R.I.P. Gary Brooker. You made the World a more goose-bumpy place with this one. Rest easy.

@robingarvin-mack

Жыл бұрын

I do not get goose bumps... I instead get mild parethesia - a tingling sensation in the sides and back of scalp whenever I hear something as HeavenIy and Divine as this. His passing is such a sad loss, but his music and legacy will live on for an eternity. *_R_* 😎

@sneakyfox4651

Жыл бұрын

@@robingarvin-mack Absolutely. And I dread the next decade, or so, having to say "Farewell" to so many of the greatest musicians of our time.

@jordimoore2167

10 ай бұрын

His voice has never changed, even after 55 or so years!

@sneakyfox4651

10 ай бұрын

@@jordimoore2167 True. It' remarkable.

Peter Frampton, when asked recently in an interview what he considers the most perfect song, he immediately said "Whiter Shade of Pale"

@3allz

4 жыл бұрын

I think John Lennon said this is the best song in the world

@kathleenkarsten5739

4 жыл бұрын

Rick Oliver I agree. I adore this song, but THIS version is my all time favorite. It touches my heart and makes me cry. (I have listened to this song since it came out. I still have not idea what it’s about and I don’t care. It moves my soul, and that’s enough for me. ❤️)

@kilgoretrout3966

4 жыл бұрын

i was going to say that. it was on Rick Beato's Everything Music. He asked him what the best song ever written was. Peter replied, "Oh, there's too many", Rick then said..."Ok, best ballad?"....and that's when without a thought he immediately said, "Oh, Whiter Shade of Pale....because its just perfect." Rock on, Gary Brooker, your voice has gotten nothing but richer over the years!

@garymaidman625

3 жыл бұрын

And the song is all about trying to pick up a chick. Best pickup song ever.

@bryanmoney9597

3 жыл бұрын

All the pro s of music are right...

God bless this man's beautiful soul and may he rest in eternal peace 💔

That wasn't just any orchestra...it was the Danish National Symphony Orchestra. They sometimes accompany an artist or group. What a thrill for all involved.

@maureenmannion6748

Ай бұрын

It was a beautiful rendition. In An interview Gary talks about that moment in time.

Blown away. I did NOT expect Gary Brooker’s voice to sound like that nearly 50 years after the original recording.

@trav-c137

4 жыл бұрын

this was from 06

@Teleken1968

4 жыл бұрын

an absolute bossanova The record was released in 1967, so 40 years rather than 50.

@trav-c137

4 жыл бұрын

@@Teleken1968 😉

@frandanco6289

4 жыл бұрын

@@Teleken1968 No, if this is 2020, then this song was released 53 years ago..

@seamuskennedy9052

3 жыл бұрын

Released in 1967. This concert was in 2006. Gary was 61 here (born 1945)

John Lennon once said that this was one of the most beautiful songs he'd ever heard 😊

@Albertanator

3 жыл бұрын

That is awesome....and John Lennon knew something about beautiful music!

@teacherdave27

2 жыл бұрын

Too bad he didn’t live to see this version of it, I personally like it even better than the original (which is an incredibly beautiful song).

@handsome-brute2666

2 жыл бұрын

He also said he wished he had wrote ✍ it

@louisflores861

2 жыл бұрын

Lennon like it so much that Mind Games was a part II melodically of PH's AWSOP. Follow the melody pattern and structure.

Gary Brooker had a great presence, and a voice 👏 that gived off such a beautiful sound and unique style 👌!! He was truly one of a kind!! R.I.P. Gary.

Gary Brooker's voice aged like fine cognac, this is an amazing rendition with orchestra! It helps when you are inspired by Bach and write a Rock song around it.

@keithpittell3944

7 ай бұрын

The organ intro and recurring theme by Mathew Fisher was loosely based on Bach's "Air on a G-string", evidently referring to his wife's skimpy undergarments. But after that the melody diverges.

One of the best songs ever written.

Goodbye Gary. It's a privilege listening to you way back when and now. Through good and bad. You defined our generation. RIP and be well, wherever you are.

