THIS WAS SO MAGICAL!!! | Procol Harum - "A Whiter Shade of Pale" | FIRST TIME REACTION

[@Ted-FitzGerald]

Gary Brooker (The lead singer) was a great friend of mine. We both lived in the same village and drank in the same pub. He played this song on the pub piano on my birthday one year knowing it was a favourite of mine. His voice got better with age, I believe this song still holds a record of some sort. The number one selling single of all time or something along those lines. Gary was a really nice genuinely and friendly guy and brilliant artist. R.I.P Gary!

[@winstonnicoll5175]

Fabulous origonal band, Gary was the glue and a fabulous muso and man. I still play this song

[@Rolling_Ronnie]

We lived nearby (the other side of Godalming) and my friends mum worked at the chicken farm where they had a rehearsal space in a barn. She was always complaining about the noise 🙂

[@Ted-FitzGerald]

@Rolling_Ronnie I'm assuming that was the chicken farm at the end of the lane where he lived on Chiddingfold road. We lived next door to the Sun inn pub. Where he used to go most evenings.

[@Rolling_Ronnie]

@@Ted-FitzGerald That's right. We lived in Priorswood, just off the A3 and used to go to The Sun regularly (as well as many others). We also used to go to thee Gin Mill Club at The Angel where we first saw Genesis in their very early days

[@BobbyGeneric145]

​@@Rolling_Ronnieneighbors meeting over youtube!

[@svolos1971]

John Lennon once proclaimed that this was the best song he ever heard. Real music, real talent, real charisma and a legacy for the ages.

[@paramounttechnicalconsulti5219]

And that would come from the man who; among others, created "Imagine". Always humlbles me; these sounds and these thoughts never existed - until the moment one person brought them forth.

[@williamthelast1]

I didn't know that...Thank you !! John had always be good tastes in music....❤❤❤❤❤😂😂😂❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@wiggorroshaug7456]

I agree,,the best ever

[@nunya2171]

Yeah I believe he even had a special record player installed in his Cadillac convertible so he could drive around NYC with this song on full blast.

[@MoodyMarco-vj3oe]

@@paramounttechnicalconsulti5219 "Imagine no possessions", while sitting in a $1,000,000 house playing a $300,000 piano...

[@TannerHemmingsen]

RIP Gary Brooker. Your music will live forever in our hearts

[@philipdavison6523]

Here I am in 2024, 67 years of age, yet my heart belongs in the 60's and 70's. Thanks for another great reaction.

[@dewman0269]

I feel you , Philip...I'm 67 also and stuck in the sixties forever and proud of it...

[@richardjames3022]

Same age, we were lucky to grow up with true classics

[@MikeB-in1nd]

Same age here being born in 56 we are so lucky!

[@bobcarter6143]

Ditto, Too True, the music of our youth...

[@stuartjohnstone80]

I was born in 1980, but I was brought with all music from the 50s to the present. I love so many genres of music, but 60's & 70's top my list, then the 80s. All those great singers and bands and songs that will never get old. So many bring me to tears just hearing them, and they always make me stop what I am doing.

[@davidputterman2719]

Gary Brooker was the leader, singer and keyboardist for the English prog/psychedelic rock group Procol Harum. He passed away in 2022. This song in particular, Brooker was inspired to write it based upon a classical piece from 300 years ago, Air on a G String by Bach.

[@davidgross990]

I think it was called something like the Miller's tale from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, had to read it in High Scholl in the '70's written in Old English.

[@tomroome4118]

39 years after the original came out (1967), Gary Brooker's voice is just as good!

[@malegrissusran8847]

The most B...s ..Version of this song ! Horrible !

[@paulfrombrooklyn5409]

@@malegrissusran8847 What?

[@firemedic5100]

I think his voice is so much better than in 67.

[@DarrellFanning-bx7xz]

​@malegrissusran8847 you obviously know nothing

[@SH-zg8zs]

@@malegrissusran8847 Would you please annoy people somewhere else?

