James Douglas "Jim" Morrison was an American singer, songwriter, and poet best remembered as the lead singer of the Doors. Because of his songwriting, wild personality, performances, and the dramatic circumstances surrounding his life and death, he is regarded by critics and fans as one of the most iconic and influential frontmen in rock music history. In the later part of the 20th century, he was one of the popular culture's most rebellious and oft-displayed icons, representing the generation gap and youth counterculture. He was also well known for improvising spoken word poetry passages while the band played live. Morrison was ranked number 47 on Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time," and number 22 on Classic Rock magazine's "50 Greatest Singers In Rock." Ray Manzarek said Morrison "embodied hippie counterculture rebellion." Morrison was sometimes referred to by other monikers, such as "Lizard King" and "King of Orgasmic Rock."