Gary Brooker, 76; Lead singer of Procol Harum

[ShyLurker]

Always liked "Whiter Shade of Pale" (and know both Annie Lennox and Sammy Hagar have covered it!)

https://twitter.com/billboard/status...90583387344899

RIP.

[Aries65]

Very sad news...Whiter Shade of Pale is one of my all-time favorite songs!

[theotherlondon]

Sadly, singers from my youth in the 1970s are
dying off.

[Leasie]

Loved that song! I thought his voice did not change a bit as he aged. RIP.

[StudioJoe]

Very saddening. Saw Procol Harum in Feb. 2019, Brooker was the only original member but his voice was unchanged from the 60's and it was magic hearing those classics. RIP

[Follower]

So I Googled the lyrics for that song and I know nothing more than I did before. Does anyone know what this song means?

[dionyzus]

So I Googled the lyrics for that song and I know nothing more than I did before. Does anyone know what this song means?

From americansongwriter.com (despite their being British), "The general consensus is that “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” is a snapshot of a drunken sexual escapade gone awry. Yet the song defies a specific interpretation, instead conjuring various shades of melancholy which are embellished by the mournful music and Brooker’s pained delivery." I didn't know that was the consensus! I think perhaps its most enduring testament is that when asked, John Lennon said it was his favorite song. High praise indeed.

I'm actually a big fan of Procol Harum's middle period starting with Grand Hotel. I admire Brooker sticking to his guns and not changing with the times. The band folded around 1978 rather than compromise their classically influenced rock music, and then had a comeback album in 1991 and toured off and on since then. Never did get to see them, but I have videos I play now and then. RIP Mr. Brooker.

[suzycreamcheese1]

WSOP one of my faves

[Follower]

Often used as bump music on overnight CTC AM (aliens conspiracy et al) so I thought it might have a supernatural theme.