One of the greatest songs ever written. One of the greatest vocalists of all time. And add that orchestra and that venue. You wind up with sheer magic. Wow.

Some performances give you the chills. Some make your hair stand up. Some bring you to tears. I'm crying.

This is one of those songs that gets better with age . No one can perform this like Gary , no one else can bring the passion he has. This is one song that just can't be covered , it wouldn't sound right with anyone else's voice but Gary Brooker's .

@Rosannasfriend

4 жыл бұрын

This is the first time I've heard his version and I think it's the best I've ever heard. Why do so many people hate this song, and even feel offended by it?

@zeta-57

7 ай бұрын

Find the Annie Lennox version, it is an excellent cover

Not all songs deserve an orchestral arrangement. This is one that does.

@volo1826

4 жыл бұрын

This is considered by many to be the greatest song ever made and rightly so. So I agree, it deserves an orchestra. As long as the organ is still there haha.

@prickyX

4 жыл бұрын

Considering that it was based on Bach, the orchestra is fitting.

@casalaiz4413

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree! Another song where an orchestra is fitting is on Nights in White Satin by the Moody Blues.

@seamuskennedy9052

3 жыл бұрын

Gary was trained in classical music as a child and always liked that genre. He used orchestras in some other concerts too.

@barbarapybus5660

3 жыл бұрын

@@volo1826 I prefer the original version!

Gary Brooker was a musical genius, Whiter Shade of Pale will go down as 100 greatest songs of the rock era. RIP Gary Brooker.

Maybe i'm just tired on a shitty rainy Friday afternoon at work but listening to his voice just now literally made me weep! Jesus.Just incredible

R.I.P. Gary Brooker. Throughout his career, Gary Brooker always sounded exactly like Gary Brooker. His voice is unique and wonderful. So many great songs from this group. A timeless collection of songs.

This is my favourite version of this song. So epic with the full orchestra and that beautiful Hammond organ.

I just watched this yesterday. Totally amazed at Gary Brookers performance. And now today I find out he passed away. Today. God bless your soul. Thank you

This song, this timeless Masterpiece IS the complete story, range and depth of the "human experience"...

So sad that we'll never experience his incredible voice live again . RIP Gary 🙏

Orchestra at the begining, emotional voice of Gary Brooker - it is the most beautiful version of this song song what I've ever listened 🥺 (during listening and watching my male eyes get wet). RIP for Gary Brooker 😔. Thank you for this film!

This production is stunning in every way.

The late Gary Brooker, Paul Rodgers and Natalie Merchant are three of the finest, most soulful voices in popular music that all appeared to improve with age.

Procol Harum... they're a legend for a reason.

@ComeOnIsSuchAJoy

4 жыл бұрын

It's a shame most people only know this song and "Conquistador" from them. Anyone who doesn't have _Shine on Brightly_ or _Grand Hotel_ need to go out and buy them, stat.

@stevebengel1346

2 жыл бұрын

@@ComeOnIsSuchAJoy 👍👍👍

This was played at my Grandad's funeral, sounds beautiful. Makes me tear up. Great selection Beth

@kathleenkarsten5739

4 жыл бұрын

Craig Clampitt ❤️❤️❤️

One of the finest musical performances of all times.

My favorite Procol Harum song is Conquistador. The rendition in that very concert is awesome!

One the most beautiful melodies ever written.

Gary Brooker one of the best of all time.. Such a soulful voice! Bravo!!

"A Whiter Shade of Pale" has sold in excess of 10,000,000 copies which is a remarkable feat, especially for a song released as a single. Only about 40 songs in history have ever achieved this great feat. In 2004 the song also made it onto the top 60 of Rolling Stone’s notable ranking of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 1998, it was inducted into the highly-distinguished Grammy Hall of Fame. And in 1977 the Brit Awards gave it the distinction of being The Best British Pop Single 1952-1977, an accolade it shared with “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975) by Queen. Also in 2018 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame changed its criteria, allowing singles to be inducted into the institution as opposed to only musicians themselves. And “A Whiter Shade of Pale” was amongst the first songs to be enshrined therein. The success of this song has led to “a whiter shade of pale” being adopted as a common phrase in the English lexicon.

