The Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, that became one of the most influential and controversial acts of the 1960s. The group consisted of vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. With their unique sound characterized by a blend of rock, blues, and psychedelic influences, they captured the essence of the counterculture movement of the era. The band's name was inspired by Aldous Huxley's book, The Doors of Perception, which itself referenced a quote from poet William Blake.

The Doors burst onto the music scene after signing with Elektra Records in 1966. Their self-titled debut album, The Doors, released in January 1967, included the iconic single "Light My Fire," which quickly became a number one hit and solidified their place in rock history. With Morrison's enigmatic stage presence and provocative lyrics, the band garnered both acclaim and controversy, prompting them to be dubbed the "Kings of Acid Rock" by Life magazine. Over the next five years, they released six studio albums, including the critically acclaimed Strange Days (1967) and L.A. Woman (1971), both of which are considered among the greatest albums of all time.

The Doors achieved remarkable commercial success, selling over 36 million albums in the United States and more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands in history. They were the first American band to achieve eight consecutive RIAA-certified Gold and Platinum LPs. Their music, imbued with themes of existentialism and rebellion, resonated with a generation, and they remain a significant cultural reference point for the 1960s and beyond. Notably, they were ranked 41st on Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time."

Tragedy struck in July 1971 when Jim Morrison died under unclear circumstances in Paris, France. Following his death, the remaining members of the band continued to perform and record as a trio, releasing two more albums before disbanding in 1973. In 1978, they reunited for the album An American Prayer, which featured Morrison's spoken-word poetry recorded years earlier set to new music. The band made a brief return in 1993 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In the years following their disbandment, there were various attempts to carry on The Doors' legacy. In 2002, Manzarek and Krieger, along with vocalist Ian Astbury of The Cult, began performing as "The Doors of the 21st Century." However, this led to a legal dispute with Densmore and Morrison's estate over the use of the band's name. After a brief period as Riders on the Storm, they settled on the name Manzarek–Krieger and toured until Manzarek's death in 2013. The Doors' music and influence endure, celebrated by fans and musicians alike, ensuring their place in the pantheon of rock legends.