Ray Manzarek's Recurring Dream About Jim Morrison
- by Mick McStarkey
Formed in Los Angeles, 1965, by vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore, The Doors would go on to become one the era’s most iconic rock bands. Undoubtedly, their focal point was Morrison, a mysterious poet, who quickly became one of the heroes of the countercultural movement. Then and now, he has been ascribed a demi-god-like stature—a walking, talking embodiment of the rebellion.
As with most musical heroes, Morrison’s mythos as an artist was taken to another level when he tragically passed away in 1971. Visiting his girlfriend, Pamela Courson, in Paris, France, it is said that Morrison was in the process of cleaning himself up and attempting to get over his longstanding alcoholism and drug habits, ridding himself of the ensnaring social circle that had rendered him somewhat incapable of achieving his potential.
Found dead in the bathtub of Courson’s apartment, understandably, his death was a shock to everyone. The cause of death was listed as heart failure, although an autopsy was never performed, as they were not mandatory in French law. It was also reported by several people claiming to be eyewitnesses that the real cause of death was due to an accidental heroin overdose, although this has never been proven.
