Topic: Gary Brooker, Procol Harum singer and pianist, dead at 76

[Simon]

Procol Harum singer and pianist Gary Brooker has died, aged 76, the band have confirmed, stating "With the deepest regret we must announce the death on 19 February 2022 of Gary Brooker MBE". Brooker had been receiving treatment for cancer, and passed away peacefully at home.

Brooker founded Procol Harum in 1966, and a year later the band's legacy was secured with their worldwide hit A Whiter Shade Of Pale, with Brooker's mournful vocals and haunting electric piano work very much to the fore.

Brooker, who was born in Hackney Hospital in East London on May 29, 1945, founded The Paramounts in 1962, aged 17, with his friend and guitar player Robin Trower. Despite being a noted outfit on the 60s UK R'n'B scee (The Rolling Stones were said to be big fans), Brooker went on to form Procol Harum, again with Trower and lyricist Keith Reid.

https://www.loudersound.com/news/procol-harum-singer-and-pianist-gary-brooker-dead-at-76

[Clive]

   I loved Whiter Shade of Pale. 

[daveeb]

  I loved Whiter Shade of Pale. 

Same here, it's resting in the loft for posterity along with a load of other vintage singles.

[Simon]

To be honest, it's the only record of theirs I can bring to mind.

[Clive]

I sold all mine a few years ago.  Arm twisted behind back.   

[Simon]

I've still got all my old 7" singles and LPs in boxes out in the garage.

[Clive]

I didn't even have equipment to play them on for around 20 years which is why I let them go.  This week I transferred the contents of my iPod to my iPhone and ordered a pair of Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones which work by bluetooth.  I'm expecting them this week from OnBuy.com