Nearly 50 years later, Gary Brooker's voice is as strong and clear as when the band cut the original. In my opinion, Gary's voice, matured over the many years, has a slightly deeper and definitely richer tone, and this version, with the orchestra and choir to add their impressive elements, makes this version the best ever! Thank you for this amazing memory, Gary and Procul Harum!
Before you recommend it as a wedding song, I suggest looking up Chaucer’s Miller’s Tale, which he references. Then you’ll understand why she turned a whiter shade of pale, and why the protagonist could not let it be. 😂
I'm glad you said it cuz I was going to. I grew up in the 60s and we all knew what this song was about. If people like to eat shit sandwiches and think they're doing fine dining let 'em enjoy it
I do every time, and ever since it came out, I have loved this song since the '60s and it always makes me emotional....so sad that Gary Brooker is gone now. RIP
I have loved this song since the first time I ever heard it which is now nearly a lifetime ago. Gary Brooker's voice is so beautiful. Sadly, he passed away a year ago. Thank you for your reaction
I STAND AND APPLAUD.... Thank You JM. I knew you would love this performance, everyone does. I saw them do it live in 1969 at the county fair. You are one are the best reactor on youtube, and I know all the good ones.
40 years after the hit record and Gary Brooker could still sing better than ever. I was 15 or so, now 72yrs old. Sad to lose Gary Brooker recently RIP. Thanks for your appreciative reaction!
These guys are mid to late 60's in their heyday. One of the rock bands of the era to incorporate orchestras into their music. Good choice, they were very popular.
"A Whiter Shade of Pale" is a song by the English rock band Procol Harum ('It's the name of a cat, a Siamese cat. It's the pedigree name, and it belonged to a friend of ours, just somebody that we used to hang out with when we were forming the band. One day, somebody pulled out the cat's birth certificate and said 'Have a look at this', and the name of the cat was Procol Harum.) that was issued as their debut record on 12 May 1967. The single reached number 1 in the UK Singles Chart on 8 June and stayed there for six weeks, number #5 in the U.S.
I can never watch/listen to this performance without coming close to tears, especially at the end, as the choir takes over and closes . Oh, hey, and it was written by some kids from the 60s. How do you like that? Who writes like that today ???
We skipped the light fandango Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor I was feeling kinda seasick The crowd called out for more The room was humming harder As the ceiling flew away When we called out for another drink The waiter brought a tray And so it was that later As the miller told his tale That her face, at first just ghostly Turned a whiter shade of pale She said "there is no reason" And the truth is plain to see But I wandered through my playing cards Would not let her be One of sixteen vestal virgins Who were leaving for the coast And although my eyes were open They might have just as well've been closed And so it was that later As the miller told his tale That her face, at first just ghostly Turned a whiter shade of pale
I saw them live in ‘67, Empire Pool Wembley, London. Just Gary’s amazing vocals, an organ, a piano and a couple of guitars. Sublime. I was 10 years old and it was the first 45rpm vinyl I ever bought, and it still makes me cry with its beauty. God bless your beautiful soul Gary. You’re so missed here in your homeland. RIP 💔🏴🇬🇧
How many can sing a song for FIFTY years and still sound so awesome? It is a definite flashback piece of music for me. Thank you for not pausing the video every 5 seconds as many do. I don't like my songs interrupted, lol. I want to watch your face as you listen and hear your reaction afterwards.
You are a great reactor. I really appreciate the reactors who save their comments until the end of the song. It really allows the listeners who might also be hearing the song for the first to really get a full, comprehensive feel for what we're listening to. Thanks again. ❤
What never surprises me is the fact that every older singer from back in the old days still sounds amazing and exactly like the first time they sang it. If you listen to the earlier recordings of this song you will see it’s still as beautiful as he did in this one. I really love your reactions to older songs. You actually listen to the whole song then give your reaction which to me is the right way. Thank you
Siempre he pensado que las canciones tienen los intérpretes que se merecen. Una canción fulminante,hermosa y misteriosa. Un cantante notable que le hace honor a la calidad total.
Another fantastic reaction JM and there are lots more Procol Harum tracks to delve into. The follow up single to this was Homburg and there are some terrific tracks from their first album to get into, Conquistador, She Wandered Through The Garden Fence, (Outside The Gates Of) Cerdes and the instrumental Repent Walpurgis. A Salty Dog from their later output is well worth a listen too. Loving your reaction man, keep 'em comin'.
