77 - Jim Morrison: Brilliant or Buffoon?

The Doors were one of the most influential and iconic bands of the 1960s – they built a dark counterculture sound on a foundation of Ray Manzarek’s organ playing that combined elements of poetry, blues, rock and roll, jazz, and psychedelic music. 

At the front of it all was their charismatic, volatile, and enigmatic lead singer Jim Morrison. There’s no doubt that he was the embodiment of the whole sex, drugs, and rock and roll thing. The good looking frontman who helped forge his legacy by dying young. 

But was Jim Morrison a brilliant visionary or a rock and roll buffoon? 

On one hand, he saw himself as the Lizard King. A poet and mystic who was influenced by his background in literature and film. 

On the other hand, Jim was also an erratic, self-indulgent showman. A hardcore alcoholic who clashed with his parents, his bandmates, and most famously, the police. 

In this episode of Prisoners of Rock and Roll, we’re taking a look at the life and legacy of Jim Morrison and debating if he was brilliant or a buffoon?

Episode Playlist

Check out all of the songs we discussed in this week's episode here.

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