Formed: 1967 in London, England Procol Harum is arguably the most successful "accidental" group creation — that is, a band originally assembled to take advantage of the success of a record created in the studio — in the history of progressive rock. Their music built around an eclectic mix of blues-based rock riffs and grand classical themes. With singer/pianist Gary Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid providing the band's entire repertory (including Robin Trower), their music evolved in decidedly linear fashion, the only major surprises coming from the periodic line-up changes that added a new instrumental voice to the proceedings. At their most accessible, as on "Whiter Shade of Pale" and "Conquistador," they were one of the most popular of progressive rock bands, their singles outselling all rivals, and their most ambitious album tracks still have a strong following. Oddly both "Whiter Shade of Pale and Conquistador" became hit status in 1972 in their live album recording out of Edmonton Alberta Canada live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
Artist: Procol Harum - Song: Whiter Shade Of Pale - Year: 1967 - Album - (Title Song)