RIP Gary Brooker. Procol Harem Pianist and Vocalist
"A Whiter Shade of Pale" was the first true progressive rock song I heard and I have never looked back. One of my favorites from back then.
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DragonFruit · 61-69, M
The song was written by Gary Brooker and Keith Reid (who was a poet, but not a professional musician). They were introduced to each other at a party by a mutual friend who said “This is Gary, he writes music...and this is Keith, he writes words”.
Keith asked Gary if he could write music for some of the poetry he had written....and the one he most wanted to hear set to music was “Whiter Shade of Pale”.
The two collaborated for years, a lesser-known combination much like Bernie Taupin and Elton John.
Keith asked Gary if he could write music for some of the poetry he had written....and the one he most wanted to hear set to music was “Whiter Shade of Pale”.
The two collaborated for years, a lesser-known combination much like Bernie Taupin and Elton John.
SilkandLace2 · 46-50, M
@DragonFruit indeed!!
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SilkandLace2 · 46-50, M
SilkandLace2 · 46-50, M
@ReneeT smaller venues are so much better, i have a recording of this song, supposedly Glenn Hughes and Tony Iommi, though i think the story goes that Tony didn't play on it, or he refutes that he played on it, but it is Glenn Hughes and another guitar player i can't remember right now, but also a fitting tribute, what an AMAZING song
caesar7 · 61-69, M
Yes...he pioneered prog! I always loved them and saw them twice in concert. Fantastic music and group. Gary was a great composer and pianist to say the least. He will not be forgotten as well as the band. All of our musical heroes are slowly fading away, unfortunately. Now, we have to listen to crap. Thank God neo-prog bands still exist to continue the legacy of the genre. Long live prog!!!
caesar7 · 61-69, M