Wow, there is no one on this planet who doesn't love this song. What a performance from Gary Brooker and thank you to lyricist Keith Reid for the lyrics. Timeless and Magical

@maureenmannion6748

Ай бұрын

Keith Reid was a brilliant poet. I learned he was the son of a Holocaust survivor, his Dad. To me that explains a lot about Keith's views on life. I think he downloaded the Ancestral sorrows of his people. RIP Keith.

This is such a fantastic version of this classic song, his voice and singing just is amazing, gave me serious goosebumps.

You almost teared up a couple of times. Don't worry though, I always choke up to this song. 😪

@johnmackay7789

4 жыл бұрын

Almost there myself.

@jimmurphy4703

3 жыл бұрын

Yep

Restrained passion is a mark of wisdom. He picks his moments, fully engaged but comfortable within his zone. It's emotional but not out of control.

I am so glad you liked this version. I almost tear up every time . Thank you for saying the words to describe what I was thinking but couldn't talk it out. This is a genius song with a deep meaning. You are the BEST!!!!

This song is such a masterpiece... and how old is Gary Brooker? it's crazy how good he sounds at his age

@NikStarow

4 жыл бұрын

Gary turned 74 in may.

@waldwuffel1260

4 жыл бұрын

Saw them play a live show last year, when Gary Brooker was 73. And he sounded this good, all the way through. It was amazing. And quite emotional at times.

@karlsmith2570

4 жыл бұрын

Niklas Starow wow, he turned 74 back in May and he can still hit those high notes like that I'm impressed, I hope that I could still sing that well when I'm 74

@NikStarow

4 жыл бұрын

@@karlsmith2570 I was a choireboy when i was young and still couldnt sing that well.

@karlsmith2570

4 жыл бұрын

Niklas Starow I doubt that I could match the harmonies that Gary does in this song But I do ok as far as singing goes

The performance bowled me over too. What a great naturally relaxed vocal! The orchestra and chorus was pitch-perfect magnificent. The Hammond organ crescendo with it's Leslie spinning-speaker was perfect! Bravo!

@maureenmannion6748

Ай бұрын

But Fisher wasn't the organist right?

Such a great song and a great version of this song. Is that a tear drop in my eye? Yes it is.

The melody of this song has become a classic piece in movies when they reflect to the sixties. I enjoy the original recording, but when I heard this version from 2006. I was so impressed by how much his voice suited the song now from a much older man sharing his story. This song and Salty Dog from the same concert have such wonderful climactic endings. So beautifully presented with the orchestra and choir. Cheers

His voice has aged so well, goosebumps. I have that DVD and I enjoyed seeing you adore it. Well what else could one do? :) "A Salty Dog" from the same concert is even more epic.

@christinewaring3513

4 жыл бұрын

I adore "A Salty Dog"!

@und3rgroundman865

4 жыл бұрын

@@christinewaring3513 easy now

@777colin1

2 жыл бұрын

"A Salty Dog" is so good too, in a similar vein to Whiter Shade, but different enough. It's a classic

Beth, I realize this video is a couple years old, as of your posting it. I wanted to share because I saw it come across my feed. As somebody who is in a wheelchair and was a musician for close to 15 years vocally, mostly with groups and or quartets with instrumentation both backing us when we would perform. Gary Booker was a treasure for any aspiring or seasoned vocalist. There was no imitating him as there is no imitating anyone, but you hear the Majesty in his voice, especially in his later years. I love your comment about voices getting better as they get older. I have not performed in a great number of years my speaking voice is still pretty strong and when I sing songs that I enjoy they may not be perfect but the heart is there. The loss of Gary Booker is a blow to music as a whole. Whiter Shade of Pale is a pillar for anybody that wants to understand the power of vocal performance. When news broke of Gary's passing I literally sat and cried. 1967 was a different time, my parents were young and I wasn't even born yet but you can feel the power of those years come to us through this all. Thank you for your video I don't know if you'll see this but if you do please know that I am thankful for not only your thoughts but knowing somebody else understands the power of music in and of itself but also the wonderful voice of the legendary Gary Booker.

