The idea was when a band grows so much that an orchestra wants to play their music, it's a compliment

I was 11 years old in 1967, now at 67 years of age this song has been in my life for 56 years, I never get tired of listening to it, what a legacy, passing away knowing you wrote and performed one of the most often played songs on UK radio. RIP Mr Brooker you've earned your place in music history!

RIP Gary Brooker, your voice stayed as strong as it was in 1967. For those that don't know he passed away in February 2022 at the age of 76 (my age now) just 3 months before his 77nd birthday. He will be missed.

I'm 67 and never appreciated how good this song really is untill now. It's truly a masterpiece of songs.

I love the lady showing us what oboes are for.

That Gary Brooker still had this vocal performance in his pocket after ~40 years is, to me at least, stunning. He clearly looked after his voice. He’s silent now, but people will still be hearing his classics for generations. The orchestra & choir definitely adds power here. RIP.

More emotion in that song than you'll hear almost anywhere. Beautiful, fantastic song . RIP Gary

Goosebumps Every. Damn. Time.

To touch on your comment about Gary Brooker and Eric Clapton, they were close friends and if you watch any of Claptons concerts going back over the last 20 years you would have seen Brooker playing piano on stage in many of them.And yes maam any music that is played well and with love is good if not great music.Thanks for this reaction.

This beautiful song is about a tragic love story. The lyrics are about a man and woman on a ship, in some kind of stage act, they were dancing.... "We skipped the light fandango🕺💃....turned cartwheels across the floor...I was feelin' kinda of sea sick🤢, but the crowd called out for more"... We ordered another drink "but the waiter brought a tray"....."One of 16 Vestal Virgins" (Vestal Virgins or Vestals were priestesses of Vesta, ie: a virgin goddess👸or a beautiful young woman). "I wandered through my playing cards, and would not let her be". He was in love 💗and persistent and most likely was intimate with one of the 16 beautiful young women on the ship. The young women were most likely in a group traveling together) to the coast.... "16 Vestal Virgins that were leaving for the coast"....." And although my eyes were open they might just as well been closed".....meaning it was plain to see that they could never be together but he was blinded by unobtainable love, passion, and desire...Later on in life, she finds out that he had died (most likely of a broken heart) and never loved another...."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 finds out her lover had died of a broken heart💔. So now you know why the music is so sad, and melodic, and melancholy, and just beautiful!!!!!.

A song for a generation, timeless, that dwells in your soul! And of that generation; every time I hear this... time has sailed away, once again!

This was the number 1 slow dance song at our high school dances. All of the local bands who played the dances had to add an organ to their bands to play it. It always takes me back to slow dancing with the music from the organ vibrating the rafters of the gym. It did feel like the ceiling was going to blow away.

🇨🇦 The Danish National Symphony Orchestra invited Procol Harum to participate in this outdoor concert in 2006 ! The band itself is a British Rock band with a Drummer, an Organist, 2 Guitarists and Gary Brooker, the singer, on Piano ! The Orchestra consists of over 100 musicians and 70 Choir members !

I love your reactions and the fact you appreciate this 'older' music. I feel so fortunate to have grown up (I am 69 years young) with music of this quality. I know every generation feels their music is the best, but I'm afraid that nothing matches the quality of the 60s, and 70s. The mere fact you and millions of others like it speaks volumes

This song sounded as wonderful in 2006 as it first sounded in 1967 . The late Gary Brooker's voice has aged like fine wine . As this has become such an iconic song over the past 55 years not many people realise that this was Procol Harum's debut single - how do you top a masterpiece like this ? To give you some context this song was voted - The Best British Pop Single 1952-1977 jointly with BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY !

I was first introduced to this when I was a child. My Dad always put it on in the car when we were going on road trips back in the 70s. Over the years, my appreciation for it has only grown stronger and it makes me emotional to think of better times. RIP Gary Brooker, and thanks for the music and the memories. Great reaction guys 😊

I beleive this song was based on Geoffrey Chaucers A Millers Tale from his Canterbury Tales. This story tells of a miller who is married to a beautiful lady who decides to leave him for another man, He finds out and can't believe he didn't see it coming, "And although my eyes were open they may just as well have been closed" and when he challenges her about her indiscretion this is when she turns a whiter shade of pale.

