“Doors Rattle Hinges” — Rock Los Angeles, Stars in the Making
The Los Angeles Times Headline, May 18, 1967
Letting out a series of blood-curdling screams, Jim Morrison stalked the stage. Looking out into the crowd, he drew in strength, then suddenly shifted. Taking the microphone in both hands, he sucked up the spotlight as the music softened. With John Densmore tapping out the beat and Ray Manzarek bridging into a soft, slow roll, Morrison looked quickly over at Robby Krieger, who fingered his guitar, prepping for the next interplay with the singer. Below, the crowd pushed closer, staring at the young singer, pleading for more.
“Harsh, vital voice,” reporter says of Jim Morrison
In the months between “Break On Through” failing to make waves on the hit single chart and the July triumph of “Light My Fire” hitting number one, the Doors were just like every other band — trying to get noticed and establish a fan base. They had returned to the Whisky, the famed Los Angeles club where they had been the house opener in what seemed like just moments ago.
The Los Angeles Times took notice. Reporter Pete Johnson noted the band’s “tight internal rapport,” which contrasted with Morrison’s “harsh, vital voice.” Even in these early days, no one could miss the power of the trio behind the singer, which Johnson explained, “The depth and volume of their three combined instruments is incredible.” The trademark sound was in place.
The Doors at the Whisky, ca mid-1960s
What the reporter and others were quickly discovering was the unique sound, like nothing they had ever heard before. Jim’s wild stage presence would soon drive greater publicity (and scrutiny), but what Kreiger, Mazarek, and Densmore achieved simply blew listeners’ minds.
Like so many journalists and observers, Johnson attempted to sum up what he was hearing, saying, “They are a group which has nurtured its own distinctive style, melting jazz improvisation, a hard rock beat, and freewheeling word imagery.” No one could have imagined what was about to happen to the Doors or within the context of American rock ‘n roll history. In this short window, an iconic sound was born!
Bob Batchelor’s Roadhouse Blues: Morrison, the Doors, and the Death Days of the Sixties, also available in audiobook.
For more on the Doors, the Sixties, and the era, pick up a copy of Bob Batchelor’s Roadhouse Blues: Morrison, the Doors, and the Death Days of the Sixties, also available in audiobook.