Jim Morrison
Jim Morrison Jim Morrison in 1968 Background information Birth name James Douglas Morrison Also known as The Lizard King Mr. Mojo Risin' (anagram of "Jim Morrison") Born (1943-12-08)December 8, 1943 Melbourne, Florida, U.S. Died July 3, 1971(1971-07-03) (aged 27) Paris, France Genres Psychedelic rock, hard rock, blues rock, rock and roll Occupation(s) Musician, singer, songwriter, poet, filmmaker, director, actor Instruments Vocals Years active 1965–1971 Labels Elektra, Columbia Associated acts The Doors Rick & the Ravens Website thedoors.com James Douglas "Jim" Morrison (December 8, 1943 – July 3, 1971) was an American singer, poet and songwriter best remembered as the lead vocalist of the Doors. Due to his songwriting, baritone voice, wild personality and performances, he is regarded by critics and fans as one of the most iconic and influential frontmen in rock music history, and, due to the dramatic tinges surrounding his life and death, in the latter part of 20th century he was one of popular culture's most rebellious and oft-displayed icons, representing generational gap and youth counterculture. He was also well known for improvising spoken word poetry passages while the band played live. Morrison was ranked number 47 on Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time", and number 22 on Classic Rock Magazine's "50 Greatest Singers In Rock". Ray Manzarek said that Morrison "embodied hippie counterculture rebellion..." Morrison was also known as the self-proclaimed "Lizard King" and "King of Orgasmic Rock". Morrison developed an alcohol dependency. He died at the age of 27 in Paris, allegedly of a heroin overdose. No autopsy was performed, and the exact cause of Morrison's death is still disputed. His grave in Paris is a shrine to him, visited daily by numerous fans.[citation needed]