Complete List Of The Doors Band Members

Feature Photo: Joel Brodsky; Distributed by Elektra Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Doors began in Los Angeles, California, in 1965 when Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek, who had met at UCLA’s film school, decided to form a band. They were soon joined by guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore, completing the classic lineup. The band released their self-titled debut album in 1967, featuring the hit single “Light My Fire,” which propelled them to national fame. Over the next few years, The Doors released six studio albums with Morrison, all of which charted on the Billboard 200, including Strange Days (1967), Waiting for the Sun (1968), The Soft Parade (1969), Morrison Hotel (1970), and L.A. Woman (1971). Known for Morrison’s poetic lyrics and the band’s blend of rock, blues, and psychedelia, The Doors became one of the most successful American bands of the era.

Following Morrison’s death in 1971, the remaining members attempted to continue as a trio, releasing two more albums, Other Voices (1971) and Full Circle (1972), with Manzarek and Krieger taking over vocal duties. However, they disbanded in 1973, unable to sustain the same level of success. The Doors’ legacy continued to grow over the decades, with posthumous releases, live albums, and compilations keeping their music in circulation. The band’s influence was reinforced by the 1991 Oliver Stone-directed film The Doors, which introduced their music to a new generation.

The surviving members reunited in various forms throughout the years, including the short-lived “Doors of the 21st Century” in the early 2000s with Ian Astbury of The Cult on vocals. The Doors were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and have sold over 100 million records worldwide. Their impact remains significant, with their albums frequently ranking among the greatest in rock history. Below is a detailed breakdown of each member, their contributions to the band, and their work outside of The Doors.

Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison was the lead singer and primary lyricist of The Doors from the band’s inception in 1965 until his death in 1971. He was the driving creative force behind many of their most famous songs, including “Break On Through (To the Other Side),” “The End,” and “Riders on the Storm.” His poetic and often provocative lyrics, combined with his unpredictable stage presence, helped define The Doors’ image and sound. Morrison contributed to all six studio albums released during his lifetime: The Doors (1967), Strange Days (1967), Waiting for the Sun (1968), The Soft Parade (1969), Morrison Hotel (1970), and L.A. Woman (1971). His deep involvement in the songwriting process and vocal performances made him one of the most recognizable frontmen in rock history.

Outside of The Doors, Morrison explored poetry and filmmaking. He published two volumes of poetry, The Lords and the New Creatures (1970) and An American Prayer (1978, posthumously set to music by The Doors). He also directed experimental short films, including HWY: An American Pastoral (1969). His fascination with literature, particularly the works of Arthur Rimbaud and William Blake, influenced his lyrical style. Morrison’s sudden death in Paris in 1971 at the age of 27 left a lasting mystery and fueled his legend.

Even after his passing, his influence endured, with numerous books, films, and tribute albums celebrating his legacy. His recorded vocals were later used in An American Prayer (1978), which combined spoken word poetry with new instrumental backing from his former bandmates. Morrison remains a cultural icon, often cited as one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time.

Ray Manzarek

Ray Manzarek was The Doors’ keyboardist and one of its founding members, playing with the band from 1965 until its initial disbandment in 1973. He was instrumental in crafting the band’s signature sound, often using his Fender Rhodes keyboard bass to cover basslines in lieu of a bassist. His classically influenced playing style was particularly prominent in songs like “Light My Fire,” “Riders on the Storm,” and “L.A. Woman.” Manzarek contributed to all eight of The Doors’ studio albums, from The Doors (1967) to Full Circle (1972), taking on lead vocals on several tracks after Morrison’s passing.

Following The Doors’ breakup, Manzarek pursued a solo career, releasing albums such as The Golden Scarab (1974) and The Whole Thing Started with Rock & Roll Now It’s Out of Control (1974). He also collaborated with numerous artists, including Iggy Pop, Philip Glass, and Echo & The Bunnymen. In the early 2000s, he co-founded The Doors of the 21st Century with Robby Krieger, later renamed Manzarek-Krieger, which performed Doors classics with various guest vocalists.

Manzarek also became an author, publishing his memoir Light My Fire: My Life with The Doors in 1998. He remained active in music and literature until his death in 2013. His influence on rock keyboard playing remains widely recognized, with his unique approach shaping countless bands in the genre.

Robby Krieger

Robby Krieger was the guitarist and songwriter for The Doors from their formation in 1965 until their initial disbandment in 1973. He contributed some of the band’s most well-known songs, including “Light My Fire,” “Love Me Two Times,” “Touch Me,” and “Love Her Madly.” His flamenco-inspired fingerpicking and blues-influenced electric guitar work were key elements in The Doors’ distinct sound. Krieger played on all eight studio albums, from The Doors (1967) to Full Circle (1972), and shared vocal duties on the band’s post-Morrison releases.

After The Doors, Krieger pursued a solo career, releasing jazz-influenced albums such as Robby Krieger & Friends (1977) and No Habla (1989). He also formed The Butts Band with John Densmore, which released two albums in the mid-1970s. Krieger remained active in music, working with artists like Blue Öyster Cult and participating in numerous Doors reunions.

In the 2000s, he performed extensively with Manzarek in the Manzarek-Krieger group, keeping The Doors’ music alive for new audiences. Krieger has continued to tour and record, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and accomplished guitarist.

John Densmore

John Densmore was The Doors’ drummer from 1965 to 1973, known for his jazz-inspired drumming style that brought a distinctive rhythmic approach to the band’s sound. His contributions were evident on all eight studio albums, including The Doors (1967), Morrison Hotel (1970), and L.A. Woman (1971). Densmore’s dynamic playing can be heard on tracks like “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” and “The End,” where his ability to shift between rock, jazz, and Latin rhythms added depth to The Doors’ compositions.

After The Doors disbanded, Densmore co-founded The Butts Band with Krieger, releasing two albums before moving on to other projects. He also wrote the best-selling memoir Riders on the Storm (1990), offering an insider’s perspective on the band’s rise and Morrison’s struggles. Unlike Krieger and Manzarek, Densmore declined to participate in later reunion tours, opting instead to protect the band’s legacy through legal action against commercial exploitation of their music.

Densmore has remained active in music and theater, composing and performing in various productions. His contributions to The Doors’ catalog and his commitment to artistic integrity have made him a respected figure in rock history.