The Doors "Break on Through"
at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

"He's Young, He's Sexy, He's Hot, and He's Dead." So ran the headline in Rolling Stone's July 26, 1971 issue after the untimely death of The Doors lead singer, Jim Morrison in Paris (officially of a heart attack). But Jim Morrison was much more than another rock star who died young, as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's new exhibit "Break on Through" helps to illustrate.

The Doors exhibit, which runs through October 7, 2007, honors the 40th anniversary of the formation of The Doors. Founded in LA in 1965 by UCLA film school classmates, Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek, with drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger, The Doors provided the soundtrack for a generation, with songs such as "Light My Fire," "Riders on the Storm," and "L.A. Woman." The group has sold over 50 million albums worldwide.

Opening Act
You enter The Doors exhibit, which is housed at the very top floor of the museum, by passing through an exhibit about the 1970s British punk band, The Clash. Like a sort of opening act, this two-room exhibit includes dozens of artifacts, on loan from the band members, such as Joe Strummer's Fender Telecaster, stage costumes, and never-before-seen original manuscripts.

The Timeless Music of the Doors
From the Clash exhibit, you mount a spiral staircase lined with psychedelic-style concert posters to the Doors exhibit. There you are greeted by larger than life 1960s-circa portraits of the band members, hanging from the ceiling, and that timeless Doors music. Artifacts in the exhibit include many items donated by the Morrison estate as well as items from John Densmore's and Ray Manzarek's private collections.

Included are Jim Morrison's Cub Scout uniform, an early family portrait, and his first poem. There are hand-written lyrics, guitars and costumes used by the band, and album covers of The Door's recordings. There is also a more somber corner that includes Morrison's French death certificate, a letter from the US Embassy in Paris informing Morrison's father of his son's death, and Morrison's last will and testament.

While at the Rock Hall
My recommendation would be to go to the Doors exhibit first before touring the rest of the Rock Hall. The space is best experienced alone or with just a few other visitors. After touring the exhibit, check out the ever-changing exhibits in the permanent galleries. New since the last time I visited is a pictorial history of the life of Ahmet Ertegun, the Atlantic Records founder who helped launch the careers of dozens of music stars, from Eric Clapton to Ray Charles. Photos span from a 1948 dinner photo with Charlie Parker to a 1950s group photo with Cleveland Rock and Roll DJ, Alan Freed to a 2006 portrait with Kid Rock – all examples of a long life, well-lived.

While at the Rock Hall, don't miss the 9-foot Guitars of GuitarMania 2007. Several of the replica Fender Stratocaster guitars are located in front of the museum; others are located throughout downtown, with a large number of them along E 9th St. and Lakeside Ave. All will return to the museum between Labor Day and October 20, when they will be auctioned for charity.

Planning your Visit
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is open 10am to 530pm daily and until 9pm on Wednesdays. Admission is $20 for adults, $14 for seniors, $12 for children 9-11, and free for museum members and children under 11. Parking ranges from free at the meters along E 9th St. opposite the museum (if you are very early and/or very lucky) to $8 at the E. 9th St. pier lot or the Great Lakes Science Center lot. You can also park on the other side of the Shoreway in the municipal lot for around $5.

For information on other Cleveland attractions, events, and places to stay, refer to the Cleveland Visitors Guide.

Learn More about The Doors
For more about The Doors, see:

• Doors Photo Gallery
• Doors Trivia Quiz
• Doors Biography
• What's your favorite Doors Album?

^{(photo of The Doors courtesy of Elecktra Records)}