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In 1971, Jim Morrison, wild frontman of psychedelic blues-rock band The Doors, tragically died of heart failure.

The Los Angeles-formed band had taken the 1960s by storm as they pioneered a newer sound of psychedelic rock and built a massive fanbase around the world. After Morrison’s death, the future of the band was uncertain as everyone wondered if The Doors could really continue without their infamous leader.

The surviving members (guitarist Robby Krieger, drummer John Densmore, and Keyboardist Ray Manzarek) made the executive decision to keep The Doors alive. The new lineup, with Krieger and Manzarek taking over lead vocals, went on to release the albums Other Voices in October 1971 and Full Circle in July 1972 to carry on Morrison’s legacy.

However, without Morrison The Doors’ could never reach the same stardom they had achieved throughout the ’60s and the new records barley charted. Although they held auditions to find a replacement for Morrison, the band officially decided to break up for good on August 30th, 1973.

The Doors might not have produced any new music for 50 years now, but that hasn’t changed their influence and legacy. Today The Doors are one of the most listened-to classic rock bands of all time across all age groups. Their time may have been short, but it sure was impactful.