I love this song I was 12 in 1967 and am a big fan of the late 60's rock

The reason you know this song is because it's sold over 100 million copies since 1967. One of only 10 songs in the history of published music to do so. Sorry to be a know all, but this song REALLY is something special. ❤

Gary Brooker, lead singer & founder of the British began in '67, he passed away last yr. For anyone interested, see video "Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade Of Pale | The story behind the song | Top 2000 a gogo” where Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid supposedly talk about the song -- kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hsxnZruoz8CtdoU.html; many people believe it was about a drunken one-night stand. It's also been written that Reid died before he revealed its meaning. Procol Harum is supposed to have been the name of a friend's cat -- the name is a mis-spelling of the Latin phrase Procul Harun (roughly meaning “far beyond these things”), or that it was a corruption of Procellarum, a vast ocean on the Moon. This is the Danish National Concert Orchestra, which fits beautifully for this piece, & filmed by Ledreborg Castle in Denmark .The song has been the most played song in the U.K. for the last 75 yrs. Keith Reid was the lyricist, Gary Brooker responsible for writing the music; it was inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's “Sleepers, Wake!” and “Air on the G String” but contrary to popular belief, the song is not a direct copy or paraphrase of any music by Bach although it makes references to both pieces. It would have been somewhat nicer had you cut back on the interruptions -- also the talking ea. time went on for quite long periods of time. Thank you.

This was recorded at a castle in Denmark. The Danish public service TV station DR and its own orchestra and choir made it possible, along with Procol Harum.

The singer, Gary Brooker, sang this back in the late 60's and he just recently passed away. The group, Procol Harum, has a rather extensive catalog with several major hits you would most likely enjoy. You both are my favorite reactors 😍😃

The Golden Time for Rock & Roll of ALL genres! You can't go wrong in this time period.

I've left it as a comment before but it's still true. His voice sounds like a hug feels.

We used to hear that sound with the organ on the radio all the time in the 60s and 70s. The lyrics are cryptic.

I absolutely love this song and you two are the sweetest thing on Planet Earth! ❤

Step 1 - Orchestra prelude Step 2 - Gary Brooker and orchestra Step 3 - Gary Brooker + orchestra + band (Procol Harum) + choir “A WHITER SHADE OF PALE” was released by Procol Harum in 1967 and it was their first single ❤ RIP Gary Brooker 1945 - 2022 *PROCOL HARUM is a latin expression that means "beyond these things”, but the legend tells that was a Burmese Blue cat, that belonged to a friend of the band and that he lived until 1972. The cat’s name was actually Procul Harun, but the cat’s name was misspelled.

This song was "banned" in all my Playlists from almost 30 years, because remembers me a happy moments with someone passed away. Then I discovered this version, and yes, still makes me cry, but isn't possible not to hear it, it's a masterpiece

greatest song i've heard during my younger years. i was 13 then and in Grade 7. until now i listen to both versions of the song, the 1967 and this 2006. sadly, the singer GARY BOOKER passed away Feb. 19, 2022 at the age of 76 due to cancer. RIP GARY... thqnks for this great song you left the world to enjoy listening.

I can remember exactly where I was while listening to this song during my junior year in high school. An iconic song at an iconic time in the counterculture movement.

Rolling Stone considered this one of the best songs ever recorded.

*Procol Harum's* live performance of "Conquistador" with the *Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, 1971* , is so splendid.

Really like your reaction channel! Others are fine but too similar to each other and this is very nice. Thank you for reacting to this iconic song.

I don’t think there is any comparison to Clapton. I think Gary’s voice is nice to hear. ❤ Gary is in a class all his own. Gorgeous song with a unique history. Thanks for sharing.

Biggest hit of 1967. No one sure what it's about BUT the reference to Chaucer's medieval Canterbury Tales (the Miller's tale) is about adultery, caught and admitted (when she turns a whiter shade of pale). Whatever is going on, she dumps him. A classic

My Dad's favourite song ❤️ He said that he would dance with me on my wedding 2010 to this song... And he did (he doesn't like dancing 😅) and so now I always remember it when I hear this song ❤️❤️❤️ Thanks for your reaction... amazing like always 👍🏻

A Whiter Shade of Pale" is a song by the English rock band Procol Harum that was issued as their debut record on 12 May 1967. The single reached number 1 ...

I was my mother's wish that this would be played at her funeral. It was, along with Elgar's Nimrod.

I’m sure once the Hammond organ started the song sounded familiar. It was a very very popular song and sounded a bit different in the studio recording. I’m sure you heard it before maybe years ago. Well it’s all downhill from here because this is the best thing on KZfaq!😂😂😂😂great reaction glad you appreciate great music! First time I’ve seen you guys!👍🏻❤

Eric Clapton is the vibe I got too! Gave me chills when you said that brother! But this man’s voice one of a kind!

