passengers were thrown out of the vehicle. While his father stopped to help, Jim stared through the car window, crying. They left the scene, but Jim kept crying, and his parents would eventually tell him that it was all just a bad dream. Later in life, Jim told his friends that while they drove away, one of the dead Indians' souls leapt into his body. Jim also made many references to the incident in some of his work, including in the song "Peace Frog".

By the time Jim was seven, he had moved six times. He was growing into a handsome and intelligent young man, and at the same time, becoming defiant and bold. He began doing daring and shocking things. While his younger brother was asleep at night, Jim would tape his mouth shut, he drew hundreds of sexually obnoxious cartoons, and became increasingly interested in literature.

After Jim graduated high school in June of 1961, his parents sent him to live with his grandparents in Clearwater, Florida. He enrolled in St. Petersburg Junior College. Jim's grandparents begged him to cut his hair, to change his clothes, and to attend church, but to no prevail. Jim ignored them. "He hated conformity; he'd always get some queer slant on things. He'd try to shock us. He loved to do that", his grandmother says. (Hopkins, Sugerman 28) He eventually transferred to Florida State University, then to UCLA. While in film school at UCLA, he earned his undergraduate degree.

During his years in college, Jim made and appeared in many films. It is suggested that the only remaining film remaining from his time at UCLA is the film entitled "First Love". By 1965, Jim dropped out of UCLA and began living a bohemian lifestyle in Venice Beach, California. He would eventually meet Ray Manzarek, John Densmore, and Robby Krieger. In 1965, the four form a rock band, with Jim Morrison on vocals, Ray Manzarek on keyboard, John Densmore on drums, and Robby Krieger on guitar. They would call themselves The Doors.

By 1967, The Doors signed a contract with Elektra Records, and the single "Light My Fire"