Just in tears here, thinking back to beautiful times of passion, and optimism, and my beautiful wife who was taken from me, so young.....xx

The original has one of the greatest keyboard sounds in rock music but the 2nd version with the full orchestra was so amazing, even more surprising is how well his voice has held up over the years.

I think it would be hard to find a song just so classic, so elegant, so soft & beautiful, so touching, so haunting, in the realm of Rock n' Roll.

One of my favourite songs of all time :-)

I've always loved this song thanks to my dad but this live performance was just next level. Masterpiece

I love the way the song refuses to speed up. It refuses to fill in the gaps. It just holds a steady course, allowing the gorgeous melody to unfold and those haunting lyrics, supported by that classic Hammond organ to weave its spell. Wonderful.

You have just listened to one of the most magical moving pieces of music ever written I am over seventy years old and listened.to this hundreds of times over the years and love it more each time its played its like a wonderful musical drug in my day their was a lot of serious talent about but this was a stand out I'm so lucky goes without saying I love all forms of music

I remember when John Lennon said that this was his favorite song ever written!

'Conquistador', by Procol Harum, would be so awesome to hear you two react too... Well done and Thanks for doing these videos, my friends.

That song always makes me feel both happy and sad at the same time. Greetings from Costa Rica.

Slow dancing with my wife to this in New Orleans in 1977. We still do every year on our anniversary. Thanks for reviewing it.

I guess nobody told him that his voice is supposed to get worse as he grows old...

John Lennon used to drive around in his psychedelic-colored Rolls Royce (where he had a turntable installed) and blasted out this song over and over. Love it. 1967 That second clip is outstanding....he has lost NOTHING in his vocal quality.

I was 9 when this came out - part of the soundtrack of my life. I feel privileged to have grown up with the Beatles, Stones, Who and songs like this. The youth of today are being robbed.

"Hi, Rich and Kel... I'm crying liters here. What a wonderful moment! My order has been placed. This is one of my earliest songs, of all time, and is included in my top 10 of the greatest classics of all. Thank you for making my night memorable. Hugs from here in Brazil. "- M.S.C.

One of my favorite songs since I first heard it in 67! Then I came across the live from Denmark version a few months ago. So beautiful! Gary's voice is even better with age! Love your reaction!

Just one of the most beautiful songs of all time. Always nice to listen.

What a fantastic voice still after all these years he sounds just as good as when first singing that song

One of the most wonderful songs create by mankind. Thanks for this video, so beautiful!

The story I heard was that the song was about an epiphany, at a party, sitting at a table full of friends, across from his girlfriend- thinking she was in love with him and trying to talk her out of leaving for a college far away. Everyone else, including her, was having a bawdy time... and he gradually realizing he had already lost her. She was only seeing her future... while he was seeing the ghost of what they had been, growing paler as the night wore on.

Classic song -was played during my high school years as the slow dance to close every school dance in late 60’s

Oh...my...WORD!!! I've never heard/seen that 2nd video. I am awestruck. That took an already gorgeous song and elevated to the heavens! Thank you so much for sharing that. And thanks to Taun for confirming my "Canterbury Tales" suspicions for this song.

Christopher Pardell said below about this song: The story I heard was that the song was about an epiphany, at a party, sitting at a table full of friends, across from his girlfriend- thinking she was in love with him and trying to talk her out of leaving for a college far away. Everyone else, including her, was having a bawdy time... and he gradually realizing he had already lost her. She was only seeing her future... while he was seeing the ghost of what they had been, growing paler as the night wore on.

Oh, it's over so soon? lol I could listen to this for hours and hours. Understand the orchestra played the same melody over and over and you never get bored. You want it to keep coming, and coming. Gary's voice? Impossible to use words to describe it. You can only feel it and smile.

I have never heard that second version before, but while the first is of course a classic, this orchestrated version really ruled not just because it was orchestrated, it was also because it is live and his singing was just sublime.

His voice matured majesticly, If you haven't done it you should liste the whole concert. I wish I'd been there. This is absolutly spot on. Great singer, great band an great orchestra.

I definitely liked the live version with the orchestra in the background It made an already epic song from the late 60's Even more epic than it already was

Certainly one of greatest songs of the sixties, and almost certainly up there as one of the best songs of all time. This was my mother's boyfriend's favourite song of all time.

