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Quizzes > Music

The Doors quiz: Test your rock band knowledge

Quick, free Doors trivia to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Erick CruzUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art Doors quiz coral background rock band trivia hits Jim Morrison facts

This The Doors quiz helps you test your knowledge of the band's songs, albums, and Jim Morrison. Answer quick questions, see your score right away, and pick up a new fact or two. Want more music challenges? Try our Led Zeppelin quiz, explore a classic rock quiz, or take on some Queen trivia.

What year was The Doors formed?
1965
1964
1966
1967
The Doors officially formed in Los Angeles in July 1965 when Jim Morrison joined Ray Manzarek's band Rick & the Ravens. Their first lineup solidified around this time, launching one of the most influential rock bands. The year 1965 is widely recognized as their formation year. For more details, see .
Who was the lead singer of The Doors?
Robby Krieger
Jim Morrison
John Densmore
Ray Manzarek
Jim Morrison served as the charismatic frontman and vocalist for The Doors from their inception until his death in 1971. His distinctive baritone voice and poetic lyrics became the band's signature. Morrison also gained fame for his unpredictable stage presence. Read more on .
Which instrument did Ray Manzarek primarily play in The Doors?
Bass
Organ/Keyboard
Guitar
Drums
Ray Manzarek was renowned for his distinctive Vox Continental organ and keyboard work, which defined much of The Doors' sound. He often performed bass lines with his left hand on a Fender Rhodes Piano Bass. His style provided a unique texture in lieu of a traditional bassist. More information is available on .
What is the title of The Doors' debut album?
The Doors
L.A. Woman
Strange Days
Waiting for the Sun
The Doors released their self-titled debut album on January 4, 1967. It featured hits like "Break On Through" and "Light My Fire," establishing their reputation. The album cover with the band's name in bold red letters became iconic. See for details.
In which city did The Doors form?
New York
Chicago
San Francisco
Los Angeles
The Doors were formed in Los Angeles, California, in July 1965. The city's vibrant music scene and cultural milieu provided fertile ground for their blend of rock, blues, and psychedelia. Many of their early performances took place at the Whisky a Go Go on the Sunset Strip. Learn more on .
Who was the guitarist for The Doors?
Robby Krieger
John Densmore
Billy Duffy
Ray Manzarek
Robby Krieger served as the guitarist and a songwriter for The Doors. He contributed to many of their classic tracks, lending his blues-inflected style. Krieger wrote songs such as "Light My Fire" and "Love Me Two Times." More on .
What instrument did John Densmore play in The Doors?
Organ
Drums
Vocals
Bass
John Densmore was the drummer for The Doors, known for his jazz-influenced style and dynamic rhythms. His playing provided both subtle textures and driving beats underpinning the band's sound. Densmore's contributions helped shape many of their most memorable songs. See .
What was The Doors' first single?
Light My Fire
Break On Through (To the Other Side)
Hello, I Love You
People Are Strange
"Break On Through (To the Other Side)" was The Doors' debut single, released in January 1967. Although it initially charted modestly, it became one of their signature tracks. The song's energetic drive set the stage for their later success. Read about it on .
Which song by The Doors opens with a distinctive organ riff?
People Are Strange
Riders on the Storm
Hello, I Love You
Light My Fire
"Light My Fire" features one of the most recognizable organ introductions in rock history, played by Ray Manzarek. The riff drives into a flamenco-inspired guitar solo by Robby Krieger. This track became a number-one hit and defined their early sound. More details at .
Which album features the song "People Are Strange"?
L.A. Woman
Morrison Hotel
Strange Days
The Doors
"People Are Strange" appears on the album Strange Days, released in September 1967. The album continued the band's psychedelic exploration after their debut. Its cover art and thematic content reflected a darker, more surreal tone. See .
Who produced The Doors' debut album?
George Martin
Bruce Botnick
Paul A. Rothchild
Bill Szymczyk
Paul A. Rothchild produced The Doors' first five studio albums, including their self-titled debut. He helped shape their studio sound and polished their arrangements. Rothchild's work was instrumental in capturing the band's energy on record. More at .
Which Doors single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100?
Break On Through (To the Other Side)
Riders on the Storm
Light My Fire
People Are Strange
"Light My Fire" became The Doors' only number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the chart in September 1967. Its success was bolstered by an extended organ and guitar solo that appealed to radio and album listeners alike. The track solidified their place in rock history. Details at .
Which French symbolist poet influenced Jim Morrison's lyrics?
Federico García Lorca
T.S. Eliot
Charles Baudelaire
Arthur Rimbaud
Jim Morrison was heavily influenced by the work of French poet Arthur Rimbaud, particularly his exploration of the subconscious and vivid imagery. Morrison admired Rimbaud's concept of the poet as a seer and translator of visions. This influence can be seen in The Doors' more surreal and introspective songs. See .
Which Doors song was briefly banned by UK radio for drug references?
Light My Fire
Break On Through (To the Other Side)
Riders on the Storm
Love Me Two Times
The BBC banned "Light My Fire" in early 1967 because of the lyric "Girl, we couldn't get much higher," which was interpreted as a drug reference. Despite the ban, the song still became a major hit internationally. The censorship highlighted the era's cultural tensions around rock music. More at .
What was the name of The Doors' longtime manager?
Andy Warhol
Bill Siddons
Danny Sugerman
Peter Grant
Bill Siddons served as The Doors' manager from 1966 through the end of the Morrison era. He guided their career through peak success and managed tour logistics and publicity. Siddons remained a central figure in the band's history. More information at .
What is the title of Jim Morrison's posthumously published poetry book?
Wilderness: The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison
A Feast of Friends
The Lords and The New Creatures
Feast of Friends
"Wilderness: The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison" collects unpublished poetry and prose by Morrison, released after his death. The book offers insight into his creative process beyond The Doors' lyrics. It showcases his poetic voice in a more introspective format. Details at .
Which song on the debut album was a cover of a Willie Dixon blues tune?
