Today in Music History: July 3rd

Today, Jim Morrison was found dead in his bath tub in Paris, France in 1971 at age 27. He had a severe drug and alcohol problem, which was most likely cause of death, though no autopsy was performed and the cause on record was heart attack.

Morrison performing with The Doors in 1967

Born in 1943, Morrison was the lead singer and lyricist for The Doors and was also a poet. In 1965, after graduating from UCLA with a degree in film, Morrison helped in the formation of The Doors. The name was taken after Aldous Huxley's The Doors of Perception, a reference to unlocking doors of perception through psychedelic drug use.

Morrison co-wrote some great Doors' hits like "Touch Me," "Light My Fire," "Break On Through (To The Other Side)," and "Love Her Madly." He didn't write his lyrics alongside an instrument, but he made up vocal melodies to go with his lyrics and the band would provide chords to complete the song. Morrison rarely played an instrument at shows or in studio.

There has been and will continue to be speculation with Morrison's death since there was no autopsy. And is the 27 Club a real thing since Morrison is a "member"? Regardless, Morrison was a lyrical genius and participated in the process of creating beautiful music for the masses.