Musician. Best known as the co-founder, songwriter and lead singer of the English rock band, Procol Harum, he was the son of a professional musician. A multi-instrumentalist from an early age, Brooker began his musical career with his inaugural band, The Paramounts in 1962. Four years later, he co-founded Procol Harum along with lyricist Keith Reid. The following year, the group released its first, and perhaps best-known single, " A Whiter Shade of Pale." The song topped both the UK and Canadian singles charts in addition to performing well in the United States as well. Over the following decade, the band found mixed success with their subsequent albums before disbanding in 1977. In 1991, the group reunited under a new lineup and began recording new music. The later albums failed to achieve the success of their early recordings however. "A Whiter Shade of Pale" however has cemented the group's legacy in the musical community. In 1977, the song shared top honors with Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" when it was named "The Best British Pop Single 1952-1977." In addition, the song was named to the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Singles Category. It is often listed amongst music journalism publications of as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All-Time. In recognition of his services to charity, Brooker was appointed a member of the Order of the British Empire in 2003.
Musician. Best known as the co-founder, songwriter and lead singer of the English rock band, Procol Harum, he was the son of a professional musician. A multi-instrumentalist from an early age, Brooker began his musical career with his inaugural band, The Paramounts in 1962. Four years later, he co-founded Procol Harum along with lyricist Keith Reid. The following year, the group released its first, and perhaps best-known single, " A Whiter Shade of Pale." The song topped both the UK and Canadian singles charts in addition to performing well in the United States as well. Over the following decade, the band found mixed success with their subsequent albums before disbanding in 1977. In 1991, the group reunited under a new lineup and began recording new music. The later albums failed to achieve the success of their early recordings however. "A Whiter Shade of Pale" however has cemented the group's legacy in the musical community. In 1977, the song shared top honors with Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" when it was named "The Best British Pop Single 1952-1977." In addition, the song was named to the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Singles Category. It is often listed amongst music journalism publications of as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All-Time. In recognition of his services to charity, Brooker was appointed a member of the Order of the British Empire in 2003.
Bio by: The Kentucky Hill Hunter
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