Break On Through (To the Other Side)
Light My Fire
Soul Kitchen
Back Door Man
"Back Door Man" is a cover of a Willie Dixon composition, originally recorded by Howlin' Wolf. The Doors included it on their self-titled debut album. Their rendition retains the gritty blues vibe with Morrison's deep vocals. Read more on .
Which album did The Doors release as a trio after Jim Morrison's death?
Other Voices
An American Prayer
Full Circle
L.A. Woman
After Morrison's death in 1971, The Doors continued as a trio and released Other Voices in October of that year. The album featured Manzarek, Krieger, and Densmore sharing vocal duties. It marked a departure from their earlier style but closed the chapter on the post-Morrison era. See .
Which song contains the lyric "Break on through to the other side"?
The End
Touch Me
Break On Through (To the Other Side)
People Are Strange
The lyric "Break on through to the other side" is the opening line of the song "Break On Through (To the Other Side)," The Doors' debut single. It captures the band's invitation to transcend conventional reality. The line has become emblematic of their psychedelic ethos. More at .
At which 1967 music festival did The Doors perform and gain national attention?
Monterey Pop Festival
Isle of Wight
Woodstock
Altamont Free Concert
The Doors performed at the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967, which helped introduce them to a wider national audience. Their dynamic set, including a fiery rendition of "Light My Fire," solidified their reputation. Monterey is remembered as a key moment in '60s rock history. Details on .
In what year did Jim Morrison die?
1972
1970
1969
1971
Jim Morrison died in Paris on July 3, 1971, at the age of 27. His death remains enigmatic due to the lack of an autopsy in accordance with French law. Morrison's passing solidified his place among the infamous "27 Club." More on .
What was the official cause of Jim Morrison's death according to French authorities?
Drug-related asphyxiation
Pneumonia
Heart failure
Drug overdose
The official cause of Jim Morrison's death was listed as heart failure by the Paris coroner's office. No autopsy was performed, leaving many questions unanswered. Conspiracy theories have persisted, but the French report remains the legal record. See .
What is the title of the last studio album The Doors released before Jim Morrison's death?
L.A. Woman
Strange Days
Morrison Hotel
Full Circle
L.A. Woman was released in April 1971 and was the final album to feature Jim Morrison before his death. It includes classics like "Riders on the Storm" and the title track. The album's raw, bluesy feel marked a return to the band's roots. More at .
Which film, directed by Jim Morrison himself, features his poetic recitations and desert imagery?
HWY: An American Pastoral
Apocalypse Now
Feast of Friends
The Ghost Song
HWY: An American Pastoral is a short experimental film directed by Jim Morrison in 1969. It includes Morrison's poetry against stark desert landscapes. The project remained largely unreleased until decades later. More info at .
Which song co-written by John Densmore appears on the album The Soft Parade?
Touch Me
Wild Child
Tell All the People
Runnin' Blue
"Tell All the People" is credited to Jim Morrison, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore and appears on The Soft Parade. The song features brass arrangements and reflects the band's experimental direction. Densmore's input helped shape the track's rhythm. See .
What is the name of the live album recorded during The Doors' 1970 performance at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago?
Bright Midnight
Absolutely Live
Alive, She Cried
Live at the Hollywood Bowl
Absolutely Live was released in July 1970 and features recordings from multiple concerts, including the April 1970 Auditorium Theatre in Chicago. It captures the band's live energy and improvisational flair. The album showcases extended versions of classics. More on .
Which Los Angeles studio was used to record The Doors' album Strange Days?
Elektra Sound Recorders
Abbey Road
Olympic Studios
Sunset Sound
Strange Days was recorded at Elektra Sound Recorders in Los Angeles in 1967. The studio was outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment that accommodated the band's experimental arrangements. The album's moody textures benefited from the facility's capabilities. See .
The cover photo of L.A. Woman features the band standing before what?
Sunset Boulevard sign
Hollywood Walk of Fame
A blue building on South Lorraine Street
The Chateau Marmont
The iconic cover of L.A. Woman shows The Doors standing in front of a blue building at 853 South Lorraine Street in West Hollywood. That location was near their rehearsal space. The photograph captures the band's gritty, urban aesthetic. More details at .
Which Doors song opens Oliver Stone's 1991 film The Doors with its haunting instrumental intro?
The End
Riders on the Storm
Break On Through (To the Other Side)
Light My Fire
Oliver Stone's biopic opens with the instrumental introduction to "The End," setting a dark and introspective tone. The song's long, brooding sections underscore the film's exploration of Morrison's psyche. "The End" is one of The Doors' most epic tracks. See .
Who handled the saxophone solo on The Doors' song "Touch Me"?
Curtis Amy
John Sebastian
Bobby Keys
Fred Wesley
The saxophone solo on "Touch Me" was performed by jazz musician Curtis Amy. His contribution added a dynamic orchestral texture to the track. The song's arrangement also included brass sections arranged by Paul Harris. More info at .
Which line is NOT in the lyrics of The Doors' song "The End"?
The killer awoke before dawn
Lost in a Roman wilderness of pain
Riders on the storm
This is the end
"Riders on the storm" is not part of the lyrics of "The End"; it is the title of a different Doors song. The End features lines like "This is the end" and "The killer awoke before dawn." It is an epic closing track from the debut album. For full lyrics, see .
Which composer arranged the orchestral parts on The Doors' song "Touch Me"?
David Campbell
George Martin
Andrew Powell
Paul Harris
Paul Harris was responsible for arranging the brass and orchestral sections on "Touch Me." His work added a pop-soul dimension to The Doors' sound. The lush arrangement stands in contrast to the band's earlier, more stripped-back recordings. More at .
Which bassist was brought in as a session musician for the recording of L.A. Woman because the band wanted more depth on bass?
Carol Kaye
Jerry Scheff
Kinny Weinstein
Larry Knechtel
Jerry Scheff, known for his work with Elvis Presley, was hired to play additional bass on L.A. Woman. The Doors felt his experience would add fullness to the record's low end. Scheff's contributions can be heard on tracks like "Riders on the Storm." See .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Doors Hits -