[@ilookafterthewater601]

I was 10 years old when this first hit the airwaves, and it literally stopped me in my tracks; it was one of my earliest experiences of the way which music could basically bring me to my knees. I am old now and have lived a life - the time remaining is short, but the roads I have walked stretch out behind me in a vast tapestry. Originally there was no symphony but as with all fine music this is a tale which has grown in the telling. I found sharing the experience with this young lady to be wonderful on so many different levels - what a beautiful little soul she is. I hope she never loses that sense of wonder, and the world offers her all the sounds that it has. So grateful to witness this 😁🥰😯

[@barrylamb2407]

me m8

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Whenever I see this, the crowd sitting in the sun in big red chairs on the plush lawn, family, friends, and couples gathered round, listening to celestial sounds, I imagine this is heaven. Blessed ❤

[@Cadinho93]

If you can still sing a song like this so perfectly 50 years after you released it, you are a special person and this was a special concert. Also, I am not ashamed to admit that this version caused me to shed a few tears. Absoulutely magnificent.

[@rayswick4707]

One of the reasons an old guy like me subscribed to your channel is to watch your emotions discovering these profound classics. I love it. ❤

[@jakecady47]

Procol Harum is Latin and it means “far beyond these things.” Amazing performance!

[@Rockaria23]

I'm 55 and this song still makes me cry and i have no idea why 😊

[@kencosmooth5317]

I know how you feel .its a beautiful song .I always have a tear when I hear it .I dont know why too

[@blakebufford6239]

Same! Just a powerful song. ❤

[@robinnnnnnnnnnnn]

Ditto. It's because it's probably the greatest live performance ever. Sorry, Freddie Mercury. Yours is number two.

[@kencosmooth5317]

@@robinnnnnnnnnnnn yeah Freddie mercury and queen are one of the greatest bands of all time .Freddie god bless him is theeee best singer live .live aid at Wembley. The queen performance is outstanding. RIP Freddie

[@pdh8861]

I believe the song is so sad is because on an unconcious level you know the song is about a woman who died from an overdose after tripping the light fantastic thereby she turned a whiter shade of pale.

[@davidsimmons6197]

A beautiful song made all the more special with an orchestra and live. This was a great choice for reaction.

[@Sp33gan]

Whoever did the arrangement for the orchestra and choir was certainly gifted. It's bold and subtle at the same time and evokes emotion even before Gary Brooker takes over. While this is a Procol Harum song, the only original member of that band here is Brooker. I agree with you, Aileen, his vocals are gorgeous and he touches our emotions so deeply. Procol Harum began life in the early 60's as a UK Rock and R&B band called The Paramounts. They were hugely popular but never really got that elusive chart hit. It wasn't until they reformed as Procol Harum and focused the music more on storytelling Folk and dabbled in Psychedelic music that they made their name, though their Rock and R&B roots weren't left behind. They managed a number of hits but none of them matched the massive popularity of Whiter Shade. The band's lineup also fluctuated, with guitarist Robin Trower finding some success as a solo act.

[@markwilliams7712]

When the choir swells up to support Garrys voice, brings tears.

[@northnsouth6813]

Paul McCartney said "It was the first evening any of us had ever heard a record called A Whiter Shade of Pale with words about feeling seasick. The lyrics were all very strange and poetic and the theme was a famous Bach theme but we didn't know that. We just thought, God, what an incredible record! It was sort of a marker record. It was a benchmark. And we were all trying to guess who it was. So we had to go to the booth and ask, 'What was that one you just played?' and he said, 'Oh yes, Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum. 'Procol what? Is it Latin or something?' And there were rumours around about what that meant. So all the mystery of the evening".

[@mljrotag6343]

This performance is a masterpiece.

[@Green-Lyon]

The world was blessed with Gary's magical voice for for over five precious decades. His passing only makes me treasure him more. R.I.P. Gary Brooker. Thank you for the music.

[@hongfang2348]

Procol Harum is the name of a rock group. This song was a hit from 1967. Lead singer and co-writer, Gary Booker, still sounds good. The original hit didn't have the orchestra, however.

