The Location of the Iconic Morrison Hotel Photo by The Doors
The Morrison Hotel album cover by The Doors is a legendary image that has become deeply ingrained in rock music history. The photograph, taken by Henry Diltz, captures the band members standing in front of a building with the sign “Morrison Hotel” prominently displayed. In this article, we will delve into the location where this iconic photo was taken and provide intriguing details about it.
The Morrison Hotel
A Low-Rent Hotel for Transients
The building showcased on the album cover was a low-rent hotel for transients known as “The Morrison Hotel.” It was situated at 1246 South Hope Street in Los Angeles and served as the backdrop for the photo session that occurred on December 17th, 1969. At the time of the shoot, the building had already been closed for several years.
A Denied Entry
The Doors, consisting of Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robbie Krieger, and John Densmore, had originally intended to access the hotel for the photo session. However, they were denied permission by the desk clerk. Undeterred, the band swiftly improvised and decided to capture the photo outside the building while the clerk was momentarily absent from the desk.
The Hard Rock Café
An Additional Location
In addition to the front cover featuring The Morrison Hotel, the rear cover of the album showcases another significant location. It displays a photograph of the Hard Rock Café, which was located at 300 East 5th Street in Los Angeles. After concluding the photo shoot at The Morrison Hotel, the band members explored the vicinity and fortuitously stumbled upon this establishment. The serendipitous connection between the bar’s name and the album would later inspire the creation of the renowned international restaurant chain, The Hard Rock Cafe.
Present State
It is noteworthy that the building that once housed the Hard Rock Café is presently vacant and has been repurposed as a convenience store. Throughout the years, it has undergone various transformations, but its significance as a part of The Doors’ history remains intact.
Restoration Plans
In 2018, an ambitious development plan was unveiled with the aim of restoring the building where The Morrison Hotel photo was taken. This initiative seeks to preserve the historical and cultural significance associated with this iconic music landmark, ensuring that it continues to captivate fans and serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of The Doors.
Conclusion
The Morrison Hotel album cover captures a significant moment in rock music history. The photo, skillfully taken by Henry Diltz, immortalizes the band members of The Doors standing in front of a building that once housed the low-rent hotel known as The Morrison Hotel. The rear cover of the album features the Hard Rock Café, which holds its own significance in the band’s story. The locations depicted on the album cover continue to fascinate fans and stand as enduring symbols of The Doors’ legacy.
FAQs
Where was the Morrison Hotel photo taken?
The Morrison Hotel photo was taken in front of a building located at 1246 South Hope Street in Los Angeles, which was a low-rent hotel for transients known as “The Morrison Hotel.”
Who took the Morrison Hotel photo?
The Morrison Hotel photo was taken by Henry Diltz, a renowned photographer known for capturing iconic images of musicians and bands during the 1960s and 1970s.
Were The Doors given permission to photograph at the Morrison Hotel?
No, The Doors were not given permission to enter the Morrison Hotel for the photo session. However, they quickly improvised and decided to take the photo outside the building while the desk clerk was away.
What is depicted on the rear cover of the Morrison Hotel album?
The rear cover of the Morrison Hotel album features a photograph of the Hard Rock Café, which was located at 300 East 5th Street in Los Angeles. This location holds its own significance in The Doors’ history.
What is the present condition of the building where the Hard Rock Café was located?
The building that housed the Hard Rock Café is currently vacant and has been repurposed as a convenience store. It has undergone changes over the years but remains an important part of The Doors’ legacy.
Is there any plan to restore the building where the Morrison Hotel photo was taken?
Yes, in 2018, a development plan was announced to restore the building where the Morrison Hotel photo was taken. The aim of this initiative is to preserve the historical and cultural significance associated with this iconic music landmark.
When was the Morrison Hotel photo taken?
The Morrison Hotel photo was taken on December 17th, 1969.
Who are the band members depicted in the Morrison Hotel photo?
The band members depicted in the Morrison Hotel photo, from left to right, are Ray Manzarek (piano, organ), Robbie Krieger (guitar), Jim Morrison (vocals), and John Densmore (drums).