Jim Morrison — Timeline
Key moments in the life of Jim Morrison.
1943
Born James Douglas Morrison on December 8 in Melbourne, Florida
1961
Enrolled at UCLA Film School to study cinematography
1965
Met keyboardist Ray Manzarek on Venice Beach; began writing songs together
1965
The Doors formed with Morrison as lead vocalist, Manzarek on keyboards, Robby Krieger on guitar, and John Densmore on drums
1966
The Doors released their self-titled debut album, which reached number two on the US charts
1967
Performed 'Light My Fire' on The Ed Sullivan Show; song became the band's only number-one single
1969
Arrested in Miami following a controversial concert performance on March 1
1970
Released Morrison Hotel album, The Doors' fifth studio album
1971
Died on July 3 in Paris, France at age 27; official cause listed as heart failure
1997
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Doors