This song is over 50 years old. I first heard it in the late sixties and it's been a favorite of mine since. You should also check out the "promotional video" from 1967. Where the keyboards kick in here, is where the original actually starts.

Always enjoy your reactions. My wife saw Procol Harum at an outdoor concert in 1971. Good music has no time limits.

It’s so interesting that you said (when Gary Brooker started singing), that the song had an Eric Clapton feel. Gary Brooker and Eric Clapton were long-time neighbors and friends! 😊

This song came out in 1967, when things were really popping in rock, pop, and soul. Sergeant Peppers, Motown, folk rock and The LA sound fusing to form the explosion that was the 70s. Recording technology was also advancing exponentially as the money the boomers spent on music rolled in. This song was in the middle of all of that.

I have probably heard this song a 100 times and it still gives me goosebumps. And this particular live version just might be the best. RIP Gary Brooker (voice, piano, composer)

This always be one of legendary old song. Old but gold 👍

You two seem like very nice people. I enjoy your reactions to the songs I grew up with. I’m 70 years old and saw them perform this in concert (1968) shortly after it was released in 1967.

This is the sweetest reaction to a song 😂 I love you guys!

The vocals and keyboards was performed by Gary Brooker of Procol Harum. Unfortunately he passed away 2/2022.

Song writen by the singer Gary Brooker, unfortunateley he passed away short time ago. R.I.P

I have watched a lot of your videos. You 2 are a ray of sunshine.

I love extreme and black metal, but I love this song. I’ve listened to this version so many times over the past year and it still gives me goosebumps. A transcendent masterpiece.

Thanks for the reaction! I'm glad you liked it! 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼

I was born in October 1967 and I remember loving this song, this arrangement is so beautiful with the Bach composition being far more prominent in this performance with a full orchestra and choir, so melancholy. Thank you Dominika and Andrei for your lovely reaction to this ❤

" A Salty Dog" is another great song from this concert.

Versão épica definitiva ao vivo desse classico imortal de 1967 e o canto dos cines final dessa lenda que nos deixou em 2022

I've always been a fan of Procul Harum, I even went to a PH concert in Munich, in 1977. This live version was really nice.

The best just like you two bless be

Everything, Everything, about this is so well produced and performed. Its Just.... superb.

Gary passed in 2022. Timeless song by a band from Southend on sea (southern England).

Another hit song for Poco Harrum with an orchestra is called "" Conquistador "" , Thank You Both. 🌹😎

FANTASTIC Gary Brooker and Procol Harum. RIP. Master.

Absolutely Stunning.

It may be the song "Conquistador" by Procol Harum that you have heard before. Our high school pep band played it in the 1970s....

"A Whiter Shade of Pale" has sold in excess of 10,000,000 copies which is a remarkable feat, especially for a song released as a single. Only about 40 songs in history have ever achieved this great feat. In 2004 the song also made it onto the top 60 of Rolling Stone’s notable ranking of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 1998, it was inducted into the highly-distinguished Grammy Hall of Fame. And in 1977 the Brit Awards gave it the distinction of being The Best British Pop Single 1952-1977, an accolade it shared with “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975) by Queen. Also in 2018 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame changed its criteria, allowing singles to be inducted into the institution as opposed to only musicians themselves. And “A Whiter Shade of Pale” was amongst the first songs to be enshrined therein. The success of this song has led to “a whiter shade of pale” being adopted as a common phrase in the English lexicon.

❤ it both your reaction and the song.. i loved this so long even the orginal but i think this is even 1 step better.. ❤ it

I'm sure you would enjoy The Moody Blues, Nights In White Satin , live version. Again released in 1967 incredible song and beautiful arrangement.

This song was on the radio all the time. i can rememver hearing it here in Switzerland until the 90s. Then I stopped listening to radio ;) Maybe that's where you know it from!

This is an Iconic 60's song. I agree with you about good music personally I like practically everything from Classical to Heavy Metal. Bon Jovi's my all time favourite.

Beautiful beautiful song. Not much to add, just the enjoyment of something of enormous beauty. The orchestral arrangement is wonderful.

Andre & Dominica, have you heard of Long John Baldry? He had a huge no. 1 hit in the 60s (Let The Heartaches Begin) and ended his days in Canada, but he made a recording in 1980 of Walk Me Out In The Morning Dew - please, please, please react to it, it's magnificent. Look for the 4m33s version... Stunning. ❤

Saw them in 1972 in Santa Monica, CA - the new on the music scene Eagles up for them

So glad you experienced this. A beautiful performance. Thanks for the great reaction.

