“They’d be a much better group”: Why Linda Ronstadt thought The Doors would have been better without Jim Morrison
The 1960s and 1970s were tumultuous periods for any woman in the rock circles. And while Linda Ronstadt always had what it took to make it in such a brutal space, her experiences with varying degrees of industry toxicity proved that, despite the peace signs and flower power, the music industry was anything but a promised land for the spiritually free righteous ones.
From day one, Ronstadt approached artistic expression as if it were an extension of herself. Setting herself apart by bringing her heritage into the mix and understanding what it was like to be a true purveyor of knowledge and mentorship, Ronstadt was a unique addition whose attitude centred around absorption rather than competition.
As with most tales of woe, especially when it comes to women in rock and their experiences with the entitled, Ronstadt’s less joyful moments often fly under the radar, left to the curious few who go searching for her words of despair beneath the art. However, for those with a keener eye for artistic expression, Ronstadt has always addressed these qualms, most notably in 1977’s Simple Dreams.
Loosely described as Ronstadt’s album about resilience and hope, many of the tracks also include notes of redefining what she wanted from the music industry, and how breaking free from toxicity sometimes starts with outlining what you have to offer against the mould of what people expect. These observations also stemmed from Ronstadt’s innate know-how about those who had what it took to make it.
For instance, the story of how Ronstadt nurtured the future Eagles is well-known, but over the years, she has discussed her thoughts on other legendary figures and groups and whether they actually had something unique, authentic, or special. Regarding The Doors, she once discussed why she feels they would have surged ahead without their frantic lead singer, Jim Morrison.
There are many reasons for Ronstadt’s disdain towards Morrison, including one disturbing anecdote about the singer’s behaviour towards her while under the influence. However, her opinion on his artistry seemed to relate more to her dislike of his vocal ability, enhanced by her natural disapproval of who he seemed to present himself as a person.
“Jim was very soft spoken, quiet and very moody,” she told Record Collector in 2013. “When he was not drunk, he seemed nice enough, but as soon as he began to drink he got very wild quickly,” she continued, admitting that it surprised her because she wasn’t used to “that kind of heavy drinking” and, when Morrison did it, it changed him as a person. “I was very young and it frightened me,” she said.
Recalling her experiences watching The Doors perform, she said she “thought they were fabulous” but “didn’t much care for Morrison’s singing even before we toured with them.” She concluded: “The first time I saw them play live was at the Whiskey A Go Go, and they had just recorded ‘Light My Fire’ and it hadn’t become a big hit yet. I was very impressed with the group and said, ‘They’re gonna be a big hit band!’ But to be frank, I thought if they’d gotten a better singer they’d be a much better group!”
Naturally, this comment irked many Morrisons and Doors fans, but it’s understandable why Ronstadt wouldn’t want to endorse such a conflicting figure after being exposed to the broader problems within the rock ‘n’ roll scene. Whether she found him a bad singer or not, his potential as a good frontman was likely tainted by the strange behind-the-scenes endeavours, making someone who already didn’t fit her vision an even more troubling presence.