@maureenmannion6748

Ай бұрын

Just want to say thank you for your post. Very touching.

One of my absolute favourite songs ever and this version is just wonderful

The Hammond sounds so hauntingly beautiful.

Girl, he always sounded like that. No auto tune need, just pure talent!

I was a kid when this came out in '67, but I remember it well. Transported us to a difference place. A good place. Nice comments, Beth (by the way, beautiful red hair--along with the rest). And thanks, Gary, for the wonderful music. We'll miss you. The world's better for you having been with us. And, at the end of the day, isn't that the best anyone can do?

Thank you for reviewing this with us ! The original LP was amazing back in the 70's !!! These guys still have it !!! This orchestra arrangement - wow ! Love it !!

I have loved this song since the 60's! Even better with the orchestra and choir! Gary's voice sounds a lot like Ray Charles these days. So much soul! Glad you enjoyed it!

I don’t think he sounds very different from when he originally recorded it. I like how you appreciated the simplistic beauty of his performance.

@joshgiannini1804

3 жыл бұрын

I think he sounds better

@joyfulzero853

2 жыл бұрын

@@joshgiannini1804 As she said his voice sounds better with maturity

@doctornova3015

Жыл бұрын

Yes , better.

Beth, you certainly have, to my ear, at least, an Irish accent. I have to admit, that this Performance of A Whiter Shade of Pale brings me to tears, and I am an old macho man. You take a classic song, combined with a great singer and orchestra with choir-- YOU CAN’T GET ANY BETTER!

I love this song so, so much. My dad always played it on vinyl when my brother and I were growing up. So many great memories attached with this song

even after all the years still one of the best storytelling voices ever.

Sounds just as great today as it did 54 years ago at the age of 10,It's funny how the truly great songs never age but we do' I thank God for growing up in such an amazing era of music and what a gift to be able to listen to this song

"I don't know if I should stop it" how wise of you not to stop it, thank you for that

Gary Brooker, my favorite British singer... Been a Procol Harum fan since 1967... Have all their albums... Gary always had a mature voice even when he was young... He always had a powerful black soulful voice and he's still got it... Thanks for posting Beth...

@lordhampton-wick7500

3 жыл бұрын

Gary Brooker doesn't have a black soulful voice. He has a white soulful voice, he is without doubt one of the very best, and this song just blows me away. 😃 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🇬🇧

This song has always given me a major case of the feels, but this version with the orchestra and chorus brings it HARD. I posted this on my Facebook feed when I heard of his passing. I've loved this song ever since I was a kid when it came out. Absolutely mesmerizing. One of four songs I want played at my funeral

This is what happens when you witness one of the greatest songs ever made. I still remember my first time hearing this and yeah stopping it is hard. Procol Harum did some good stuff. Grand Hotel is another nice one. Thank you for the reaction!

@armandopineda2845

3 жыл бұрын

Child you sound like you know what you talkin about

@armandopineda2845

3 жыл бұрын

Lovely breakdown you come across very sincere and that's endearing

@maureenmannion6748

Ай бұрын

​@@armandopineda2845😂😂❤❤

He is one of the greats song writer and singer thank you Beth it almost had me in tears

If anyone wants to hear vintage Procol Harum with an orchestra, their Live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is amazing.

@tonyadurst-scarlett1542

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I am definitely going to check that out.

@meatpilot

4 жыл бұрын

Something really cool about the orchestra being used is that the keyboard player was trying to play a Bach song on organ when he forgot it and fell into this song. If anything, bringing it to an orchestra is what he was always going for.

@HenryFordOfficial

2 жыл бұрын

That version of Conquistador still gets radio playtime here, one of the greatest

@maureenmannion6748

Ай бұрын

​@@meatpilotare you speaking about Fisher?

So happy you are doing this one. In my opinion, one of the greatest songs ever written. And many professional artists agree with that statement.

