Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek crossed paths on a hot July day in 1965 while both attended the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. Their meeting sparked a musical partnership that would change rock history forever.
Elektra Records president Jac Holzman spotted The Doors performing at the Whisky a Go Go venue on the 10th of August 1966. The label officially signed the band on August 18, marking the beginning of a successful partnership with producer Paul Rothchild.
Police arrested Jim Morrison during a concert at New Haven Arena in Connecticut on the 9th of December 1967 for inciting a riot, indecency, and public obscenity. The incident began when an officer found him backstage having a private conversation or kissing a female fan before he taunted officers surrounding the stage.
The most controversial performance occurred on the 1st of March 1969, at Dinner Key Auditorium in Miami Florida where Morrison exposed himself to prosecutors who charged him with indecent exposure. He received a six-month jail sentence with hard labor plus a five hundred dollar fine before dying before legal resolution could occur.
Recording began on L.A. Woman in Los Angeles during early 1971 despite Morrison's recent conviction and featured rhythm guitarist Marc Benno on several tracks alongside bassist Jerry Scheff from Elvis Presley's TCB Band. Bruce Botnick took over production duties along with the band members themselves after Paul Rothchild quit.