Paul McCartney was once asked if there was one song he wished he had written .. it was A Whiter Shade Of Pale. It was the song playing when Paul dated his first wife Linda Eastman. After many yrs of marriage Linda passed away from breast cancer. 💝
The only thing missing in this great piece is the original guitar work of the master guitarist Robin Trower. I love the way the eminence of the tone wheels in the Hammond B3 lead the way and the orchestra echoes its vibes. A spectacular piece and one can see from JMBoy's face he truly loves and respects the intricate production.
A great song sung by the wonderful Gary brooker so many years after it was first released. The orchestra, chorus et all backed him up superbly. 'A Salty Dog' from the same venue in 2006 is so worth looking into too jmboy. Wonderful stuff and such an honest and true reaction. Thank you
This is a beautiful version but it is wellworth checking out the original version as well because it was era defining when it was released along with Nights in white satin by the Moody Blues. Also the original guitarist from Procul Harum was Robin Trower - exceptionally good but less well known than he should be - he had a self titled 3 piece group into the seventies - my favourite track is Daydream- astonishly atmospheric . Loving the variety of your reactions.
I was 10 when this first became a hit record in 1967... this 2006 version is so epic, every time I play it it brings me to tears for its sheer beauty and the amazing arrangements for the orchestra and choir. This song has classical roots, and Gary Brooker never made it a secret that is was inspired by and based on a passage from Suite nr 3 in D-Major by Johan Sebastian Bach.. Additionally this was the favourite song of Dutch crime reporter Peter R. de Vries, in USA foremost known and awarded because of the Natalee Holloway case. This song he played every day. Peter was assassinated and shot in Amsterdam 6th July 2021 and died on the 15th as a result of this. During his funeral (public) this song as also played. R.I.P. Gary Brooker... and Peter..
In the entire infinite Universe I am certain it is only on planet Earth and Human Beings that something like this is possible. No other living creature and nowhere else does a group of individuals come together to create such beautiful sounds.
Just an amazing song!! My daddy introduced me to it many years ago. Gives me chills everytime I hear it!! My dad passed 9 years ago. This song makes me think of him and brings back so many wonderful memories. Thank you for reacting ❤️
Loved this song from when it first became popular in the sixties. This version is special to me, since I was born and raised in Denmark, and the castle where this concert takes place is close to where both my grandparents lived, have been by there many times. By the late sixties I was living in the US as an au pair. This song was in the movie "The Big Chill".
Procol Harum (hair um) was a 60's band. This song was from 1967. The band sometimes played with an orchestra and choir as they did here incorporating literary and orchestral themes. I don't think organs are used enough in music any more. The lyrics are very cryptic. I take them as drug related but could be wrong. "The ceiling flew away", "I was feeling kind of seasick", "The room was humming harder", "I wandered through my playing cards" (taking chances), "my eyes were wide open but they might as well have been closed" (dead), "Her face at first just ghostly turned a whiter shade of pale" (pallor of death). Some references are from Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" (written @ 1380), "the miller told his tale", "vestal virgins" where a young wife cheated on her husband. I like to see young peoples' reactions to the music we old farts listened to. It's great stuff! Groups don't make music like this anymore.
JM, You've hit Home Run after Home Run with your selections.... This one is not only hit Out Of The Park..... the ball is still circling the planet for a while longer, and may never come down.
Hello,I like your genuine reaction to this fantastic song and performer and what you said which is why I’ve just subscribed, I look forward to more,cheers for now from your new UK fan.🇬🇧👍🏻
I like how you let the video play through with no interruptions. You may like "A Salty Dog" done live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra also by Procul Harum.
Good Morning JM, write these down, you will want to hear them ASAP.... The Beatles - "A Day In The Life".... "In My Life"... Both are among the greatest songs ever written, you will agree.
Yay, a gorgeous "Whiter Shade of Pale! Next, "Nights in White Satin", by the Moody Blues (any version). Eventually, but thanks, JM! Janis Joplin and Gary Brooker in one bite!
Promoted them in 1970 Ohio Agora! He drank four cases of Coors during a 2-3 hr show! Pissed in a bucket behind the curtain every time Robin Trower took a guitar solo! Think they had a signal ! Magical night!
Quite underrated band! Most people only know this one song ... which is a great song, for sure! :) My fav. top 3 of the band are "Conquistador", "Homburg" and "A salty dog".
Great choice! Gary's voice was unmatched, and only got better with age. You should watch their version of "Conquistador" from the same concert at Ledreborg.
great reactions my friend you might be interested to know that robin trower was the guitarist with procul harum in there early days try another track from robins bridge of sighs you wound be disapointed
Nearly 50 years later, Gary Brooker's voice is as strong and clear as when the band cut the original. In my opinion, Gary's voice, matured over the many years, has a slightly deeper and definitely richer tone, and this version, with the orchestra and choir to add their impressive elements, makes this version the best ever! Thank you for this amazing memory, Gary and Procul Harum!
