{"id":363,"date":"2026-02-07T13:28:46","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T18:28:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.songfacts.com\/articles\/?p=363"},"modified":"2026-02-07T13:28:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T18:28:47","slug":"how-the-doors-played-god-on-one-of-their-best-known-tracks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.songfacts.com\/articles\/how-the-doors-played-god-on-one-of-their-best-known-tracks\/","title":{"rendered":"How The Doors Played God on One of Their Best-Known Tracks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On April 19, 1971, The Doors released their sixth studio album L.A. Woman<\/em>. “Riders On The Storm” was the second single from the album and the last song recorded by the late-great singer Jim Morrison. In February 2025, the remaining Doors members, Robby Krieger and John Dunsmore, sat down with Rick Beato for an interview<\/a>. The two talked through the creation of the track and also played along to a few sections. It’s amazing to see these two rock ‘n’ roll legends reminisce after all these years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Origin of “Riders On The Storm”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Doors<\/a> drummer John Dunsmore explained that instead of a more standard drum beat, he decided to play eighth notes on the kick drum, ride cymbal, and snare drum simultaneously. The bass part was created by keyboard player Ray Manzarek, playing the part with the left hand. Jerry Scheff, who was playing bass for Elvis Presley at the time, stepped into the studio to play bass on L.A. Woman<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the interview, guitarist Robby Krieger credits his use of jazz chords to Manzarek’s Chicago origins. Ray Manzarek grew up around Chicago blues and jazz, bringing these influences to The Doors overall sound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Playing God<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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