One of my favorite rock arrangements to watch with an orchestra. Thank you Beth for guidance and reaction.

this has to be one of the greatest songs ever written! Thanks!

The greatest rendition ever of one of the greatest songs ever written. Thank you for reviewing it.

@BethRoars

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Beth - - I really enjoy seeing your reaction to a song (and performance) that I have absolutely loved ever since I saw it on KZread - - maybe 5 years ago? I am 73 and I also loved this song when it first came out. Sometimes I wonder if young people who didn't grow up with this kind of music will appreciate something like this the way many of us did (and still do). Seeing your reaction (and emotion) was wonderful for me to see. Thank you. P.S. Gary Brooker (the singer) died this week at age 76. He wrote the music (not the lyrics) for this song.

Gary Brooker's voice is pure quality. Like honey dripping into your ears. I think Beth's got a crush - on his voice at least! 😋

@TheDriftwoodlover

4 жыл бұрын

Beth may not but I do!

@mreverly

4 жыл бұрын

I think that I have a crush on Beth.

@kimberlygabaldon3260

Жыл бұрын

Who doesn't have that crush? 💖⚘💕

Blown away every time I hear this! Love the voice, the orchestra and the lyrics 💙🎶✊

I’ve absolutely loved this song since it was first released. Still gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.♥️♥️♥️♥️

RIP Gary ,i loved this as a teenager and having read the Canterbury tales in grammar school i understood the lyrics. Saw them live at the Edinburgh festival in the seventies ,cant remember what year,after all it was the seventies.

I see myself now in 1967 slow dancing with my girlfriend at a school party … and they played the song loudly twice. Amazing, legendary song. This is a great rendition.

I saw the original around 1970 . I recently saw them on Long Island . Gary still has it ! To the next 100 years !

The voice, the band, the orchestra- just beautiful. A favorite song my entire life

Yeah, Gary Brooker had the looks and the voice that made all chicks melt 🙂

React to Moody Blues: nights in White satin it’s amazing

@cookmoore3736

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, of course with this ;) Justin Justin Justin with his mourning English folk style. Beautiful singing from the heart.

@tonia-lynnkeller1970

4 жыл бұрын

YES! I think you would LOVE it!

@jackno7danls

4 жыл бұрын

Yes! That or Tuesday Afternoon

@prickyX

4 жыл бұрын

Forever Autumn from War of the Worlds.

@WessGrumble

4 жыл бұрын

@@prickyX yes!!!

It was filmed in Denmark - I lived there for 15 years and I know how appreciative Danes are of legends like Gary Brooker. The original video for the song was done back in 1967 and shot at Great Witley Court which is just a few miles away from where I now live. What I find interesting about this song is how the vocal is embedded in the orchestral and the acoustic memory of the one continues as a kind of counterpoint when listening to the vocal. Yes I can well imagine how everyone enjoyed the concert above!

OMGOODNESS, this version is AMAZING!! Thank you so much for sharing this. 💙💙💙

Oh man, i'm so glad you're reacting to this. I really love Procol Harum!

I've seen this a million times over the years, and danced with my love to it a millions plus... and I still get teared up most all the times as his feelings in this piece are off the charts

Always loved this song. It's somehow stately and down-to-earth at the same time.

@maureenmannion6748

Ай бұрын

"Stately and down to Earth". Beautiful!

Been watching this version since it was first available and still to this day when that the oboe come in.....no words to describe it..the whole performance is totally stunning by any standard

Hey Beth, lots of reactors have reacted to this particular video...and we love that they have. But we also chose to watch it on your channel because we appreciate you. So don't ever feel bad about stopping the performance. We don't mind, because you do so with such grace and professionalism.

@BethRoars

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your super thanks and lovely comments. You just made my day. I’m so grateful for your kindness and encouragement. You are the best! 😊

Wow! He still sounds amazing. What a true talent.

This may be one of the best videos you have reacted to on your channel. Love this version!

THIS is why I watch your reaction videos! Not only do you share your love for, and insight into singing, but sometimes I find a gem like this, that I may have never found without your help. Thank you!