His voice aged like a fine wine. i think this performance is significantly better than the studio version.
Before you recommend it as a wedding song, I suggest looking up Chaucer’s Miller’s Tale, which he references. Then you’ll understand why she turned a whiter shade of pale, and why the protagonist could not let it be. 😂
I'm glad you said it cuz I was going to. I grew up in the 60s and we all knew what this song was about. If people like to eat shit sandwiches and think they're doing fine dining let 'em enjoy it
People often cry watching this performance..... they are tears of joy.
I do every time, and ever since it came out, I have loved this song since the '60s and it always makes me emotional....so sad that Gary Brooker is gone now. RIP
@@patticrichton1135 It makes me cry every single time I hear it too.
I’m one of them.
OMG - he did not loose his voice - still amazing as in the 60s
*lose
He’s dead now
He’s better here than when he first recorded it. Amazing
*lose
sorry - my english is not the best - I am from germany :)
I have loved this song since the first time I ever heard it which is now nearly a lifetime ago. Gary Brooker's voice is so beautiful. Sadly, he passed away a year ago. Thank you for your reaction
I hear ya. It grabbed me in the 1960s and has never let go.
Gary Brooker is deeply missed...he died about a year ago. He had SUCH a wonderful voice, & was seemingly just as kind as he was talented!
I STAND AND APPLAUD.... Thank You JM. I knew you would love this performance, everyone does. I saw them do it live in 1969 at the county fair. You are one are the best reactor on youtube, and I know all the good ones.
I said before .. great recommendation!!
I agree!
40 years after the hit record and Gary Brooker could still sing better than ever. I was 15 or so, now 72yrs old. Sad to lose Gary Brooker recently RIP. Thanks for your appreciative reaction!
A masterpiece. Stunning.
Whooooaaah. I had never heard this song live at all, so I definitely didn't expect this 60 years later. I'm blown away.
I return to this video periodically and it always gets me in my heart
Hello from Cody Wyoming! You're awesome keep it up😊 if you keep reacting I'll keep watching
This song came out in the 60's..when he still had dark hair...yet he still sings it BEAUTIFULLY!!!
Came out in 1967 I believe. We lost Gary recently, a great talent.
Procul Hair-um. It's so beautiful.
Beautiful rendition of this song. R.I.P. Gary Brooker.
These guys are mid to late 60's in their heyday. One of the rock bands of the era to incorporate orchestras into their music. Good choice, they were very popular.
I believe the singer, whom's name escapes my memory right now. He passed away in 2022. He was quite a singer. R.I.P.
“Conquistador” from the same performance live in Denmark 2006 is awesome!
It's so beautiful when any singer closes their eyes. Feeling the vibes
"A Whiter Shade of Pale" is a song by the English rock band Procol Harum ('It's the name of a cat, a Siamese cat. It's the pedigree name, and it belonged to a friend of ours, just somebody that we used to hang out with when we were forming the band. One day, somebody pulled out the cat's birth certificate and said 'Have a look at this', and the name of the cat was Procol Harum.) that was issued as their debut record on 12 May 1967. The single reached number 1 in the UK Singles Chart on 8 June and stayed there for six weeks, number #5 in the U.S.
Brilliant. What cool info
Over 5 decades later, still relevant!
🤘🏻🤙🏼 Not ashamed to admit thatIi tear up a little bit from this rendition. Powerful!!
I can never watch/listen to this performance without coming close to tears, especially at the end, as the choir takes over and closes . Oh, hey, and it was written by some kids from the 60s. How do you like that? Who writes like that today ???
We skipped the light fandango
Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor
I was feeling kinda seasick
The crowd called out for more
The room was humming harder
As the ceiling flew away
When we called out for another drink
The waiter brought a tray
And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly
Turned a whiter shade of pale
She said "there is no reason"
And the truth is plain to see
But I wandered through my playing cards
Would not let her be
One of sixteen vestal virgins
Who were leaving for the coast
And although my eyes were open
They might have just as well've been closed
And so it was that later
As the miller told his tale
That her face, at first just ghostly
Turned a whiter shade of pale
English poetry at its finest
Hauntingly beautiful
I saw them live in ‘67, Empire Pool Wembley, London. Just Gary’s amazing vocals, an organ, a piano and a couple of guitars. Sublime. I was 10 years old and it was the first 45rpm vinyl I ever bought, and it still makes me cry with its beauty. God bless your beautiful soul Gary. You’re so missed here in your homeland. RIP 💔🏴🇬🇧
Omg what a voice outstanding tears here ❤
How many can sing a song for FIFTY years and still sound so awesome? It is a definite flashback piece of music for me. Thank you for not pausing the video every 5 seconds as many do. I don't like my songs interrupted, lol. I want to watch your face as you listen and hear your reaction afterwards.
