Highlights
- Jim Morrison, the frontman of The Doors, predicted his own passing.
- Morrison was a free spirit who lived his life unapologetically.
- Substance abuse and self-destructive behavior contributed to Morrison’s untimely death at 27.
The Doors, one of rock ‘n’ roll music‘s greatest bands, was fronted by the eccentric Jim Morrison. Morrison, who was affectionately known as the Lizard King, was a showman, poet, artist, and rebel. The legendary performer exuberated youthfulness and defined the era in which he became famous.
Morrison passed away in July 1971. Similar to other rock legends of his time, the singer died at only 27 years old. Morrison reportedly thought about death a lot and was spiritual in nature. Eerily, he even predicted that he would pass away young.
How Did Jim Morrison Predict His Own Passing?
Jim Morrison was well aware of the fates of his peers. The rock icon, who sang lead on rock ‘n’ roll staples such as “Light My Fire” and “Touch Me”, knew of the infamous 27 Club (though its naming came later). Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin died prematurely.
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According to Far Out, Morrison enjoyed a night out with a few friends in the fall of 1970. The singer, who shared a friendship with Joplin, was still in the mourning process. More so, Morrison was doing what he often did. He was reflecting on life and death.
On this fateful evening, Morrison allegedly said: “You’re drinking with number three. That’s right, number three.” The performer, who lived a hard lifestyle, perhaps knew the odds were not in his favor. He saw how fame took a fatal toll on Hendrix and Joplin.
Morrison’s prophesy rang true on July 3rd, 1971, when the iconic entertainer was found lifeless in Paris, France. According to All Things Interesting, Morrison’s cause of death was heart failure and no autopsy was performed. Due to the mysteriousness surrounding Morrison’s passing, multiple conspiracy theories have emerged.
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What is even more eerie is that Morrison was not the only famous singer of his era to predict their demise. Even Jimi Hendrix himself predicted his passing on multiple occasions. Lynyrd Skynyrd leader, Ronnie Van Zant, also predicted his death, claiming that he would not make his 30th birthday.
Morrison was laid to rest in Paris, France at the Père Lachaise Cemetery. His final resting place has become a place of remembrance for millions of fans and is one of the most visited graves in the world. Throughout the years since his burial, fans have not only paid their respects, but have left mementos at his gravesite. One such memento was a beautifully crafted bust of Morrison’s head, according to Funeral Direct. This bust became a centerpiece of Morrison’s memorial. In 2015, it was randomly stolen from Morrison’s final resting place, but later returned.
Why Did Jim Morrison Pass Away So Young?
James Douglas Morrison was, by all means, a free spirit. Born during the final years of World War II, the young Morrison grew up in a military family. In his youth, he began to explore the arts and became passionate about literacy. Poetry, in particular, became a comfort in Morrison’s life.
Also, at an early age, Morrison developed his rebellious persona. As can be expected, Morrison’s behavior and ideologies did not sit well with his strict and proper father. Fortunately for Morrison, he lived his life unapologetically and pursed his passions head on, despite resistance from his father.
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As a teenager, Morrison moved in with his grandparents in Florida as he began his college education. He later finished his education in California, getting a degree in the arts. After graduating college, Morrison moved to Venice Beach and began to write some of the most influential rock ‘n’ roll songs of his generation. Songs such as “Hello, I Love You” were composed before The Doors even became an official band. In 1965, The Doors embarked on their journey to become rock ‘n’ roll superstars.
The Doors eventually earned national fame only two years after they formed. “Light My Fire” became a smash hit during the summer of 1967 and made Morrison a household name to a whole generation. While Morrison gained millions of fans, especially teenagers, he never gained the admiration of his father. After his father heard the first Doors record, he decided to write a letter to his son, suggesting that Morrison:
“Give up any idea of singing or any connection with a music group because of what I consider to be a complete lack of talent in this direction”
Morrison’s troubled relationship with his father did not prevent the legend from pursuing his dreams, but it may have affected him on an emotional level. Perhaps it was the era in which he lived or his surroundings, but, Morrison was very much into substance culture. He did not care what people thought of his behavior and he did whatever he pleased. Even if that meant getting in legal trouble on stage. Morrison experimented with a variety of substances and his abuse could have played a significant role in his ultimate demise.
Morrison’s fame only furthered his rebelliousness. The entertainer saw that millions of strangers liked him for who he was. Furthermore, he believed he could get away with almost anything due to his cultural status. He even refused to change song lyrics on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1967, according to Far Out. With a big ego, Morrison engaged in self-destructive behavior without any repercussions. This is what ultimately took the life of the young entertainer.
More than fifty years since his passing, Jim Morrison remains one of the most beloved frontmen in rock ‘n’ roll history. His legacy is unwavering and continues to gain new fans every year. The greatest tragedy in Morrison’s life is that he did not live long enough to fully grasp his impact on music.
Source: NewsFinale
