Posted on 02/22/2022 9:04:38 AM PST by Carriage Hill
Gary Brooker, the lead singer of the rock band Procol Harum, whose 1967 hit A Whiter Shade of Pale mesmerised baby boomer fans with its psychedelic melancholy, has died at the age of 76. The pianist, composer and lyricist as well as frontman for the band had been treated for cancer. He died peacefully at home at the weekend. A statement on Procol Harum’s website described Brooker as “a brightly shining, irreplaceable light in the music industry”. It added: “Gary exhibited and developed a highly individual talent. His first single with Procol Harum, 1967’s A Whiter Shade of Pale, is widely regarded as defining the ‘summer of love’, yet it could scarcely have been more different from the characteristic records of that era ….
(Excerpt) Read more at theguardian.com ...
Yes, one of the greatest songs ever. RIP
That’s a bummer.
The 60’s rockers are in their late 70’s now by the most part. Tough lifestyles means the chances of living into your 80’s is tough. Which means the Grammies recognitions of those who passed on will become like a Hall of Fame List.
Oh no. This is sad.
What??
Saw him play WSoP in San Francisco
Oh, no. Great voice; great band.
When I was overseas I played “Whiter Shade of Pale” over and over and over again, until the tape became too stretched (cassette tape), and was unplayable. Later, I picked up the album, and wore that out. I also wore out “Conquistador.”
RIP Mr. Booker. You mellowed out this young man when he needed it most.
Oh, no. Great voice; great band.
When I was overseas I played “Whiter Shade of Pale” over and over and over again, until the tape became too stretched (cassette tape), and was unplayable. Later, I picked up the album, and wore that out. I also wore out “Conquistador.”
RIP Mr. Brooker. You mellowed out this young man when he needed it most.
My favorite was “Salty Dog.”
“A Salty Dog” was actually my favorite PH song. I think it was included on a Kasey Kasem “British Invasion” collection.
RIP, Gary Brooker....
Yep, it’s going to be a rough decade.
“One of my favorite bands and songs — “Whiter Shade of Pale”— from the 60s.”
Good tenor voice, a lot of musicians have found it hard to sing, I suffered through some that tried.
Tony Soprano sang a bit of Whiter Shade of pale in season one.
“Oh damn, we are all getting old fast.”
Please don’t remind me. At 72, with 7 co-morbidities, it’s coming faster that I’d like it to happen.
Thanks so much for posting that.
Beautiful version; thanks for posting it.
Wowzer, what a song to be born into the world with. Lucky girl.
A lot of people/friends/family/us we grew up with, are going to pass into a far better place than we’re all in now..
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