ONE OF THE BEST WE HAVE HEARD!..|FIRST TIME HEARING Procol Harum - Whiter Shade Of Pale REACTION 

Us old folks had some great music, didn't we? I am glad that you young people are finding these great bands and songs. I still love these songs.

My generation can always be proud of at least one thing. Our music.

I saw him live, with my wife at my side, a man next to us was alone there, we took him in our arms and hugged each other. He was 65 and we were 31 and today he is the godfather of our son

I am 75, a child of the 60's. I got to live through the greatest 30 years of music, ever. Every song, brings back great memories. I love to see young people listen to the music of their grand parents, and be turned on, then be blown away by it. We are still the coolest, ever! Far out !!

• Procol Harum is the band. Gary Brooker is the lead singer, Keith Reid the lyricist. The name Procol Harum is a misspelling of Procul Harun, the pedigree name of the manager's Burmese cat. (The cat died in 1972, apparently.) However, whether by chance or design, Procol Harum can be roughly translated from the Latin as Beyond the Pale. • The Miller's Tale is a story out of The Canterbury Tales. It was written by Geoffrey Chaucer in England, between the years 1387-1400. At its most basic, The Miller's Tale is the bawdy story of an old and dull-witted carpenter who is cuckolded by his much younger wife. This is the key to the song. • The song: The girl is about to leave the older man ("her face at first just ghostly"). She hears The Miller's Tale and blanches at her own sexual indiscretion ("turned a whiter shade of pale"). She avoids telling him why she's leaving ("there is no reason"), and he's blind to the indiscretion ("although my eyes were open, they may just as well have been closed"). He attempts to reason with her (“I wandered through my playing cards”), and so prevent his young, supposedly faithful lover (“Vestal Virgin”) from leaving for good ("for the coast"). • Have a listen to the original recorded song, and also 'Homburg'. Is good!

Best part, this is actual talent. No auto tune, pure talent

I'm 59 so I know this song well, but this orchestral performance moved me to tears.

No one. No - one. Can disrespect this man. What a voice. How lucky are we? To have him in our lives.

Gary Brooker was a very special performer. He recently passed away and he'll be missed. Awesome song. Top five in my book.

Guys of my generation (I''m mid 70's) grew up on this stuff - and probably took an awful lot of great music for granted. So it is so refreshing to see and hear guys such as you hearing it all for the first time. Terrific incisive comments highlighting just what we loved about 'our' music in the first place. Thanks so much!

No synth, no auto tune, no computerized tracking, just pure musical and vocal talent. Your reactions just reenforce my belief that the 60's through the early 80's were the prime of rock music.

John Lennon once said this was the greatest song ever written.

This is actually the danish national symphony orchestra, with Procol Harum as a guest star. Recorded in 2006. The original song was released in 1967. You have missed the original song. And I realy recommend that you listen to it.

I feel so incredibly lucky to have grown up being witness to these groups in real time. The music of the 60’s and 70’s was iconic, and the artists were real and legendary. There was so much talent back then.

Remember, no autotune. You young people are so perceptive. I love when young people appreciate good music!✌️

They do not write songs like this anymore. Beautiful, guys.

Procol Harum's lyricist Keith Reid wrote the words to this song. In a Songfacts interview, he explained: "It's sort of a film, really, trying to conjure up mood and tell a story. It's about a relationship. There's characters and there's a location, and there's a journey. You get the sound of the room and the feel of the room and the smell of the room. But certainly there's a journey going on, it's not a collection of lines just stuck together. It's got a thread running through it." Reid got the idea for the title when it came to him at a party, which gave him a starting point for the song. Says Reid: "I feel with songs that you're given a piece of the puzzle, the inspiration or whatever. In this case, I had that title, 'Whiter Shade of Pale,' and I thought, There's a song here. And it's making up the puzzle that fits the piece you've got. You fill out the picture, you find the rest of the picture that that piece fits into." Gary Brooker recalled the writing of the music in an interview with Uncut magazine February 2008: "I'd been listening to a lot of classical music, and jazz. Having played rock and R&B for years, my vistas had opened up. When I met Keith, seeing his words, I thought, 'I'd like to write something to that.' They weren't obvious, but that doesn't matter. You don't have to know what he means, as long as you communicate an atmosphere. 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale' seemed to be about two people, a relationship even. It's a memory. There was a leaving, and a sadness about it. To get the soul of those lyrics across vocally, to make people feel that, was quite an accomplishment. I remember the day it arrived: four very long stanzas, I thought, 'Here's something.' I happened to be at the piano when I read them, already playing a musical idea. It fitted the lyrics within a couple of hours. Things can be gifted. If you trace the chordal element, it does a bar or two of Bach's 'Air on a G String' before it veers off. That spark was all it took. I wasn't consciously combining rock with classical, it's just that Bach's music was in me."

