Which band was the first to achieve eight consecutive gold albums?
The Doors faced a setback in 1966 when Columbia Records unexpectedly dropped them from a preliminary contract. Forced to adapt quickly, the band took on a mundane gig providing music for a Ford Motor Company training film at Parthenon Pictures. Despite the uninspiring nature of the job, The Doors managed to earn $200 through a day of instrumental jamming. Fortunately, Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore soon found a new home at Elektra Records and released a self-titled debut album.
Their debut album caught the attention of music enthusiasts, climbing to number two on the Billboard 200 chart, just behind a popular Liverpool band. The band’s sophomore album, “Strange Days,” released eight months later, also achieved significant success, reaching the third spot on the US charts during a 63-week chart run. Lead vocalist Jim Morrison praised the album for its cohesive storytelling elements, describing it as a holistic effort.
As they continued to produce music, The Doors’ subsequent albums, such as 1968’s “Waiting for the Sun,” 1969’s “The Soft Parade,” 1970’s “Morrison Hotel,” and the live album “Absolutely Live,” all achieved gold status. When “Morrison Hotel” received its gold certification, The Doors made history as the first American hard rock band to produce five consecutive RIAA-certified gold albums.
Despite this achievement, The Doors pressed on, channeling their ambition into their next album, “LA Woman,” which also attained gold status. Tragically, shortly before the album’s certification, frontman Jim Morrison passed away in July 1971. Nevertheless, the band released their first post-Morrison project, titled “Other Voices,” with keyboardist Manzarek and guitarist Krieger sharing lead vocal duties.
In addition to their albums, The Doors also garnered recognition for their singles, with 12 of their tracks achieving multi-platinum, platinum, and gold status. The band’s journey from a humble background of playing background music for a Ford training film to achieving mainstream success with numerous gold albums and hit singles showcases their remarkable talent and enduring musical legacy. The Doors truly revolutionized the rock music scene of the 1960s with their eclectic blend of jazz, blues, classical, pop, and R&B influences, solidifying their place as one of America’s most iconic rock bands.