English rock band formed in 1967 in Southend-on-Sea, centered on the songwriting partnership of Gary Brooker (vocals/piano/organ) and lyricist Keith Reid, with organist Matthew Fisher among early members. Their debut single “A Whiter Shade of Pale” (1967), with its Bach-influenced organ line, became a global number-one hit and sold over 10 million copies.

Procol Harum helped pioneer progressive and baroque/art rock’s fusion of classical influence with popular song; “A Whiter Shade of Pale” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s inaugural singles category in 2018. The band continued until Gary Brooker’s death in 2022.

Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procol_Harum