- Former British rock band Procol Harum singer Gary Brooker has died.
- The 76-year-old suffered from cancer. As the group further announced on its website, he died peacefully at his home last Saturday.
Brooker’s first single as the band’s frontman, “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” in 1967, was also Procol Harum’s biggest hit. The melancholic song, whose organ accompaniment was inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach, became one of the anthems of the “Summer of Love”, which marked the high point of the hippie movement.
The single sold more than ten million copies worldwide – and in 2009 it was voted the most-played song of the previous 75 years by a British radio station.
Cooperation with numerous stars
Not only the music, but also the text was considered extraordinary and mysterious – its meaning was passionately debated. The question of who should claim the copyrights was fought in court in 2009, with ex-band member Matthew Fisher being awarded part of the rights alongside Brooker.
Brooker also collaborated with other stars of his time such as Eric Clapton, as well as ex-Beatles Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The former Beatles drummer wrote on Twitter in response to Tuesday’s death: “God bless Gary Brooker, peace and love to his family.”
Legend:
Brooker, seen here performing solo in 2018, is best known as the frontman for the group Procol Harum.
imago images
Although Procol Harum was never able to build on the success of the first single, the band remained keen to experiment. Brooker, who was not only a singer but also a pianist and songwriter, traced his roots to blues musicians Ray Charles and Little Richard, the band’s website said.
The band paid tribute to Brooker as people of infectious kindness. “He was known for his individuality, integrity and occasional stubborn eccentricity,” it said. Growing up in Southend, Essex, Brooker formed his first band at the age of 14.