MYTHICAL PLACES

Morrison Hotel - 1246 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA

The Doors' fifth album, "Morrison Hotel", released February 9, 1970, is instantly recognizable by its cover art. This one, showing the entire band behind the window of a Hotel bearing by pure chance the same name as the famous singer.

...Here is the story behind this photograph:

While strolling through Los Angeles, Ray Manzarek and his companion Dorothy Fujikawa suddenly come across this small hotel located at 1246 S Hope St. The name of the latter makes it all its particularity, it is indeed called the Morrison Hotel! Without further ado, Ray manages to convince the group to use this place for the cover of their next album.

It was therefore on December 17, 1969, that the photographer Henry Diltz, driving a van transporting the group, parked not far from the place in question. They take a few photos outside the building, then enter the deserted lobby and ask the concierge for permission to take a few shots behind the window displaying the name "Morrison Hotel" in red paint. The man in question replies that he cannot grant this privilege without the opinion of the manager. As he disappears for a few minutes in the elevator, Diltz shouts to the Doors to get in place and activates his device.

The photographer will then take a few shots at the Hard Rock Café in Los Angeles, it is one of these images that will appear on the back of the album.

Nowadays, the hotel has closed its doors, giving way to a building covered with boards. However, the curious and fans of the group do not cease to be immortalized in front of its famous facade.