How did Gary Brooker die? Tributes pour in as ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’ singer-songwriter passes away at 76
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Gary Brooker Dead: 'Whiter Shade of Pale' singer-songwriter, Passed away at 76 | AP
Gary Brooker, the singer for Procol Harum, died on February 19, 2022, there at age of 76. His group issued a collective announcement on their online website announcing his death:
“We sadly mourn the loss of Gary Brooker MBE, vocalist, pianist, and songwriter of Procol Harum, as well as a brightly-shining, invaluable lighthouse in the music world, on February 19, 2022.”
Brooker died quietly at his home following a struggle with cancer, as per Procol Harum. Franky Brooker, his spouse, survives him.
A private ceremony and tribute ceremony for the artist will be held at a later date, according to the band.
Gary Brooker had been an English vocalist, composer, and pianist popular for founding and leading the legendary 1960s rock group Procol Harum. He was another founding member of the Southend beats band The Paramounts.
The musician is noted for his performances alongside Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison, among many others, in addition to working with Procol Harum.
FANS PAY TRIBUTE TO GARY BROOKER
Keeping up with the news of Brooker’s death, a number of people turned to Twitter to express their condolences:
“R. I. P. Gary Brooker who has skipped the light fandango. Procol Harum’s A Whiter Shade Of Pale wrong-footed the pop music-loving public with its dreamy, powerful eccentricity & it took the Beatles with All You Need Is Love to dislodge them from No. 1 in the 1967 summer of love.”
R. I. P. Gary Brooker who has skipped the light fandango. Procol Harum’s A Whiter Shade Of Pale wrong footed the pop music loving public with its dreamy, powerful eccentricity & it took the Beatles with All You Need Is Love to dislodge them from No. 1 in the 1967 summer of love. pic.twitter.com/ZifCderRdk
— Martin Knight (@MartinKnight_) February 22, 2022
One another fan says “Just heard that Gary Brooker, lead singer of ‘Procul Harem’ has passed away of cancer, aged 76. RIP. Is there anyone who doesn’t recognize ‘A Whiter Shape of Pale’, a huge 1967 No. 1?”
Just heard that Gary Brooker, lead singer of 'Procul Harem' has passed away of cancer, aged 76. RIP.
— Baggiesman (@sybilsdad) February 22, 2022
Is there anyone who doesn't recognise 'A Whiter Shape of Pale', a huge 1967 No. 1?
“Sad to learn of the death of Procol Harum’s Gary Brooker – accomplished singer, pianist, and composer. He was 76. With Whiter Shade of Pale, Gary contributed to the track voted by Boom listeners as your most popular of all time.”
Sad to learn of the death of Procol Harum's Gary Brooker – accomplished signer, pianist and composer. He was 76. With Whiter Shade of Pale, Gary contributed to the track voted by Boom listeners as your most popular of all time. pic.twitter.com/VKKI5JDSFE
— BoomRadioUK (@BoomRadioUK) February 22, 2022
“Aww man, one of my favorite singers has passed. Gary Brooker of Procol Harum. He wrote &sang one of the most beautiful songs in existence – “A Whiter Shade Of Pale,” not to mention “A Salty Dog, “Conquistador,” et al. RIP, and thank you for the music and your beautiful voice.”
Aww man, one of my favorite singers has passed. Gary Brooker of Procol Harum. He wrote &sang one of the most beautiful songs in existence – “A Whiter Shade Of Pale,” not to mention “A Salty Dog, “Conquistador,” et al. RIP, and thank you for the music and your beautiful voice. pic.twitter.com/OahTcb7Z5i
— Andre Gardner (@andregardner) February 22, 2022Advertisement
Gary Brooker Life
Gary Brooker has been born in East London’s Hackney Hospital on May 29, 1945. He was really the child of musician Harry Brooker, and so as a boy, he began playing the piano, trombone, as well as cornet.
Prior to entering Southend Municipal College to pursue zoology and botany, he visited Westcliff High School for Children. Later, the singer left college to explore a profession in music. In 1962, the musician teamed up with guitarist Robin Trower to form The Paramounts. The band rose to prominence in the British R&B scene in the 1960s before disbanding in 1966.
In 1962, the musician teamed up alongside guitarist Robin Trower to form The Paramounts. The group arise to prominence inside the British R&B arena in the 1960s before disbanding in 1966.
Brooker formed Procol Harum alongside his friend Keith Reid in 1966 when the band disbanded. The group’s 1967 record A Whiter Shade of Pale has become a worldwide sensation and is often regarded as characterizing “The Summer of Love.”
After Procol Harum disbanded in 1977, Brooker embarked on a solo project, releasing his debut solo record No More Fear of Flying in 1979. He subsequently joined Eric Clapton’s group that same year, contributing to their solo record Another Ticket.
Vanshika Batra
Vanshika is a Law student, blogger. She looks at life with endless possibilities and spreads that idea through her writing. She keeps on meandering and connecting with the world through her ideas framing into sentences.