When Amber stops doing the Amber sway and sits still with eyes closed and grabbing on to her headphones really tight... That's when you know it's really good.

Look how respectful that audience is. Just sitting there, enjoying the concert, not disrespecting those around and letting everyone enjoy it. Don't see that much these days. It is so lovely to see younger people (Amber and Jay) enjoying true music. Don't make em like these bands and singers from the 50's through the 80's.

I will say it again and again. Rock music and orchestra music go together like a fine wine and cheese. They were made for each other. Want proof? Here it is!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

One of the few singles in history to have sold over 10 million copies, and they did it decades before streaming and downloads. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame gave Procol Harum special recognition in 2018 because of this. The man whose voice you hear, Gary Brooker, is now 76 and still rocking. He was even recognized by the Queen of England for his many charitable ventures.

To clarify - Procol Harum was the groupo that released this, but in this concert it is just Gary Brooker - the original co-writer and singer. He sounded just as good singing this in 2016 as he did when ti was first released in 1967 - 49 years earlier. Incredible. RIP Gary.

Watching you guys appreciate this song so much makes me realize just how incredibly blessed I was to grow up in the 60's and 70's and have this awesome, amazing music as the soundtrack of my youth! ✌🇨🇦♥️♥️❤❤🎶🎼🎵🎸🔥

Thing is after 50 or so years, we still remember the words to all these songs. So thank you for appreciating our music, love you guys!

His voice sounds just as good as back in the 60's. This song is pure genius. You guys gotta listen to the original version from May of 1967. The single back then reached number 1 in the UK and stayed there for 6 weeks and without much promotion it reached number 5 in the U.S. Another great classic from Procal Harum is CONQUISTADOR. I agree with the comments on listening to the Moody Blues performing NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN.

RIP to singer Gary Brooker who sadly passed away on 2/19/22 at age 76 after a battle with cancer. His immortal vocal as captured in this video will live on in the pantheon of rock.

It almost makes me cry when I see your reactions to music that meant so much to me so long ago! Proves that great music is timeless. Love y’all ❤

As a 65 year old man that was blessed to grow up with this music I am so happy that younger folks like you guys can not only listen to it but truly appreciate it. Thanks keep up the great work with greater music!

I'm a 67 year old grandmother(a cool one but a grandmother nevertheless) and I love watching you two appreciate the music that I grew up with and love. This version is even better than the original because his voice has aged so well and suits this song perfectly...thanks for your reaction.

You should play the original! Like a fine wine, it gets better with age!

If this song doesn't give you goosebumps, you have no soul.

This is what music is all about. It's beautiful. No yelling, No screaming, doesn't sould like everyone else, as so many do today. The orchestration is wonderful. Thankfully I grew up listening to beautiful music.. Thank God for LP's and record players.

Also, it's worth remembering that this was the debut single from Procol Harum in May of 1967. It immediately went to # 1 and sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

Three years ago I lost my mother. Procol Harem's "A Whiter Shade of Pale" was her absolute favourite song. Listening to this song for the first time since her passing, literally has left tears rolling down my face. This song has never stopped being sublimely, powerfully, beautiful and it means even more to me now than ever before.

Probably one the best songs ever written. The keyboard is a Hammond organ, it has a sound all of its own. Gary's voice is so powerful in his later years. Sadly he succumbed to cancer last year. The original studio version is a work of art.

I have always loved this song !! This man (Gary ) had a voice that was so rich and soulful... He made you feel the song... Classic !! 😢

The studio version deserves a listen + "Conquistador" by them as well.

For Gary Brooker's voice to still be such a wonderful instrument 40 years after the original recording is amazing!

No autotune. Just talent.

isn't it amazing how some music, even though you hear it with you ears, goes right in and resonates with you sole, speaks to your heart, can lift you spirit. This song did just that for me. Truly truly beautiful. Jay, Amber, i love your reactions, Thank you so much for sharing, and bringing some of us old folks so much joy.

This tune is timeless. To think the artist can perform it this well after so many years is incredible! Not heard it in a while, so thanks for the reaction!

I had the very distinct privilege to play accompaniment to Procal Harum in 97 02 and 04 as concert pianist for the Kansas City Philharmonic Orchestra. Gary Brooker was indeed, a musical and lyrical genius and one of the finest men I have ever known. His passing was a profound loss for me, I do miss him.

I am 66 and so love that you are listening to such classics. Give their song A Salty Dog a chance.

We lost Gary Brooker early 2022. Powerful voice. Blessed to have had him

Here in Kentucky, we pride ourselves on basketball, horses and bourbon. Gary Brooker's voice has aged beautifully in the chords of his throat, since 1967 when this song was first distilled. It is the drink that still delivers. The song that remains the same. And the vintage that never depreciates but only gets better. It proves that age isn't a hindrance but a benefactor to great music. That performance adds depth. We should all be so lucky to age this well. And good Kentucky bourbon is smooth.

