Procol Harum

Procol Harum were an English rock band formed in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, in 1967. They are best known for their 1967 debut single "A Whiter Shade of Pale," which became an international hit and has sold over 10 million copies. The band's music is characterized by its blend of psychedelic rock, proto-prog, and baroque and classical influences, with elements of blues, R&B, and soul. The original lineup included Gary Brooker (piano and vocals), Keith Reid (lyrics), Matthew Fisher (organ), Ray Royer (guitar), David Knights (bass), and Bobby Harrison (drums).

Formation and "A Whiter Shade of Pale"

The band's origins trace back to The Paramounts, an R&B group that included Gary Brooker and future Procol Harum members Robin Trower and B.J. Wilson. After The Paramounts disbanded in 1966, Brooker teamed up with lyricist Keith Reid. This partnership formed the core of Procol Harum. The band's name was suggested by their manager, Guy Stevens, and is said to be the name of a friend's cat.

In April 1967, the band recorded "A Whiter Shade of Pale" at Olympic Studios in London. With its melody influenced by J.S. Bach, soulful vocals by Brooker, and enigmatic lyrics by Reid, the song became a defining anthem of the 1967 Summer of Love. It reached number one in the UK and number five in the US. Shortly after the single's release, guitarist Ray Royer and drummer Bobby Harrison left the band and were replaced by former Paramounts members Robin Trower and B.J. Wilson, respectively.

Studio Albums and Style Evolution

The band released their self-titled debut album in 1967, which featured a collection of songs with majestic melodies and solemn organ tones. Their subsequent albums, "Shine On Brightly" (1968) and "A Salty Dog" (1969), further developed their unique sound. "A Salty Dog" is widely regarded by fans and critics as a classic, blending neo-classical ambitions with rock dynamics. After the release of "A Salty Dog," Matthew Fisher and David Knights departed from the band.

The 1970s saw a shift in the band's sound towards hard rock, particularly on the albums "Home" (1970) and "Broken Barricades" (1971), which highlighted Robin Trower's guitar work. Trower left in 1971 to pursue a successful solo career. A significant commercial success came with the 1972 live album "Procol Harum Live: In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra," which featured a popular rendition of their earlier song "Conquistador". The band continued to release albums throughout the mid-70s, including "Grand Hotel" (1973) and "Procol's Ninth" (1975). The band disbanded in 1977 after the release of the album "Something Magic".

Reunions and Later Years

Procol Harum reformed in 1991 with a lineup that included Brooker, Trower, Fisher, and Reid, releasing the album "The Prodigal Stranger". The band toured with various lineups in the following years. They released "The Well's on Fire" in 2003 and their final studio album, "Novum," in 2017. Gary Brooker, the only constant member throughout the band's history, passed away in February 2022, leading to the permanent dissolution of Procol Harum.