All the British rockers in 1967 raved about this song especially John Lennon who called it his favorite song!!
Wow didn't know that thanks 🙏
You are a great reactor. I really appreciate the reactors who save their comments until the end of the song. It really allows the listeners who might also be hearing the song for the first to really get a full, comprehensive feel for what we're listening to. Thanks again. ❤
What never surprises me is the fact that every older singer from back in the old days still sounds amazing and exactly like the first time they sang it. If you listen to the earlier recordings of this song you will see it’s still as beautiful as he did in this one. I really love your reactions to older songs. You actually listen to the whole song then give your reaction which to me is the right way. Thank you
THAT is how you do music... Can't beat the old classics from the 60's.
What a unique Voice , hear it ones ... you never will forgett .
No one will ever create Music like this again , so pure .
Whoever's picking your tunes is doing a great job. Keep it up!
JM has done 15 songs I recommended in the past month. I'm 69 and have seen all these groups live.
@@AliasMark69 which ones I want to make sure I check them out because you obviously have stellar taste in music
Timeless…it’s so special to “watch” the discovery of the great music we, the children of the 70’s loved.
I’ve always loved this song! Awesome performance!!! Thank you! ☮️❤️😎
Siempre he pensado que las canciones tienen los intérpretes que se merecen.
Una canción fulminante,hermosa y misteriosa.
Un cantante notable que le hace honor a la calidad total.
Another fantastic reaction JM and there are lots more Procol Harum tracks to delve into. The follow up single to this was Homburg and there are some terrific tracks from their first album to get into, Conquistador, She Wandered Through The Garden Fence, (Outside The Gates Of) Cerdes and the instrumental Repent Walpurgis. A Salty Dog from their later output is well worth a listen too. Loving your reaction man, keep 'em comin'.
Wow beautiful what a voice you can’t learn that ,what a melody
just beautiful,puts all modern music to shame .
CRANK IT UP. the animals around my place are going to love this beautiful music. They can hear this for a mile away in my valley.
Brings back long lost memories
Paul McCartney was once asked if there was one song he wished he had written .. it was A Whiter Shade Of Pale. It was the song playing when Paul dated his first wife Linda Eastman. After many yrs of marriage Linda passed away from breast cancer. 💝
I always loved this song and appreciate your great comments. God bless.
RIP Gary. Beautiful Voice 💖
The 70s had everything
In the history of male singers, very few sound like this Legend......Joe Cocker - Now That The Magic Has Gone (LIVE in Dortmund) HD
The style is a dirge yet a timeless Masterpiece
The only thing missing in this great piece is the original guitar work of the master guitarist Robin Trower. I love the way the eminence of the tone wheels in the Hammond B3 lead the way and the orchestra echoes its vibes. A spectacular piece and one can see from JMBoy's face he truly loves and respects the intricate production.
Rest in peace gary brooker. You will be remembered forever.
A great song sung by the wonderful Gary brooker so many years after it was first released. The orchestra, chorus et all backed him up superbly. 'A Salty Dog' from the same venue in 2006 is so worth looking into too jmboy. Wonderful stuff and such an honest and true reaction. Thank you
This is a beautiful version but it is wellworth checking out the original version as well because it was era defining when it was released along with Nights in white satin by the Moody Blues. Also the original guitarist from Procul Harum was Robin Trower - exceptionally good but less well known than he should be - he had a self titled 3 piece group into the seventies - my favourite track is Daydream- astonishly atmospheric . Loving the variety of your reactions.
I was 10 when this first became a hit record in 1967... this 2006 version is so epic, every time I play it it brings me to tears for its sheer beauty and the amazing arrangements for the orchestra and choir. This song has classical roots, and Gary Brooker never made it a secret that is was inspired by and based on a passage from Suite nr 3 in D-Major by Johan Sebastian Bach.. Additionally this was the favourite song of Dutch crime reporter Peter R. de Vries, in USA foremost known and awarded because of the Natalee Holloway case. This song he played every day. Peter was assassinated and shot in Amsterdam 6th July 2021 and died on the 15th as a result of this. During his funeral (public) this song as also played. R.I.P. Gary Brooker... and Peter..
In the entire infinite Universe I am certain it is only on planet Earth and Human Beings that something like this is possible. No other living creature and nowhere else does a group of individuals come together to create such beautiful sounds.