    You'll be able to name key songs from The Doors, match them to their albums, and remember their release years.

  2. Identify Jim Morrison Trivia -

    You'll recognize facts about Jim Morrison's life, stage presence, and lyrical themes.

  3. Differentiate Studio Tracks and Live Performances -

    You'll distinguish between The Doors' studio recordings and notable live show moments, including early L.A. club appearances.

  4. Analyze The Doors' Influence on Rock -

    You'll understand how The Doors shaped rock music and influenced subsequent artists with their sound and style.

  5. Assess Your Doors Trivia Skills -

    You'll evaluate your own rock band knowledge by answering trivia questions spanning hits, album tracks, and band history.

  6. Benchmark Your Quiz Performance -

    You'll compare your quiz results against fan benchmarks and identify areas for deeper Doors trivia exploration.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Formation & Lineup (1965) -

    The Doors formed in Los Angeles in 1965 with Jim Morrison (vocals), Ray Manzarek (keyboards), Robby Krieger (guitar) and John Densmore (drums). To recall the order of surnames alphabetically - Densmore, Krieger, Manzarek, Morrison - use the mnemonic "Daring Kings Make Music" (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame).

  2. Debut Album & Signature Track -

    The Doors' self-titled 1967 debut album features "Light My Fire," which climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (Billboard archives). Remember the iconic organ riff that shifts from A minor to Bm - a staple exam question on any doors quiz.

  3. Jim Morrison's Poetic Roots -

    Morrison studied film and theater at UCLA, drawing lyrical inspiration from French symbolists like Rimbaud and Baudelaire (UCLA Ethnomusicology). For your jim morrison quiz, link his alter-ego "Lizard King" to his 1969 poem "Celebration of the Lizard."

  4. Iconic Live Performance: Hollywood Bowl '68 -

    The Doors' 1968 Hollywood Bowl show, later on Smithsonian Folkways, showcases an 11-minute jam of "When the Music's Over." In a doors trivia quiz, associate this extended performance with the band's psychedelic improvisation style.

  5. Chart Success & Lasting Legacy -

    The Doors scored four Top 10 hits and sold over 100 million records worldwide (RIAA). In any rock band quiz, remember "Hello, I Love You" reached No. 1 in 1968 - think H-I-L-Y to lock in both the song and the year.

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