This song and Baker Street will never get overplayed and always remain timeless experiences

For originally coming out in May 1967, his voice sure is holding up nicely, and the orchestra is a beautiful addition!

This song always makes me cry …. Don’t ask why, it’s the orchestra, the violins, the oboe, the organ, his voice all of it !!!!!!! Oh lord. The memories, this song came out when I was graduating high school ………

That version is one of a few songs to be considered a masterpiece.

Being born in 1956- I grew up on all this music you are reacting to. Seeing you both experience my lifelong music journey is so heartwarming. Love you guys! You definitely MAKE ME SMILE 😀

This timeless masterpiece will still be playing in a thousand years. Fly high Gary Brooker you are a legend

You kids reactions are a pure treasure. This is one of my all time favourite songs by one of my all time favourite bands. I was blessed to have seen them live a good few times over the years. Oh and bear in mind that Keith Reid was only 19 when he wrote the lyrics and of course the great Gary Brooker on vocals. Both sadly passed on recently. Gary in 2022 and Keith only a short while ago as I write 2023. Keep on rocking you two.

A true anthem of the 60's. One of the most moving songs ever written. Gary's eternally powerful vocals accompanied by the brilliant orchestra and choir gave it even more jaw dropping majesty!

Gary's voice never changed in the 50 years that I have listened to him. I NEVER get tired of this song. Rest in peace, brother.

Have heard this hundreds of times though the many years..and never get tired of it. Beautiful.

Can you believe it: after 55 years this song still moves me to tears, because of the Bach feeling and the incredible voice of the late Gary Brooker. And you picked the best version available, with a wonderful Bach-like intro. My suggestion: how about listening to Procol Harum's A Salty Dog?

I love the original version BUT I also love this version. It's hauntingly beautiful with the orchestra playing. RIP Gary and thank you for sharing your talent with the world.

Unbelievable his voice held up so great after so many years....

You don't have to have lived something to write about it. It's called CREATION, and that's what art is about. One can write about something that one never experienced and make people feel it, make them cry, elevate them. Procol Harum is the group, not the man's name . I loved watching you get all worked up listening to this beautiful piece. BTW the organ part was influenced by Johann Sebastian Bach's "Sleepers Wake" and "Air on the G string" .

Being there when these were being released was more than dynamic. Listening to them now through your reactions brings back glowing memories of just what a special time in music we, of my generation experienced. Keep growing there is almost too much to recommend.

Moody Blues "Nights In White Satin", should be another stop along this line of music. Van Morrison "Into The Mystic", along the same line of amazing vocalists. Bruddha Iz "Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World" For sheer beauty.

Sadly, Procol Harum frontman Gary Brooker died at his home from cancer on Saturday, Feb. 19. He was 76. From Rolling Stone website: “He lit up any room he entered, and his kindness to a multilingual family of fans was legendary,” Procol Harum wrote in a group statement. “He was notable for his individuality, integrity, and occasionally stubborn eccentricity. His mordant wit, and appetite for the ridiculous, made him a priceless raconteur (and his surreal inter-song banter made a fascinating contrast with the gravitas of Procol Harum’s performances).”

A true anthem song from back in the day. A beautiful composition. Imparts so much emotion.

Just shows how good Gary Brooker was. RIP Gary! Such an amazing voice he had. So good it brings a tear to your eye.

Yaknow when a song becomes a legend when there's a full orchestra behind it.

This song is timeless and so is his voice.

I am so happy that this song is reaching our younger generation! Thanks, kids, for listening to * the oldies* This is what the bonnets listened to and loved!!!

My brother 10 yrs older than me born in the fifties bought me up listening to his music some good some bad this one wow adored it. Watching him older still singing like that makes me cry with joy and memories.

I was a teenager in the early Seventies. I had a friend that lived in his parents garage. A story in of itself. This song was playing every time I visited. Every Time. Fast forward in time about a dozen years. He died of an overdose. Before his death, I tried to help him out of his hole because he really was a decent, compassionate young man. I failed. He left a beautiful young daughter age 6. That is what I remember when I hear this tune. I can't help but cry when I hear it.

Gary Brooker and Keith Reid have written a timeless masterpiece with 'A Whiter Shade of Pale'. This song will be played in decades to come and it will still be just as timeless and appreciated by all genres.

I was so fortunate to hear them play this song in concert - chills

I would never limit my music. I love big band, rock, country ,rap and heavy metal

Listen to the original version and you'll know his voice hasn't changed over the years.

