No one knows for sure where the 27-year-old Doors frontman Jim Morrison was or what he did the evening of July 2, 1971, but by the next morning, one thing was certain: He was dead.
The Mysterious Death of Jim Morrison
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Best of PS
Rock’s FBI Files: Jim Morrison
Over 50 years after the fact, Jim Morrison was posthumously pardoned by Florida’s Clemency Board. But the story actually started before the questionable incident for which he was convicted.
Remembering Les Paul
On what would be Les Paul’s birthday, Performing Songwriter celebrates him with some entertaining and inspiring stories he told us in 2005, including ones about Bing Crosby, Django Reinhardt and W.C. Fields.
George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” Copyright Case
On Jan. 10, 1971 Bright Tunes Music filed a copyright infringement case against George Harrison for the similarities of “My Sweet Lord” to Ronnie Mack’s “He’s So Fine.”
A Conversation With Carole King
A rare interview with Carole King on the role of a songwriter, writing for commerce versus art, and the story behind “Natural Woman.”
Songwriter Tributes to Bonnie Raitt
Tributes from songwriters who Bonnie Raitt championed: Chris Smither, Mike Reid, Allen Shamblin, Karla Bonoff, Richard Thompson and John Prine
Favorite Paul Simon Quotes
A few of Paul Simon’s most memorable quotes from the past few decades.
Behind Tom Petty’s Songs
The stories behind Tom Petty’s songs, including Free Fallin’, Wildflowers, Stop Dragging My Heart Around and Refugee.
Remembering Laura Nyro
A 1993 discussion on songwriting with Laura Nyro, who gave us such classics as “And When I Die,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Eli’s Coming” and more.
The Storytelling of Willie Nelson
It absorbs you for the first few minutes you see him. Framed by a thick shock of long red hair and a thatch of beard, Willie Nelson’s face is that of a lifelong storyteller.
Herb Alpert’s “Whipped Cream” Cover Girl
Forty-eight years ago this month Herb Alpert’s landmark ‘Whipped Cream & Other Delights’ was released with an iconic cover of a whipped cream-covered Dolores Erickson.
The Musical Force of Chaka Khan
For the past 40+ years Chaka Khan has crossed and blurred the borders between rhythm and blues, jazz, pop, fusion and funk with ease, refusing to be categorized.
