The Musical Biography of Procol Harum: From Beginnings to Iconic Hits

Procol Harum is a British rock band that rose to fame in the late 60s. Their unique blend of rock, blues, classical, and country music, coupled with the poetic, introspective lyrics, quickly established them as one of the most innovative bands of the era. In this article, we'll take a look at the musical biography of Procol Harum, from their humble beginnings to their most iconic albums and songs.

Procol Harum was formed in 1967 by Gary Brooker (vocals, piano), Matthew Fisher (organ), Ray Royer (guitar), David Knights (bass), and Bobby Harrison (drums). Their name was coined by their manager, who combined two Latin phrases, procul (far away) and harum (these things), to create a mystical, exotic name that perfectly suited their sound. Procol Harum's debut album, Procol Harum, was released in 1967 and featured their first hit single, A Whiter Shade of Pale, a song that became an instant classic and is still regularly heard on the radio today.

The 70s was a prolific time for Procol Harum, with the band releasing seven more studio albums. One of the most notable albums of the era was A Salty Dog (1969), which featured the band's signature mix of rock, blues, and classical music. The album included the hit singles The Devil Came from Kansas and Homburg, and showcased the band's instrumental prowess and unique musical style.

Procol Harum continued their musical evolution in the 80s and 90s, experimenting with new sounds and styles while maintaining their signature sound. The band released six more studio albums, including The Prodigal Stranger (1991) and The Well's on Fire (2003), and toured extensively. They also reunited with their original lineup for several concerts, including a performance at London's Royal Albert Hall in 2017 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of A Whiter Shade of Pale.

Procol Harum's most famous songs continue to be celebrated today for their timeless appeal and unique sound. A Whiter Shade of Pale remains one of the most iconic songs of the 60s, a haunting ballad with a mesmerizing organ melody and enigmatic lyrics. Conquistador (1967), A Salty Dog (1969), and Pandora's Box (1975) are other notable hits that demonstrate the band's musical diversity and versatility.

Procol Harum's musical style was heavily influenced by classical music, blues, rock, and even country music. The band incorporated elements of Bach, Chopin, Mozart, and other classical composers into their music, creating a complex, layered sound that was both melodic and experimental. Their introspective lyrics explored themes of existential angst, love, and loss, imbuing their music with a profound sense of emotion and depth.

Conclusion: Procol Harum's musical biography is a fascinating story of a band that defied categorization and continually pushed the boundaries of musical expression. Their innovative blend of rock, blues, and classical music, coupled with poetic lyrics, influenced generations of musicians and continue to inspire music lovers around the world. From A Whiter Shade of Pale to A Salty Dog to Pandora's Box, Procol Harum's iconic songs stand the test of time and remain beloved classics.