We have a collection of 6 arrangements for Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale
What Baroque organ composition inspired the iconic Hammond organ riff in this song? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Procol Harum: Pioneers of Symphonic Rock
"Whiter Shade of Pale" is one of the most iconic songs by the British rock band Procol Harum. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Release Date: "A Whiter Shade of Pale" was released in May 1967 as the debut single for Procol Harum. It quickly became a massive hit and is often associated with the "Summer of Love" and the psychedelic music era of the late 1960s.
Lyrics: The lyrics of the song are known for their enigmatic and surreal quality. They were written by Keith Reid, who was not a member of the band but worked closely with them, providing lyrics for many of their songs. The lyrics were inspired by a party he attended.
Bach Influence: The music of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" is heavily influenced by Johann Sebastian Bach's "Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major." The song's distinctive organ melody, played by Matthew Fisher, is reminiscent of Bach's classical composition.
Organ Solo: Matthew Fisher's organ solo in the song is one of its defining features. It's considered one of the greatest rock organ solos of all time. Fisher's use of the Hammond organ contributed significantly to the song's unique sound.
Chart Success: "A Whiter Shade of Pale" reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and stayed there for six weeks. It also achieved significant success internationally, including in the United States, where it peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.
Covered and Sampled: The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and its distinctive melody has been sampled in various other songs. It has also been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, contributing to its enduring popularity.
Album: The song was originally released as a single and was later included on Procol Harum's debut album, also titled "Procol Harum." The album further established the band's reputation as pioneers of progressive and symphonic rock.
Legacy: "A Whiter Shade of Pale" is often considered one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded and is a classic of the genre. It continues to be celebrated and recognized as a defining track of the 1960s.
Band Formation: Procol Harum was formed in 1967 and included members such as Gary Brooker (vocals and piano), Robin Trower (guitar), and B.J. Wilson (drums). The band's name was derived from a friend's cat and a variation of the Latin phrase "procul harem," which means "beyond these things."
Longevity: Procol Harum has had a long and influential career, and they have continued to release albums and tour over the years, making them one of the enduring acts of British rock music.
"A Whiter Shade of Pale" remains a timeless classic and a symbol of the psychedelic rock era, with its haunting melody and evocative lyrics continuing to captivate listeners to this day.