[@paulfrombrooklyn5409]

Brooker

[@d4l3d]

... and Harum. Harem is something else altogether.

[@Wellch]

I wonder how they chose that name.

[@AndyEdwards-ss6oe]

I love that you're reacting to this!

[@richard7crowley]

One of the most award-winning and best-selling and most-covered songs in rock music history. This song is musically based on a famous tune by Johann Sebastian Bach, the Air from his Orchestral Suite No. 3 2. Air, BWV 1068, (AKA the "Air on the G string") Elsewhere here on KZbin is an interview with Gary Brooker where he says "If you trace the chordal element, it does a bar or two of Bach's 'Air on a G String' before it veers off. That spark was all it took. I wasn't consciously combining rock with classical, it's just that Bach's music was in me." Here on KZbin are several videos that discuss the many modern popular music hits that were inspired by or based on (or ripped-off) J.S.Bach and other "classical" composers.

[@coot1925]

This was the first thing I taught myself to play on the organ when I was 10. It's lived in my heart ever since. A simple piece to learn but the notes are so well chosen and effective, a bit like a Gilmore guitar solo. 🖖🏽❤🇬🇧

[@williamwalker4800]

Summer 1967. This was one of my favorite songs.

[@williamh4172]

I was 3, but it became one of my all time favorites.

[@DavidJones-ym7zr]

It's amazing how deeply you seem to feel the music, i'm a 1981 baby, so i lived through one of the best music decades, so i love watching your throwback reactions,

[@Father_Daniel]

Such a beautiful song. I'm a 90s kid but because of my dad I learned to love classic rock from the 60s and 70s. It was such a special time for music. I've always loved this song but I've never seen this amazing performance!

[@Daehawk]

A classic late 1960's tune. Well known and loved. He sounded as good here as he did back then when it originally came out in 67. RIP to the masters.

[@johnwillis4706]

I had the distinct honor to accompany Proco Herum when I was concert pianist for the Kansa City Philharmonic Orchestra, twice and the Star Light Theater and twice at the Lyric Opera house. The Hammond B-3 Electric organ just adds that extra haunting sound to the song. Gary and I became friends through our collaborations. Gary didn't play piano back in those days as he does here. I miss my friend, when he passed the musical world grew just a bit less bright. Gary's passing left a void that will never be filled. Rest in Peace my friend until we meet again. In the meantime, entertain the Lord and heavenly host, I'm sure they love it as much as we mere mortals did.

[@graemerigg4029]

The music is adapted from classical composer J.S.Bach. the band were classically trained but played in a rock band and kept adding 'twiddly bits' at the requests from the audience. This is considered to be the birth of Prog Rock.

[@markwilliams7712]

Most of the musicians from this era were classically trained. You can really tell the difference. Guys like Richie Blackmore often had multiple instrument competencies.

[@vkaPAUL]

The reason it feels so wonderful, is because this is the Music we had in the 60's and 70's and not the pablum that came after... Thanks for keeping our past Alive!!!

[@hanskneesun123]

That voice as good as it ever was.

[@imnotabotrlyimnot]

It' better in this than the original, imo.

[@CarlWheatley-wi2cl]

Holy cr*p the British REALLY punched above their weight musically. Decade after decade. I always thought this band was US but not so. STUNNING song and stunning live vocals.

[@frankmerris8821]

im 62 and for the life of me i cant explain why this song gets me emotional every damn time smh

[@mikeklesic7535]

Me too Frank

[@mikemiller3069]

The original recording was done with the Hammond B-3 organ that the guy played after the piano verse. I liked it since it came out (I was only 7 at the time but had older brothers and sisters who listened to rock and pop music). The haunting melody combined with the B-3 sound was always wonderful but when they added the Danish Orchestra and the Danish National Choir for this performance, it took it to another level. Thanks for the reaction.

