Gary Brooker RIP

[Gil Bang 26229]

Procol Harum frontman Gary Brooker, who led the band throughout their 55-year history and co-wrote and sang their 1967 classic “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” died at his home from cancer on Saturday, Feb. 19. He was 76.

“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,” Procol Harum said in a group statement. “Nor was it characteristic of his own writing. Over thirteen albums Procol Harum never sought to replicate it, preferring to forge a restlessly progressive path, committed to looking forward, and making each record a ‘unique entertainment’.”

 

[Pato del Muerto 53449]

RIP

great version 

 

[jimmyjazz 47126]

Wow.  That was fantastic.

[jimmyjazz 47126]

Fell down a rabbit hole . . . here's a recent live version of "Whiter Shade of Pale", preceded by some great little snippets of Percy Sledge, Bob Marley, etc.

 

 

[Not that Bob 743]

A Salty Dog is one of my top 10, maybe top 5. 

[WhatTheBuck 28928]

10 hours ago, Gil Bang said:

1967’s ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale,’ is widely regarded as defining ‘The Summer of Love’,

News to me. 

[Scooter Monzingo 821]

7 hours ago, WhatTheBuck said:

News to me. 

Yeah, the Monterey pop festival in June of 67 would be far more accurate.