A Whiter Shade of Pale

May 12, 1967 marked the release of a single that would redefine rock music without the benefit of heavy promotion. Procol Harum delivered "A Whiter Shade of Pale" through Deram Records, launching a track that climbed to number one in the UK and reached number five on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song sold over ten million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling singles in history. Its sound blended soulful vocals with a melancholic organ melody heavily inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's cantata Sleepers, Wake!.

The track's creation involved a unique collaboration between lyricist Keith Reid and musician Gary Brooker. For decades, organist Matthew Fisher remained uncredited despite his pivotal role in crafting the iconic riff. A legal battle in 2009 finally secured him a co-writing credit and a share of royalties. While the band initially feared including the hit on their debut album would make fans feel cheated, it eventually appeared on later pressings of Procol Harum.

Critical acclaim has followed the song for over fifty years. The Grammy Hall of Fame inducted it in 1998, and radio researchers identified it as the most-played record in Britain over the past seventy years. Filmmakers frequently use the track in soundtracks for movies like The Big Chill and shows such as House M.D.. More than a thousand artists have covered the tune, including Wess, Mariah Carey, and Annie Lennox, proving its enduring appeal across decades. [edit]