I love how you really feel the emotions of the music instead of just analysing it.

@BethRoars

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks 😊

Great choice! Love Procol Harum to death. React to A Salty Dog - another great showcase of Gary Brooker's vocal prowess.

@brantheavner9770

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Beth Roars. Would you ever consider covering the song A Whiter Shade of Pale? Your warm female voice would add another dimension to the song. Thank you for doing what you. With warm wishes and respect, Brant ☺☺

I heard a quote years ago, (can't remember from who), that said; "Just because you can do vocal gymnastics, doesn't mean you can sing." This man, can sing (Karen Carpenter is also a perfect example of.....a singer)

@plantdesigns7889

4 жыл бұрын

The sad thing is, a lot of people that can sing, screw it up with vocal gymnastics. Case in point, Christina Aguilera. The girl has a great voice, but she does nothing but runs. Her national anthem performance was so cringeworthy when it could have been spectacular had she just sung it. On the other hand, Lady Gaga nailed it when she sang it before the Superbowl a few years ago.

@garymaidman625

3 жыл бұрын

Chris Stapleton is another who can sing. He does runs, but they are appropriate.

Always one of my favorite songs from when I was in elementary school in the 80s listening to the local oldies stations. This version nearly brought tears to my eyes. Awesome

One of the most literate songs ever within rock history. Saw them half a century ago, when this was a new song.

I always get choked up by this song. I do prefer the versions with the organ intro. It makes is so much more melancholic.

@charliestevenson6452

3 жыл бұрын

I agree that this sounds good too. His voice aged well and has a quality that only age and wisdom gained through experience can produce. The original was lamenting a lost love. Now in this version he is recounting his life and we are drawn into it as well. We collectively reflect on our past as we realize that we are closer to the end our lives. We can now remember fondly the pain of our youth.

@maureenmannion6748

Ай бұрын

​@@charliestevenson6452I like your word lamenting. Hadn't thought of that word but it's a perfect description of the feelings evoked in me by this song. It truly is a Lamentation. Thank you.

Excellent post!!! I listen to this particular KZread version quite a lot. Great appraisal.

I saw Queen 3 times, twice with Freddy Mercury. Took my daughter to see Queen with Adam Lambert. These bands live on without having to be played on the radio. There's the following that isn't needed on replay. Proco Harem, Queen and other bands live on without the need for radio. They have followers that will keep these bands/groups alive for years. Thank you for playing this. Brings back so many memories... I'm almost 70, so have these memories.

"But mostly he's just singin' from the soul, isn't he?" - You got it, Beth - that's exactly right!

@george474747

2 жыл бұрын

It helps - a lot - when the harmonies you're singing were composed by Bach!

@dalexplym4882

2 жыл бұрын

@@george474747 Lennon-McCartney, Brooker-Bach... Some combinations are made in heaven, some even transcend time.

@maureenmannion6748

Ай бұрын

​@@dalexplym4882I would say Brooker Bach and Reid.

One of the best songs ever!❤️

By god, that tone. It envelops you. His voice sounds like what freshly baked bread smells, you know?) Am I crazy? It's this sweet, rich, and comforting kind of feeling.

@maureenmannion6748

Ай бұрын

Comforting, not so much. More a Lamentation to me. Thanks to another poster on here for the word LAMENT.

wow. cant believe you are reacting to this! i wouldnt have thought that this performance wouldnt ever make it to a reaction vid. super impressed. def subbing!

I cannot get over just how well-preserved Brooker's voice is. It's nearly identical to himself as a young man - a bit less upper range, but more control and emotionality. Love this version!

Gary sounds the same through all these years. Classic.

The audience is taking all this in and probably mesmerized and it's an awesome orchestra . Thanks for the video and comments.

If there's one person I wish we could bring back, it would be Gary. RIP.

I always get so overwhelmed each and every time I hear this masterpiece. I noticed your reaction when you kinda fell back. I finally saw someone who reacted in awe of probably my favourite song of all time. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. 💜 🇨🇦