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Jim Morrison's Unreleased Poem to Appear on Charity Comp

Jim Morrison, the doorsMichael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

A previously unreleased Jim Morrison spoken-word recording will be part of 'Prayer Cycle 2: Path to Zero,' an upcoming genre-bending album that's due May 10 via Across the Universe Records. The LP -- produced by Jonathan Elias -- is a mix of devotional music, electronica, orchestral, spoken word, rock, vintage radio samples and more.

According to a press release, Morrison's rare poem was recorded by the Doors' late producer Paul Rothchild and describes the plight of the Native Americans "whose land was violated during the creation of the atomic bomb in Los Alamos, New Mexico."

Elias met Rothchild while scoring a film for which Rothchild was the musical supervisor. From there, a discussion began concerning Morrison's poetry, with Rothchild revealing he had a previously unreleased recording of Morrison's work. Bootleg or unauthorized versions have existed but this marks the first time the poem, referred to as 'Moonshine Night' after its opening line, has been officially released.

"I cleared the rights through his family, and their current manager," Elias said of the Morrison recording. "It means a great deal to me to be able to use his work, as a fan and someone who has a profound respect for his legacy."

The Morrison contribution is included in the track 'Fallout,' which also features Sinead O'Connor, Robert Downey Jr. and System of a Down's Serj Tankian.

The six-song benefit album features an eclectic array of artists with proceeds going towards Global Zero, an organization dedicated to nuclear disarmament. Additional artists include Sting, Korn's Jonathan Davis and Yes frontman Jon Anderson, as well as world music artists Angelique Kidjo and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

"'Path to Zero' is a classically influenced set of world prayers, inspired by the survival of hope in a world living under the shadow of nuclear threat," said Elias, who produced 1999's 'The Prayer Cycle' album featuring James Taylor, Alanis Morissette, Perry Farrell and Linda Ronstadt, among others.

Watch Jim Morrison and the Doors Perform 'The End' Live

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3WRONGS

THE MAN, THE POETRY, THE MUSIC. STTTTILL POSSESSES ME...
WATCH THE STREAMS OF JIM BECOME SOME THING WE MERE MORTALS CAN'T UNDERSTAND. HE SURELY IS CONSUMED BY SOMETHING MORE THAN PAYOTE. I BELIEVE HE AND THE DEAD INDIAN MET ON ANOTHER PLAIN. NO, I AM NOT SMOKIN' THE GAHNJA.

January 23 2011 at 4:13 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
3WRONGS

THERE'S AN INDIAN CHIEF SOMEWHERE 'THAR IN THEM LEATHER PANTS.... THE END.

January 23 2011 at 12:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to 3WRONGS's comment
wng2b

The Morrison contribution is included in the track 'Fallout,' which also features Sinead O'Connor, Robert Downey Jr. and System of a Down's Serj Tankian.Happy 2011 everyone....This has got to be a better year!..wow ,this is a great article !
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January 23 2011 at 1:06 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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January 23 2011 at 2:46 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply