Gary Brooker

Gary Brooker, MBE, (born May 29, 1945),Hackney, London, is a singer, songwriter, pianist, and founder of the classical rock band Procol Harum. Brooker was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's Birthday Honours on June 14, 2003 in recognition of his charitable services.

Related Topics:
MBE - May 29 - 1945 - Hackney - London - Singer - Songwriter - Pianist - Classical rock - Procol Harum - Queen's Birthday Honours - 2003

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Gary Brooker founded The Paramounts in 1962 with his guitarist chum Robin Trower. The band gained respect within the burgeoning 1960's British R 'n' B scene, which yielded The Beatles, The Animals, The Spencer Davis Group, The Rolling Stones, and many others. The Stones, in particular, were Paramounts fans, giving them guest billing on several memorable shows in the early 1960's.

Related Topics:
1962 - Robin Trower - British - R 'n' B - The Beatles - The Animals - Spencer Davis Group - Rolling Stones

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In 1966, Brooker founded Procol Harum. "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" is the #1 worldwide hit that Procol Harum is most known for, but Brooker's melancholy vocals and emotive, classically-trained piano were a key part of Procol's musical mix for the entire course of the band's career. In the early years both Brooker and Trower were the guiding musical forces behind the band, but after disparities in style became too much and Trower left, Brooker was the clear leader until the band broke up in 1977.

Related Topics:
1966 - A Whiter Shade Of Pale - 1977

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A new incarnation of the band, led by Brooker, has continued touring the United States since 1992 (see 1992 in music). Brooker also toured with Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band in 1997 and 1999.

Related Topics:
United States - 1992 - 1992 in music - Ringo Starr - 1997 - 1999

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