The Doors were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965 — Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore — fusing rock, blues, and psychedelia with dark, poetic lyricism. The 1967 debut and L.A. Woman (1971) bookend one of the great '60s catalogs. Explore The Doors vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
The Doors formed in Los Angeles, California in 1965. The lineup was Jim Morrison (vocals; 1943-1971), Ray Manzarek (keyboards; 1939-2013), Robby Krieger (guitar), and John Densmore (drums). The band, named after Aldous Huxley's The Doors of Perception, became one of the most iconic and provocative acts of the 1960s. Following Morrison's death in Paris in 1971, the remaining members recorded two more albums before disbanding. The Doors were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
The Doors combined rock, blues, psychedelia, and jazz influences with Manzarek's distinctive organ (which often handled bass lines), Krieger's flamenco-influenced guitar, and Morrison's baritone and poetic, frequently dark lyrics. Widely cited as one of the most influential bands of their era, they helped define the sound and image of late-1960s American rock.
The Doors catalog has been extensively reissued, including 50th anniversary deluxe editions with stereo and mono mixes and outtakes. Original Elektra mono and stereo pressings are highly collected, and audiophile reissues of the debut and L.A. Woman are common targets.
Listeners new to The Doors usually start with The Doors (1967) or L.A. Woman (1971). For related listening, see and .
