Procol Harum - Exotic Birds and Fruits 12" VINYL LP ALBUM

 Procol Harum is a British rock band that was formed in 1967. The band is known for their hit song "A Whiter Shade of Pale," which was released in 1967 and went on to become one of the most popular songs of the era. In this web-page, we will explore the history of the band, their music, and their impact on the music industry.

History

Procol Harum was formed in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England, in 1967 by Gary Brooker (vocals, piano), Keith Reid (lyrics), Matthew Fisher (organ), Ray Royer (guitar), David Knights (bass), and Bobby Harrison (drums). The band's name was taken from a cat owned by one of the members. The group was signed to the Deram Records label, and their first single, "A Whiter Shade of Pale," was released in May 1967.

The song became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the UK, the US, and Canada. It has been estimated that the song has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. The band's follow-up singles, "Homburg" and "Conquistador," were also successful, and the band quickly became known for their unique sound and lyrics.

Over the years, the band went through several line-up changes, with Brooker and Reid being the only consistent members. The band's music evolved, incorporating elements of classical music, blues, and progressive rock. Procol Harum released over a dozen studio albums, with their most recent release being "Novum" in 2017.

Music

Procol Harum's music is often described as a blend of rock, blues, and classical music. The band's unique sound was largely due to the use of the Hammond organ, played by Matthew Fisher, which gave the music a rich, atmospheric quality. The band's lyrics, written by Keith Reid, were often poetic and enigmatic, exploring themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

In addition to "A Whiter Shade of Pale," some of the band's most popular songs include "Conquistador," "Whiskey Train," "A Salty Dog," and "Pandora's Box." The band's music has been covered by numerous other artists, including Joe Cocker, Annie Lennox, and Tom Jones.

Impact

Procol Harum had a significant impact on the music industry, particularly in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their unique sound and poetic lyrics influenced many other musicians, and they are considered to be one of the pioneers of progressive rock. The band's music has been credited with helping to usher in a new era of rock music, with its more complex and experimental sound.

Procol Harum has been recognized for their contributions to music, with the band being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Their music has also been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including "The Big Lebowski," "The Sopranos," and "The Simpsons."