Why These Musicians Refused to Sell Their Songs to Advertisers

The Buick offer is one of rock’s great “almost” stories. The company wanted “Light My Fire,” the money was tempting, and some members of the band were reportedly open to the idea. Jim Morrison was not. His refusal helped create a rule inside the group that major business decisions needed unanimous approval, a rule that echoed long after he was gone. Decades later, drummer John Densmore leaned on that same principle when he blocked large offers involving Doors music, including reported car and technology campaigns.