PROCOL HARUM Album Gallery & Record Collector Information

 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."

"Broken Barricades" emerged during a pivotal period in the history of rock music. The album was released in 1971, a time when the genre was undergoing significant evolution.

"Exotic Birds and Fruits" arrived in the midst of a dynamic cultural landscape, where experimentation and artistic freedom were celebrated. The album echoed the prevailing sentiment of the era.

This superb collection includes many of Procol Harum's best songs and includes "Conquistador" and of course "A White Shade of Pale". It is a must for all devotes of good progressive rock music.

The 7" single featuring "Homburg" on the A-side and "Good Captain Clack" on the B-side by Procol Harum is a notable piece of musical history that emerged during the vibrant era of the late 1960s.

"Ninth" released in the dynamic period of the late 1970s, this album masterfully fuses progressive rock and symphonic nuances, with introspective lyrics.

Released during the iconic era of the late 1960s, this "Salty Dog" encapsulates the essence of Procol Harum's progressive and experimental style.

In 1966 Gary Brooker had teamed up with lyricist Keith Reid and together they produced some adventurous material. Procol Harum was assembled to perform the Brooker-Reid compositions: their debut single was 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale'

"A Whiter Shade of Pale" 7" Genuine 1st pressing Single is a coveted collector's item. This vinyl exemplifies the band's breakthrough sound.

Iconic tracks like "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and the maritime-themed "Salty Dog," Procol Harum's enduring legacy is encapsulated in this two LP's vinyl release

Procol Harum's Germany 2LP Vinyl Album, merging "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and "Salty Dog," epitomizes the band's influence in the transformative late '60s music scene.