This was a huge song back in the day. Reminds me so much of going out with my dad in the 60’s looking for spare parts for his car on a Saturday morning 😀 this was also a big hit in the 80’s , a paint retailer made a set of adverts using this tune and it was again back in public eye , what a tune 👍

Melancholy in the best sense of the word.

You have no doubt, heard this before, it was the anthem of my teen years and has remained a classic since it's release in '67

Coming Guys, this is an extremely old song and is worldwide famous. He sings it the same way they sang it in the 60's and 70's amazing his voice hasn't changed. Of course with a full-string orchestra, it's even more beautiful.

at the time during the late 60's this song hit number 1 in almost every country fantastic can listen to this one over and over and never get tired of it, iconic

this song was used in a number of movies like, the big chill

Buna ziua, multumesc! Czesc! I've loved this song since its inception, or rather release. What a performance! Do widzenia.

One of a very few songs that i can listen to again x2. "Ya still knocking about Gary", no probs.

Another treat.

Gary Booker,Matt Fisher & Keith Reid's 1967 Masterpiece..This epic composition sounds so lovely accompanied by a full Orchestra..I thoroughly enjoyed watching your faces,as you listen to Gary belt out the lines of this Classic for the first time,leaves me wondering how you both could not have heard Procol Harum or Gary Booker's work, previously..I hope you both enjoyed the listen as well.

Another good reaction , please have a look at Ride a Rock Horse by Rodger Daltrey, The lead singer of The Who, Love your work , All the best from Wales. U K

One of my all time favorite songs. Thank you for featuring it...Enjoy your videos!

gary brooker ,what a voice

I am surprised nobody has mentioned what the song is about. Its based on the second of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales books the millers tale, written in the 1390's. The Miller's Tale" is the story of a carpenter, his lovely wife, and two younger men who are eager to sleep with her. The carpenter, John, lives in Oxford with his much younger wife, Alisoun, who is a local beauty. In order to make extra money, John rents out a room in his house to a clever Oxford University student named Nicholas, who has taken a liking to Alisoun. Another man in the town, Absolon, the parish clerk, also has his eye on Alisoun. And so it goes on.....

Music at its core perfectly put

I feel immeasurably sad to hear that there are people who were unaware of this fantastic song. The reference to the Miller's Tale from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Basing a strong rock and roll anthem, and huge popular hit, in a classical music foundation. The groundbreaking use of the organ. Btw your new favorite Billy Joel loved Procol Harum and was inspired to include a Hammond organ in his music because of it. Given the weight of the organ, that alone was a huge investment of energy when he was setting up in those smaller venues where he got his start. But that organ sound just had to be there; that's because of Procol Harum. Not hard to imagine that the musicians behind Bohemian Rhapsody were also listening. Btw, try "Classical Gas", another surprising "pop" hit from the 60s. Enjoy! 🎵🎶🎵

This concert was in Denmark

To quote Henk Poort on Beste Zangers, "Good music is good music, whatever the genre".

Don’t know if someone mentioned this already, but this song is completely based on ‘Air on a G string’ by Johann Sebastian Bach, yes the big classical composer!

One Of My Favorite Old Songs .. 💜💛I Like This Version as Well 🤗💛💜Ty Great Reaction ☮️💟🙏🏻🍀🙋🏻‍♀️💜💜

I like both kind’s of music country an western.

This song is divine!

these harmon is original build in the 60's

great for a slow dance.

I don't think it was ever determined what the song is actually about. I always thought it about losing someone to a drug addiction.

R I P Gary Brooker, one of my all time favourite songs released when I was 6 years old, you've got to watch the greatest instrumental collaboration ever with nearly 8 million views in just over 1 month POLYPHIA EGO DEATH feat STEVE VAI official music video, polyphia playing with the 10th greatest guitar player of all time Steve Vai, an UNBELIEVABLE MASTERPIECE, enjoy also have a look at polyphia PLAYING GOD, same again great guitar playing, and then have a look at their latest collaboration this time with a rap singer, polyphia- chimera (feat.Lil west) (official music video) , a mix of different styles of music, best wishes from the north east coast of England.

PROCOL HAREM, "WHITER SHADE OF PALE". Singer Gary Brooker then in 1967 sang this song. He recently passed this past year or so. This definitely is an iconic classic 👏 rock song. As many 60's and 70's tunes were, and are still. Two of you should give this a listen. Band is TRAFFIC, doing "DEAR MR. FANTASY"...