Rolling Stone Magazine – Issue No. 88 (August 5, 1971)

Jim Morrison 1943–1971

Death of a Poet • Doors Legacy • Iconic Black & White Memorial Cover

This is it—the powerful and somber Jim Morrison tribute issue, published just weeks after his death in Paris. Rolling Stone Issue No. 88 is both a eulogy and a snapshot of a cultural moment the world would never forget.

The front cover is striking: a full-frame, black-and-white photo of Morrison in his final form—bearded, weathered, introspective—set against the bold memorial dates “1943–1971.”
It’s one of the most collected and emotionally resonant covers in Rolling Stone history.

📝 Featured Inside This Historic Issue:

• “James Douglas Morrison, Poet: Dead at 27” – A full obituary and analysis written by Ben Fong-Torres, exploring Morrison’s life, artistry, and death in Paris under mysterious circumstances.

• Commentary on The Doors’ reaction, private funeral, and public silence.

• A tribute to Louis Armstrong—another titan of music—featured on the inside front with the line: “The King of Parades and the most influential trumpet player ever.”

• Subscription ad for The Allman Brothers Band at Fillmore East on the back cover—another nod to a rapidly shifting era in rock history.

📦 Condition Report: Very Good to Excellent

Your copy is in strong collector-grade shape, especially considering the emotional weight and fragility of early '70s newsprint editions.

• ✅ Front Cover: Sharp black-and-white photo clarity. Minimal edge wear. Slight curling at the bottom edge but no rips or major creases.

• ✅ Interior Pages: Clean and complete. Mild natural toning, consistent with age. No stains, writing, or water damage.

• ✅ Spine: Folded tightly and fully intact—no splitting or significant stress marks.

• ✅ Back Cover Ad: The Allman Brothers bonus LP promo is clean, crisp, and unmarked—a collectible piece in its own right.