Morrison Hotel Seattle: A Legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll Connection
The Morrison Hotel Seattle, despite its iconic name, isn’t actually a hotel. Instead, it was a dilapidated building located in Seattle’s Skid Row, immortalized as the backdrop for the cover photo of The Doors’ 1970 album, Morrison Hotel. While the physical building is gone, its legacy continues to resonate within rock ‘n’ roll history.
The Story Behind the Photograph
Photographer Henry Diltz, tasked with capturing The Doors for their album cover, initially struggled to find a suitable location. Spotting the unassuming “Morrison Hotel” building on a break, Diltz noticed it was temporarily empty. He quickly seized the opportunity, positioning the band in the windows and capturing the now-famous image. The raw, almost forgotten quality of the building perfectly complemented the band’s gritty and blues-infused sound.
Location and Demise of the Original Building
The Morrison Hotel photographed by Diltz was located in Seattle’s Skid Row, an area known for its transient population and rundown buildings. Sadly, the building no longer exists. Like many structures in that area, it likely succumbed to demolition or redevelopment. Information about Seattle’s Skid Row can be found on Wikipedia’s page on Seattle’s Skid Row. The specific address of the Morrison Hotel is often debated, with conflicting accounts circulating.
Impact and Legacy
Despite its short-lived physical presence, the Morrison Hotel building holds a significant place in rock history. The album cover featuring the building has become instantly recognizable. The name “Morrison Hotel” evokes imagery of a bygone era, a time of rebellious music and counter-culture movements. It is an example of how an image can elevate something mundane into a lasting symbol.
The “Morrison Hotel” Album
The Doors’ album, Morrison Hotel, is a powerful collection of songs that features some of the band’s most memorable work. Tracks like “Roadhouse Blues” and “Peace Frog” showcase the band’s blues and rock influences. The album’s cover art, featuring the Seattle building, perfectly encapsulates the music’s raw energy and themes of urban decay.
FAQs
Why is the “Morrison Hotel” album cover so famous?
The cover captures a sense of gritty realism and perfectly complements the album’s music. It’s become a visual representation of The Doors’ rebellious spirit and the raw energy of their music.
Where was the original Morrison Hotel building located?
The building was located in Seattle’s Skid Row. The precise location is disputed, but it was in a rundown area of the city.
Does the Morrison Hotel building still exist today?
No, the building featured on the album cover has been demolished.
Who took the picture for the “Morrison Hotel” album cover?
The photograph was taken by Henry Diltz, a renowned photographer known for his iconic images of musicians.
Was the building actually a functioning hotel?
According to some accounts, it was indeed a hotel. However, when Henry Diltz found it, it appeared vacant.
Summary
While the physical Morrison Hotel in Seattle is gone, the building remains immortalized on the cover of The Doors’ iconic album. The photograph has ensured the building will forever be connected to rock ‘n’ roll history, serving as a lasting visual symbol of the band’s music and the era in which they thrived.
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