I'm sure someone has already commented on this, but two points: 1) The music is based on Bach's Air (On A G String) BWV 1068, 2nd movement. I'm surprised Kel didn't pick up on that. 2) The chorus's lyrics refers to someone reading aloud Chaucer's Miller's Tale (from the Canterbury Tales) which is a bawdy, gross, hilarious story. As the story progresses it goes from bawdy to just plain gross but hilarious if you're a 14 year old boy. Thus the line : "That her face, at first just ghostly Turned a whiter shade of pale"

Now you're on a roll for pop&roll classics. This. Song. Is a must. For anyone who loves music.

One of my favorite all time songs, can listen to this song 20 times in a row, get chills/goosebumps every time 🔥🔥🔥

Whenever these old rock bands include an orchestra it just adds such a richness to the original music.

His name is Gary Brooker and he's a great composer. Listen to the orchestral album Live with the Edmonton Orchestra. Sublime.

The song was based on Chaucer's Canterbury tales, hence the reference to the 'miller'.

Kel looked like she was moved to tears on the 2nd playing of this song

THANK YOU for the 2nd version. I have never heard that before. It blew me away. Love you guys!

When I was a kid in the late '60's, I remember they used to play the organ solo from Whiter Shade of Pale on the tv when the test pattern would interrupt programming. I still think of these times and running off to play with my hotwheels when the programming went down, every time I hear this song.

Procal Harum "Conquistador" live 1972 with orchestra. Love it. The original version of Whiter fades out at the end. The organ was based on a Bach piece and was wonderfully used in a scene in a church in The Commitments (1991). Like the Grateful Dead, PH writes the music and the have a poet write their lyrics. These allied also to The Canterbury Tales.

Oh my god. That last version really was blowing my mind.😍🤗💪🤘👏 Thank you so much #Rich. I'm a fan of Procol Harem and even didn't know of this version. Gary Brooker is one of that special breath of singers who still has a strong voice at his senior age. Shame on me I didn't know this version. Again, thank you very much for placing this on you channel.

A few facts. This was hosted by DR, Danish first national TV station, going back to 1925ish. DR stands for Danmarks Radio. They have their own orchestra, which is also the national symphony orchestra, and the choir is also part of the radio- and TV station, DR. This was just one of many concerts, but they thought this as so great, that they asked Procol Harum, to make a DVD out of the concert. This took a while, so the DVD only came out 3 years later, in 2009. The orchestra, or rather the music department of DR, also has a KZfaq channel, called DR Koncerthuset. It's pretty popular. Their most popular recording, is "The Good, the bad and the ugly", which has over a hundred million views. It is well worth a watch, and also reaction. Maybe a hundred million views doesn't sound like a lot, but for an orchestral peace, it's quite a lot.

This was one of my oldest friend's favorite songs. When he died his daughter sang it at his memorial service.She started and couldn't finish so we all sang it for her and for him. Needless to say we were all crying.

One of my all-time favorite songs from the beginnings of prog rock! I'd never heard the orchestral version but it gave me good bumps!!!! Thanks so much for this!

That second version brings tears to your eyes.

I was 10 years old and remember listening to the song on the radio, life was so full of expectations and tredipdation as I was in the 4th year of junior school and looking at my life changing moving to start secondary school and not knowing what life held in store at a new school. England had won the world cup the year before and life seemed fantastic with not a care in the world and this song epitimised what life really felt like in the UK in the late 60's.

most underrated band ever. the first 5 albums are brilliant.

I instantly fell in love with this song. I was 16

This was played at the funeral of a friend back in the 90's when the coffin was about to leave the church. There was not a dry eye in the place........ Those first few notes still get to me now.

I've heard this song 100's of times but this live performance is absolutely stunning! Love the way you guys presented it as well.

Full 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 have just as wellve been closed She said, Im home on shore leave, Though in truth we were at sea So I took her by the looking glass And forced her to agree Saying, you must be the mermaid Who took neptune for a ride. But she smiled at me so sadly That my anger straightway died If music be the food of love Then laughter is its queen And likewise if behind is in front Then dirt in truth is clean My mouth by then like cardboard Seemed to slip straight through my head So we crash-dived straightway quickly And attacked the ocean bed

"As the Miller told his tale.." is a reference to Jeffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales".

