Procol Harum

United Kingdom, 1967–1977

London band led by Gary Brooker. 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' (1967) set a Bach-derived organ line against blues-based vocal phrasing and became one of the most widely heard singles of the period.

MusicRoots documents 5 artists who influenced Procol Harum and 0 artists Procol Harum influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Procol Harum?

• Johann Sebastian Bach — 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' is directly built on Bach's Air on the G String — a documented, legally-settled derivation.
• Ray Charles — Ray Charles was the soul-vocal model Gary Brooker was always aiming for.
• The Beatles — The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper era directly inspired Procol Harum's ambitious studio approach.
• Bob Dylan — Dylan's literary surrealism was the primary influence on Keith Reid's lyrics.
• Little Richard — Named with Ray Charles and the blues as Gary Brooker's roots.