Procol Harum

Procol Harum are an English rock band formed in 1967, central figures in the birth of progressive and symphonic rock. Fronted by pianist and vocalist Gary Brooker, with lyrics by Keith Reid, the band's classic 1967-1970 lineup included organist Matthew Fisher, guitarist Robin Trower, bassist Dave Knights and drummer B.J. Wilson. Their sound fused classical and baroque influences with rhythm and blues and psychedelic rock, most famously through the use of Hammond organ alongside piano.

The band's defining moment came with their debut single «A Whiter Shade of Pale», an instant classic built on Fisher's Bach-inflected organ line and Brooker's soulful vocal, which became one of the most enduringly popular songs in rock history. Later work explored more ambitious, orchestral territory, notably on the album «A Salty Dog» and the extended suite «In Held 'Twas in I», reflecting the band's ambitions toward long-form, classically-inspired composition well before the term progressive rock was common currency.

Though the group underwent numerous lineup changes and a long hiatus, Gary Brooker remained its constant creative anchor until his death in 2022. Songs such as «Homburg», «Conquistador» and «Pilgrim's Progress» cemented Procol Harum's reputation as pioneers who bridged rock, classical and blues in a way few of their contemporaries attempted.