Grace Slick On Jim Morrison & His Grave In Paris: A Look Back
What lies beneath the legend of Jim Morrison, the enigmatic Lizard King? The Doors frontman's life and death continue to captivate, and his final resting place in Paris has become a pilgrimage site for generations of fans.
In an interview from December 12, 2015, Grace Slick, the former lead singer of Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship, shared her recollections of the tumultuous 1960s rock scene, providing a unique perspective on the tragic losses of Janis Joplin and, of course, Jim Morrison. While both artists met untimely ends, Slicks experiences with Morrison were markedly different. She recounts encounters with him, including a memorable romp in his bedroom at the Belgravia Hotel during the legendary Doors/Airplane European tour of 1968, where strawberries and hotel fruit became part of the playful chaos.
The enduring fascination with Morrison also extends to his final resting place. While much of his life was rooted in the United States, particularly Florida and Los Angeles, his grave resides in the hallowed grounds of Pre Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France. For many who make the pilgrimage to pay their respects, the initial experience can be striking. Pre Lachaise is a city of the dead, sprawling and unlike any other graveyard. It is the most visited cemetery in the world, and a major tourist attraction. It covers 110 acres (44.5 hectares), amid more than 5,000 trees, it is both the largest park and the largest cemetery in Paris. Within its boundaries, alongside the remains of iconic figures like French writers, leaders, philosophers, artists, and war heroes, lies the final resting place of rock legend Jim Morrison.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Douglas Morrison |
| Born | December 8, 1943, Melbourne, Florida, USA |
| Died | July 3, 1971 (aged 27), Paris, France |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Poet |
| Known For | Lead singer of The Doors, iconic stage presence, poetic lyrics |
| Associated Acts | The Doors |
| Key Albums | The Doors (1967), Strange Days (1967), Waiting for the Sun (1968), The Soft Parade (1969), Morrison Hotel (1970), L.A. Woman (1971) |
| Notable Songs | "Light My Fire", "Break On Through (To the Other Side)", "Hello, I Love You", "Riders on the Storm" |
| Burial Site | Pre Lachaise Cemetery, Paris, France |
| Cause of Death | Suspected heart failure due to heroin overdose. The absence of an autopsy has led to ongoing speculation. |
| Legacy | Morrison's persona as a poet, singer, and performer made him a rock icon. His music and lyrics continue to inspire, and his grave in Paris remains a key site of pilgrimage for rock and roll fans. |
| Reference | Biography.com |
One of the most consistently asked questions about the life of Jim Morrison remains: Where is he buried? Despite claims that he should be buried in his hometown of Melbourne in the United States, Pre Lachaise Cemetery has never received any proposals to relocate his grave. The last stone placed on the grave was organized by Morrisons father in 1990 and features a Greek inscription. This inscription is subject to interpretation, but the accepted translation reads, True to his own spirit. The simpler inscription on the headstone reads: "Jim Morrisons grave is in division 6, rue du repos."
Jim Morrison, the legendary frontman of The Doors, was laid to rest in Pre Lachaise following his death in 1971 at the young age of 27. The details surrounding his passing are still debated, with a suspected drug overdose as the leading cause. The absence of an official autopsy, as permitted by French law at the time, fuels ongoing speculation regarding the exact circumstances. His grave itself is relatively modest in size compared to others in the cemetery, marked by a simple headstone that bears the Greek inscription , translating to True to his own spirit.
Morrison was a unique figure in the annals of rock and roll. As an American singer, songwriter, and poet, he was the charismatic frontman of The Doors, a psychedelic rock group famed for iconic songs like "Light My Fire" and "Hello, I Love You." His untimely death at 27 cemented his place as one of rock music's most enduring mythic figures. Oliver Stone's 1991 film about Morrison drew a new generation of admirers and visitors to his unassuming grave.
Indeed, tourists flock to Pre Lachaise, with many seeking a singular experience: a visit to the grave of Jim Morrison. The cemetery itself offers a certain atmosphere, with winged skulls and a haunting ambiance that mirrors the spirit of the Lizard King. The popularity of Morrison's tomb in Paris is undeniable, attracting fans and curiosity seekers alike.
On the morning of July 3, 1971, Pamela Courson, Morrisons partner, discovered him in the bathtub, leading to the initial determination of a heart attack, likely triggered by a heroin overdose. French law did not require an autopsy, which further fueled speculation about the precise cause of his demise. His death, shrouded in ambiguity, only enhanced the mystique surrounding him.
The cemetery is filled with history. Morrisons tomb is not the grandest, but it is among the most frequented. After his death in 1971, he was first buried in an unmarked grave. After the cemetery placed a simple marker, it was stolen. Years later, a bust was added, which was also defaced and stolen.
Jerry Hopkins' book "Lizard King: The Essential Jim Morrison," delves into Morrison's life, music, and lasting legacy, offering a compelling look into his complex personality and iconic status in rock history. Like Morrison, many of the individuals interred at Pre Lachaise, a place where artists of all stripes find their final repose, are mainly from the world of arts, music, literature, and poetry.
The enduring appeal of Jim Morrison remains strong. The Lizard King is not just a musician; he's a symbol of rebellion, creativity, and the tragic beauty of living life on the edge. His grave in Paris is not just a final resting place; its a living testament to his enduring spirit and a tangible link to a music legend.