This music will live forever.
At one time this song was played at every senior high school prom. Awesome baby.
Just an amazing song!! My daddy introduced me to it many years ago. Gives me chills everytime I hear it!! My dad passed 9 years ago. This song makes me think of him and brings back so many wonderful memories. Thank you for reacting ❤️
TY. Just love this fabulous song ✌🏼♥️
He best reaction ever. Someone who paid attention thru feels thing.
I was 19 years old,when this song came out.Itd a classic.R.I.P. Gary you will be missed,may God Bless You!!
glad you enjoyed it i like that you let it play right through a lot of people feel emotional listening to this
I like that you're open to many diverse types of music and you pay close attention. Thank you.
Loved this song from when it first became popular in the sixties. This version is special to me, since I was born and raised in Denmark, and the castle where this concert takes place is close to where both my grandparents lived, have been by there many times. By the late sixties I was living in the US as an au pair. This song was in the movie "The Big Chill".
Procol Harum (hair um) was a 60's band. This song was from 1967. The band sometimes played with an orchestra and choir as they did here incorporating literary and orchestral themes. I don't think organs are used enough in music any more.
The lyrics are very cryptic. I take them as drug related but could be wrong. "The ceiling flew away", "I was feeling kind of seasick", "The room was humming harder", "I wandered through my playing cards" (taking chances), "my eyes were wide open but they might as well have been closed" (dead), "Her face at first just ghostly turned a whiter shade of pale" (pallor of death).
Some references are from Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" (written @ 1380), "the miller told his tale", "vestal virgins" where a young wife cheated on her husband.
I like to see young peoples' reactions to the music we old farts listened to. It's great stuff! Groups don't make music like this anymore.
JM, You've hit Home Run after Home Run with your selections.... This one is not only hit Out Of The Park..... the ball is still circling the planet for a while longer, and may never come down.
What a voice....AWESOME
Hello,I like your genuine reaction to this fantastic song and performer and what you said which is why I’ve just subscribed, I look forward to more,cheers for now from your new UK fan.🇬🇧👍🏻
Beautiful song, beautiful composition🤘❤️ looks as if you really enjoyed this. New suscriber. Keep rocking 🤘
Great reaction! Loved it! I remember hearing this song in high school in 1967.
I really like the classical intro, I knew the song but the classical music at the beginning is very special
Love this..it's my ringtone on my phone...
I like how you let the video play through with no interruptions. You may like "A Salty Dog" done live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra also by Procul Harum.
“Conquistador” was the same performance is pure 🔥
I like your take on the PH song. This is a great song!
This is a great song. I also love Conquistador by them.
5:50. Oh man that just rips your heart wide open!!!
Gary Brooker sounds like a young man. One of the greatest live performances of all time.
There is stunning music out there.
Seek, and ye shall find.
Such a beautiful song RIP Gary we miss you!!!
Love your reaction
Ok…you got a like on this,and on Revolution by the Beatles…you are super respectful…No interruptions I’m a subscriber
Back again just to say.... That song/performance is PHUCKING AWESOME. MAGNIFICENT. Thanks again for doing it.
Good Morning JM, write these down, you will want to hear them ASAP.... The Beatles - "A Day In The Life".... "In My Life"... Both are among the greatest songs ever written, you will agree.
Gary Brooker sang like he did in 1965. Died shortly after this performance.
Love it!
Genius......
They were an english band of the 60's and 70's .
Yay, a gorgeous "Whiter Shade of Pale! Next, "Nights in White Satin", by the Moody Blues (any version). Eventually, but thanks, JM! Janis Joplin and Gary Brooker in one bite!
Promoted them in 1970 Ohio Agora! He drank four cases of Coors during a 2-3 hr show! Pissed in a bucket behind the curtain every time Robin Trower took a guitar solo! Think they had a signal ! Magical night!
Quite underrated band! Most people only know this one song ... which is a great song, for sure! :) My fav. top 3 of the band are "Conquistador", "Homburg" and "A salty dog".
Great choice! Gary's voice was unmatched, and only got better with age. You should watch their version of "Conquistador" from the same concert at Ledreborg.
Amazing
Also check out Conquistador, which was another great song of theirs. It was also played at this same concert.
ok! GARY , merci pour tout .....
Brilliant
Meglio di così impossibile 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Salty Dog. Same venue!!
Last slow dance at my junior high dances #memories
Watch the colour video of the original 60s group singing this. It gives you a real feel for the 60s. This is just the singer from that group.
great reactions my friend you might be interested to know that robin trower was the guitarist with procul harum in there early days try another track from robins bridge of sighs you wound be disapointed