I’ve loved this song since it first came out in 1967 - Gary Brooker’s voice sounds as good as ever. Procol Harum is the name of the band (it’s Latin for “beyond these things”).

WOW, I'm 74 and to see you young folk enjoy our old music warms my heart more than you can imagine, drives me to tears, you remind me how I experienced the old tunes when I was young, nostalgic, sad but still full of love and enjoyment. Thanks guys, you are old souls, God bless you

When the organ kicks in, that is how the song (minus the strings) originally sounded like. The original was I believe 1967. He voice sounds nearly identical so many years later. Gary Booker is the singer. The band (most the original members were gone by this concert) is Procal Harum. You need to check out their song "Conquistador" live with orchestra 1972. My second favorite song by them after this.

His voice is just as good as it was in the 70’s

This song harks back to the summer of ‘72 spent in a beach town. Everytime I hear this the memories come flooding back. ❤

You are watching one of the greatest pure talent in the classic Rock and Roll era.

This song is timeless it was originally recorded in 1967. Gary has lost none of his ability to sing since that time.

I was just thinking yesterday that you guys should hear this. I prefer the original studio version from the 60s, but wow, his voice is still so awesome.

It's so wonderful to watch the reactions of these younger people with the music that I loved

Glad to see you kids getting introduced to see some of the greatest music in the 1960's and 1970's.

If you like the orchestra-pop crossover, you guys should do The Moody Blues “Nights in White Satin”

This "British Invasion" song was a hit when classic literature was still a part of education. The reference to the Miller's Tale wasn't totally lost on the audience of the day. Gary Brooker was influenced musically by Bach at the time of writing the music for the cryptic lyrics written by Keith Reid. Interestingly, the organist who added the organ part didn't receive song writing/copyright credit until a ruling in 2006, the same year as this performance. Perhaps the most amazing thing, is the way Gary Brooker sounded in this live performance, almost 40 years after the hit record in 1967.

I saw this band when I lived in England, many years ago. amazing.

A fantastic, beautiful live version of one of the classic songs from the late 60s and it's never lost it's charm. Great orchestral arrangement ...everything about it just draws you in, brings tears to my eyes sometimes just listening to it.

This is glorious. Whenever I watch and listen to this version of the late 60s song by the same band it becomes the best song ever. Gary Brooker’s voice has got even better. I always cry. This is beyond great I know I recommended this recently but I have to hope other did too. Fairly mystical hippy lyrics that no ones figured out as I understand it

One of the best songs ever written, period. I've never met a person, whether they loved classic rock, folk, heavy metal, 60s, 90s, whatever, who wasn't like "Yeah that song hits"

I can't wait for the actual song to drop, your reaction is going to be priceless I think! As soon as he started singing You gave the reaction I was hoping for! You two are so much fun! It's always like being at a backyard BBQ when I visit with you! Because you make me feel so at home!

Song was Released: 1967. I was just out of the Air Force. This is many years later. You know what I like about you two, The music is more important than you and you let us enjoy the music. Thanks.

The main riff of the original song is based on a Johan Sebastian Bach piece called "Air on a G String". That's why it works so well with a full orchestra.

Hey Jordan and Amber......Had a moment to pop in and I was happy to see you both. Hope you are feeling good, Amber.... you're looking great....as are you, Jordan. Thanks for reacting to this video.... It's so beautiful and for all of us that knew the song when Mr. Brooker (and us) were younger, it takes us right back. His voice has just gotten smoother. Enjoyed watching it with you. Take care and be well. Peace.

Amazing how he sounded so good even after got older. RIP Gary. ❤️

RIP Mr. Gary Brooker, we so enjoyed your music throughout the years. The fact that he was in his 80's amazing. He passed away not very long after this.

This songs takes my breath away every single time!

Request for Van Morrison “Into The Mystic” and The Eagles (they have so many other good songs aside from Hotel California) “Desperado” “New Kid In Town”

Beautiful and haunting...the melody, the lyrics, the vocals, the instrumentation, the composition, the tempo is just right...I think this song is incredible. It was released in 1967, a very interesting time of societal upheaval and tremendous change, and it remains a timeless classic. I remember hearing it back in the '60'ss. So glad you chose this song, and so glad someone recommended it. Check out the lyrics: We skipped the light fandango Turned cartwheels 'cross the floor I was feeling kinda seasick But 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 And would not let her be One of sixteen vestal virgins Who were leaving for the coast And although my eyes were open They might just as well have 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 And so it was that later As the miller told his tale

Many of these iconic songs came out in the mid to late 60s when l was a little too young to fully appreciate them having been born in late 1956. It wasn't until l got older that l really understood how great they were.

The moody blues “ Nights in White Satin” has a similar vibe. It will not disappoint! I’d also like to suggest “Long cool woman in a black dress” by the moody blues. It’s epic.