Procol Harum

Procol Harum formed in 1967 with Gary Brooker on vocals and piano, Keith Reid writing lyrics, and Matthew Fisher on organ. Their debut single 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' became an immediate hit that year, built around Fisher's distinctive organ line that drew from classical sources like Bach. The song's success defined their early sound, a mix of rock with baroque and psychedelic touches.

They followed with albums like 'Shine On Brightly' in 1968 and 'A Salty Dog' in 1969, which expanded their approach with more orchestral arrangements. Tracks like 'Conquistador' and 'Homburg' showed their ability to craft moody, narrative-driven rock that stood apart from much of the late-60s scene. The band's lineup shifted over time, with Fisher and others departing by the early 1970s.

Procol Harum kept recording through the 1970s, putting out records like 'Grand Hotel' in 1973. Their music never quite repeated the massive commercial reach of 'A Whiter Shade of Pale,' but they maintained a dedicated following for Brooker's soulful voice and Reid's literary lyrics.