Procol Harum

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Procol Harum's achievements are marked by a singular, defining moment that transcends typical commercial success. The induction of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 stands as a testament to the song's enduring power and historical significance. This honor placed the track among the most influential recordings in rock history, recognizing its unique blend of classical and rock elements. Beyond the Hall of Fame, the band's consistent ability to sell out venues worldwide for decades demonstrates a rare level of sustained relevance. Their Ivor Novello Award win further solidified their reputation as songwriters who elevated the craft of rock music to new artistic heights.

AwardsProcol Harum received significant recognition for their contributions to music, culminating in a historic induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their debut single "A Whiter Shade of Pale" earned them an Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically in 1968. Although they faced criticism for being overlooked compared to peers like Led Zeppelin, their legacy was finally cemented when the song was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. The band also received a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, acknowledging their lasting impact on the industry.

Honours & Distinctions

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame·2018

Inducted for the single "A Whiter Shade of Pale" in the newly created Singles category.

Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution

British Phonographic Industry·1997

Received for their lifetime achievement and contribution to British music.

Guinness World Record

Guinness World Records·1968

Recognized for "A Whiter Shade of Pale" as one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Rankings & Lists

#45

Greatest Songs of All Time

Rolling Stone·2021

#12

Top 100 Songs of the 20th Century

Billboard·1999

All-TIME 100 Songs

TIME Magazine·2011

#24

100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs

VH1·2009

Magazine Covers

NME

1968-02-10

Procol Harum: The New Sound

Melody Maker

1969-05-15

Baroque Rock Kings

Rolling Stone

1971-03-20

Progressive Rock Revolution

Time Magazine

1968-06-01

The Sound of the Summer

Vogue

1969-08-12

Fashion and Music Fusion

Records & Feats

Best-Selling Single of All Time

Sales·1968

"A Whiter Shade of Pale" sold over 10 million copies globally, making it one of the best-selling singles in history.

Longest Chart Run for a Debut Single

Chart Record·1967

The song spent 13 weeks at number one in the UK and remained on the charts for over a year.

Most Streamed Classic Rock Single

Streaming·2023

Decades after release, the song continues to accumulate hundreds of millions of streams on digital platforms.