Thanks for that reaction! And thanks further for that bonus live version - had never heard that one, and it was pure splendor! It actually brought a tear to my eye. The orchestral treatment was amazing, vocals just as good as original, and when the organ kicks in...just wow! (I'm a sucker for keyboards). There is a peaceful serenity with this song that just transcends time. My morning has been made!

I only saw Gary Booker when he was playing keyboards in Eric Clapton's band. I don't remember them doing Whiter Shade Of Pale and I had to lie about my age to get in to the gig. Great times.

One of the legendary stories about this song is when it was released John Lennon drove around London in his Rolls-Royce listening to it over and over again

Wow just Wow even after all this time, 42 years latter beautiful.

My daughter and I danced to this song at her wedding in 2004. We used to dance in the kitchen while I was packing my lunch for work with her standing on my feet as we moved around the room when she was 7 or 8. Definitely a lot of memories of simpler times.

Oh thank you for reacting to one of the most beautiful and iconic songs of the sixties. This has always been one of my favorite songs from my childhood. I love the orchestral version because the sound is so much fuller and richer.

Absolute masterpiece it will be played for eternity 🙏

FINALLY !!!!! Thank you thank you thank you !!!!! Love how you set up the live version with the studio !!! Gary Booker is like a fine wine that gets better with age. I recommend doing the same with "Conquistador", "A salty dog" and "The Grand Hotel", all three performed live in the same concert. Thanks again !!! ( I KNEW that live version would touch Kel's soul ).......

One of my favorite songs. I don’t think I heard it until I was in my teens.

If you did not live in the 60's. You will not know the background and the sense (feel) of the time, to these song's. Psychedelia, rock & roll etal.

Robin Trower was a member of this band but at times you wouldn't know it, i.e., this song. Gary Brooker was the founder, keyboard player and vocalist so I guess he called the shots.

I'm with ya Kel. That live version just elevated a song that was already a classic to a life-changing experience.

Wow, I've never heard this song so clearly before as the first cut! Must be a different take than was on the radio so much. And Booker sounded exactly like he did all those years ago in that live take. Awesome, and I just now cried, too!

Thank you Kel and Rich,thats the first time I`ve heard the orchestral version of that song.Much apriciated.

Brilliant! Perfect way to gain even deeper appreciation for a timeless song.

Thanks for sharing the second version. Hadn't seen that. Some tears flowing.

In these troubled times it would do the world 🌎 good to go back and give the songs of the Vietnam War era another listen. So much pain yet so much love. Another great choice. Bless you both.

You guys are great! I can see how much you love her, and how much feeling she's capable of. Thanks!

WOW that live version is incredible! What a bonus Rich!

OH MY GAWD... I didn't know the newer one existed... compound goosebumps!!! And I know exactly how Kel felt.

Rich- Awesome that you did both versions! Definitely Gary Brooker!. Kel- Your reaction was classic! Absolutely wonderful to see how much you enjoyed the LIVE Denmark performance. One of the best ever!!!

The contrast between then and now is brilliant. Thanks for recognizing talent that doesn't age.

One of my favourite songs of all time. Absolutely love the melancholy of the organ. A gem! For some reason I always get emotional by this one. "Homburg" is a great one of them aswell. And in comparison,... nothing beats that original organ.

Takes me back to my youth and the second version is the greatest i have ever heard.

Great song and band! Love their music!

...this song has accompanied me through my whole life. "A Whiter Shade of Pale," "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye, "Nights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues - these three songs have shaped my life and my musical taste. Today I'm 70 years old, I enjoy the old songs (but also the new ones) - back in 1967 I was a young guy who loved music and danced the night away. With this song I met my first great love, lost her again with much heartache... man, those were the times...

sound of my young years,one of many. This version not the single edit version but still superb. Gary Brooker said he "had no idea" what the lyrics meant,lol. It was the 60's man,where you didnt have to explain. Conquistador was also excellent. the 60's,what a unique time to be alive,followed by the magnificent 70's. Blessed.

I've always loved that song and the new version is great too!

