Alan Graham Courtesy Alan Graham
Alan Graham has been associated with the Morrison clan for over forty four years,being married to Jim's sister Anne for twenty three of those years. Alan's insights and stories about Jim, Anne, Andy, Clara and The Admiral are precious gems, untold stories of a Jim Morrison that have lurked beyond the surface all these years.
After reading Alan's book I remember Jim Morrison the reader will be left with a new feeling for Jim, a glimpse into his life before and outside of The Doors. And while there remains a look at some typical and previously untold Jimbo type stories there is a clear undercurrent of a different Jim, the brother, the brother in law, the uncle and the son. It's this version of Jim that sets this book apart from all the others.
The book takes a casual approach, not following a set linear form, almost like a story being told among friends over a few beers before after and during a lunch and dinner. It's told in the unmistakable style that is Alan Graham, unpretentious, no holds barred and straight from the hip, straight from the heart. These untold observations, anecdotes and family history of the life of the family Morrison gives the reader great insight into the inner feelings and emotions of those that knew Jim first, knew Jim best. Stories related to Alan by family regarding the origins of some lyrics and poetry make for a great look into how Jim adapted the real world into his work. The reader will find the parts relating to how Jim's mother and father and siblings dealt with Jim's early life, success and death especially poignant. The inclusion of more than three dozen family photos makes for a fabulous conclusion to this compelling tale.
Graham is Graham. He remains outspoken and opinionated and unapologetic for his opinions and observations and outlook. Yet his respect and love of the family is quite evident from start to finish in his writing. While every facet of everything related may not be entirely flattering to every person mentioned, it remains as accurate of a memoir as the years and the times permit. I found it to be an easy read and a real page turner, well worth the price of admission.
Jim Cherry’s Review Return To Main Page
Comments
I have been a close friend and business associate of Al Graham for this last decade, and so Ive heard many tales of his experiences over the decades with Morrison and other celebrities. I know that this book has been a very personal project for him these last few years, and I look forward to seeing him tell "the rest of the story" in future books, because his life story would literally take several of them to do it proper justice.
You hit it right on the head about it being "like a story being told among friends over a few beers", because that is exactly what it is like to listen to Al tell his life stories to you in person or over the phone, he is a master storyteller who can capture the truly personal element that others have missed in their books on the subject. My favorite segment of this book is the one about Morrison telling Al a story about meeting a man called Jesus, but I dont want to spoil that part for those who havent read it yet.
Saint Subversive,
Thanks for reading the articles. It's always cool to hear from people who are there and can add something to the story.
Thanks!
Jim
As a long time Doors and Jim Morrison enthusiast, I have read just about everything on the subject. Anytime there is a book out, I will usually buy it just to go with my 'collection'. Most are the same stories rehashed over and over. However, Alan Graham's book 'I Remember Jim Morrison' was different than most JM Biographies. I received the book and read it completely in 2 days. It was an awesome read and I thoroughly enjoyed Al's honesty and insight into Jim's life. That was so refreshing to hear real stories where they are not overly sensationalized. Just honest and how he remembered Jim as a great poet, singer and human being during good and bad times. So, thank you for sharing your memories, Al. Greatly appreciated and so eloquently written.
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