Jim Morrison

Graffiti art of Jim by Instagram user u/wida.visuals. Share your art of Jim and tag us for a chance to be featured next. #JimMorrisonArt

Today we remember the great Ray Manzerek. It all began with Jim and Ray at UCLA, then one summer night on Venice Beach when Jim sang “Moonlight Drive” and everything changed. That moment marked the start of The Doors. “'See that guy,’ Jim Morrison once remarked, pointing to Ray... 'He is The Doors.’” -ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE Photo by Michael Montfort.

Just ask the MATCHBOX. Poetry from AN AMERICAN PRAYER. #JimMorrisonPoetry Photos by Paul Ferrara, Henry Diltz, Ethan Russell, and Gloria Stavers.

"Oh, tell me where your freedom lies’’ “The Crystal Ship,” released on The Doors’ debut album in ’67, is one of Jim’s most delicate and haunting compositions, where his poetry and melody drift together in perfect form. Listen here: found.ee/CrystalShip Photos by Michael Montfort and Getty Images.

#JimMorrison Singer, songwriter, poet. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

On this day in 1967, The Doors made their television debut on Los Angeles’ BOSS CITY. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

CAMERA - ALL SEEING GOD. #JimMorrisonPoetry from THE LORDS AND THE NEW CREATURES. Photos by Michael Montfort and Paul Ferrara.

It’s nearly summer, which means it’s the perfect time to “take a little ride down by the ocean side.” 📸: “Moonlight Drive,” from the film FEAST OF FRIENDS. #JimMorrison

“There's only four ways to get unraveled One is to sleep and the other is travel” Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

On this day in 1970, The Doors performed at the Cobo Arena in Detroit. Captured during the Roadhouse Blues Tour, it was one of their longer shows. The band played an hour past curfew and were banned from the arena on future tours. The fiery set includes several Blues covers, 17-minute-plus versions of “The End” and “When The Music’s Over,” as well as an over 19-minute version of “Light My Fire” and other rare tracks. Photos by Tom Copi and Getty Images.

SEA-BIRD SEA-MOAN. #JimMorrisonPoetry from THE LORDS AND THE NEW CREATURES. Photo by Henry Diltz.

Inquisitive poetry from AN AMERICAN PRAYER. Photo courtesy of Getty Images. #JimMorrisonPoetry

Happy Cinco de Mayo. Jim loved Mexican food. This photo, taken by Bobby Klein, captures him at the Lucky U, a tiny Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles.

“We want the world and we want it now” 🎨: Instagram user u/hallofischerin #JimMorrisonPoetry

Through the glass. 📸: Paul Ferrara #JimMorrison

“Jim started bugging me to play something very basic, very primitive on my drums. Finally I gave in and started playing the dumbest 4/4 beat I knew, and Jim began singing: ‘Five to one, one in five, no one here gets out alive.’ ‘What does five to one mean, Jim?’ I asked. ‘That’s for me to know and you to find out,’ Jim said.” -@JohnDensmore

Remembering Pamela Courson. As the story goes, Pamela first saw The Doors perform at the London Fog in Hollywood during the band’s earliest days. She and Jim Morrison were instantly drawn to each other, beginning a bond that would remain central to Jim’s life. He often described her as his “cosmic partner.” Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Violence Kills. 🖋️: THE LORDS AND THE NEW CREATURES, a collection of Jim’s poems which was released this month in 1970. Purchase the book here: found.ee/LordsAndNewCre… #JimMorrisonPoetry Photo by Paul Ferrara.

Happy Birthday, Paul Rothchild. Rothchild produced The Doors first five studio albums and helped shape the space where Jim’s words could find their voice in music. Photo by Paul Ferrara.

Jim predicted the future of music. Do you agree? Photos by Paul Ferrara. #JimMorrison