The song is about an episode happened in a pub. The "miller" is telling a fun sex story about a woman and didn't realize that the protagonist of the "tale" was the pub waitress. That's why "her face turned a whiter shade of pale".

I knew of that song and always remember the organ part being played in various films, TV dramas, etc. but that orchestral version I never heard before and it really took the song to a whole new level.

I can't remember what my first thoughts were when I first heard this song - it was too many years ago ('67 to be exact - wow I'm getting old!) but I do remember that I fell in love with the song right off and still feel the same way... The line in the song "As the Miller told his tale" - is a reference to Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales", so the woman in the song should probably be viewed through the lens of The Millers Tale (Infidelity if my memory serves)... My second favorite PH song is "Conquistador"... Great reaction BTW I would love to see Kels reaction to #ironbutterfly Inna-gadda-da-Vida..

For some reason my brain ,which I'm kinda stuck with, always associates this song with Moody Blues- Nights in White Satin and vice versa, kudos on the second version Back again, see ye've reacted to that a couple of days ago, excellent👍

Watching this video is the best half hour I've spent in a long time. The song has haunted me, in the best way, for most of my life... ever since it was first released. I was a teen then. Both of your reactions are a mirror image of how I feel whenever I hear it. Thanks, many thanks.

One of my top favorite songs. Even after 52 years, it gives me goosebumps. I listen to this all the time. It’s on my Johnny Rivers Realization album too♥️

What a great voice Gary Brooker had/ has wow.

This song just melts my heart.

First of all, what a surprise for me - I'm 65. I've heard that song hundreds of times. I have, until just now, only heard the version that fades out, not this full version. About the live version; imagine being Gary Booker. After all those years, singing your hit with that orchestra. He must have loved it!

I recommended this exact performance one one of your videos yesterday...thanks so much for this xx

From the same time period: "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge.

You'll have to play Conquistador, Salty Dog,Whiskey Train,Hamburg at some point.

I was 16 when this song came out and the haunting melody always resonated with me as part of the soundtrack of my life. The 2006 version with the Danish National Concert Orchestra and choir at Ledreborg Castle, Denmark somehow carries it to an almost religious experience - stunningly beautiful.

Outstanding! Hadn't seen the live version. Fantastic! Thank you for the reaction.

great reactions! Rich, PLEASE play some Electric Light Orchestra for Kel. Strange Magic, Telephone Line, Showdown are all excellent choices from this Hall of Fame band. I guarantee she will love their music.

Kel, I realize that you are a young lady and that some of this music is before your time. However, to truly understand this music you have to look at the ear in which it came from. Whiter shade of pale was termed "Head Music". That is to say to understand where the band was coming from it helped if you were stoned. If you can sit in a darken room, close your eyes and allow the images from the lyrics to pop into your mind's eye, you can see and feel the music. If you go line by line of the lyrics they have special meaning; which is now lost to time, yet a few of us still remember what they mean. A good example of this type of lyrics if "American Pie" by Don Mclean. The second version of this song was beautiful.. It did help understand the first version a little bit better. But if I may suggest, listen to it in the dark and concentrate on the imagery. :-) Great pick Rich. :-)

First heard this song when my sister was playing it on a 45 in her room in 67. You play a lot of songs with many, many memories. Thank you!

WOW!! thanks for this KnR!....a classic from my youth that always brings me back....but that live version...WOW !!!! moved to tears on that one. just beautiful

Yes a band I heard of. Thus is a great classic song. I put it in the category of Turn the Page by Seger

I think this is awesome. I would love to see you react to Conquistador by these guys.

I was 15 when I first heard this 1967 my older brother said you have to hear this after that I was hooked. Thanks guys really was a beautiful song.

The story I have heard about this is that it started from a jam the band had and the lyrics were added later. The lyrics are in the tradition of English ballads and references Geoffrey Chaucer's "Miller's Tale". The point of the tales are to capture a moment in time and to show the everyday lives of those involved. Its a lyrical snapshot of a moment in time from a time before snapshots. He then exposits on the meaning behind the intentions of those involved. So, in my opinion he is drawing a picture of this club where all these different people have their own intentions and they come together to hear this wonderful music and their lives are changed forever.