PC Pals Forum

General Discussion => The Buzz => Topic started by: Simon on February 22, 2022, 17:39

Title: Gary Brooker, Procol Harum singer and pianist, dead at 76
Post by: Simon on February 22, 2022, 17:39

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

Title: Re: Gary Brooker, Procol Harum singer and pianist, dead at 76
Post by: Clive on February 22, 2022, 20:53

 :rip:  I loved Whiter Shade of Pale. 

Title: Re: Gary Brooker, Procol Harum singer and pianist, dead at 76
Post by: daveeb on February 22, 2022, 21:11

Quote from: Clive on February 22, 2022, 20:53

:rip:  I loved Whiter Shade of Pale. 

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

Title: Re: Gary Brooker, Procol Harum singer and pianist, dead at 76
Post by: Simon on February 22, 2022, 21:20

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

Title: Re: Gary Brooker, Procol Harum singer and pianist, dead at 76
Post by: Clive on February 23, 2022, 09:12

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

Title: Re: Gary Brooker, Procol Harum singer and pianist, dead at 76
Post by: Simon on February 23, 2022, 10:42

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

Title: Re: Gary Brooker, Procol Harum singer and pianist, dead at 76
Post by: Clive on February 23, 2022, 14:16

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