[@CopyKatnj]

The B-3 has a distinct sound especially with a Lesley. I'm 72 and loosing some hearing ability but can pick out a B-3 fairly easily. Nothing like it.

[@mikemiller3069]

@@CopyKatnj I couldn't agree more. That was a large part of why the original track was so beautiful.

[@johnmrog]

Gary Brooker and his Procul Harum boys can rock too... you also need to check out the song "Conquistador" from this same Denmark concert. Enjoy!

[@mikegipp7955]

I started working in Ghana, West Africa in 1996. On about the second week I was there, we were driving along the coastal highway late at night. Not another soul or car could be seen. There were no streetlights, and there were no buildings along the stretch we were driving. The sea was on our right, the relentless incoming march of waves could be seen. We were along in the universe. Suddenly, this song comes on the radio. The organ notes first. I remember the sky--the Milky Way strung across it, and the burning light of unfamiliar constellations as that voice you love you so much sang us across the earth. It was unbelievably sublime

[@hughjarrett4736]

You said it: this version is a masterpiece. I like the way you described the performance - as a really great blend of the orchestra, the choir, Gary Brooker’s voice, and the band. Performed at Lodreborg Castle in Denmark with the Danish National Concert Orchestra and Choir, it is simply one of the best live recordings of any song - ever. Gary Brooker’s voice is so rich and has so much depth. This song could not have been sung by any other artist. Fantastic reaction! I wonder if I could recommend a song by French singer Mylène Farmer: “Rêver” performed live in concert in 2009 at the Stade de France in Paris. I really hope you could do a reaction to this song as it is very much loved by the French public and is a very emotional piece of music. If you liked “A Whiter Shade of Pale”, I think it will have a profound effect on you. Thank you!

[@paulcarr5918]

RIP Gary Brooker. His voice somehow got even better as he got older. This version is just perfect.

[@mikeklesic7535]

One of my all-time favorite masterpieces

[@JimWelsh-f6l]

am 65 years old. first heard this song when I was 8. what a beautiful beautiful song

[@CliffordValvick]

I was fortunate to see Procol Harum and Jethro Tull together in 92 or 93. Yeah they were past their primes but they both put on terrific shows!

[@kerrijohnson2303]

I’m 55. My mom was pregnant with me in 1967 when this song came out. Beautiful song I’ve heard my literal entire life. Magical!

[@kristianh.pedersen2]

Thank you for a great reaction. All those people comming together to create this beautiful experience. Makes life worth living.

[@BarrenCosmos]

Best way to start a lazy (work) Sunday is a new Aileen video 🖤

[@gwydion56]

just the greatest soft rock song of all time. what an amazing performance.

[@paulmeyer9255]

This was my fathers favorite song, still tear up everytime I hear it. Thanks for this reaction. Gary Brooker has one of the greatest voices ever

[@JaquelineGoodspeed]

Loved your reaction. 60s studio is just as,beautiful. All our songs just " whisk" us away. One of the most beautiful experiences to share on this earth.

[@dougtravins9624]

I'm 80 and tears still roll down my cheeks listening to this. Good job...you felt it too.

[@seanbush5056]

R.I.P. Gary Brooker. A golden voice if ever there was one. Also, big props to the band, exceptionally tight performance & amazing arrangement with the orchestra & choir. "And although my eyes were open They might just as well have been closed..."

[@S1MPLECAVEMAN]

Sensational performance 👏. Great choice and reaction 🍻

[@TexasMagnolia]

Our childhood was filled with great music. I just watched your reaction to Moody Blues….well, this played constantly right along with it and so many others!

[@rickashworth7304]

Gary Brooker's voice never ceased to amaze me! His rasp, so unforced, just soothes your ears. You will want to enjoy "Conquistador" from the same concert. We always had this on our "Driving on the highway" playlist. A little more dramatic than this beautiful ballad. Enjoy, Bella!

[@dagmar.6954]

Love this song. I actually prefer the studio version from the 60's as it is the one I grew up on. This live version is very good though as it shows how powerful Gary Brooker's voice was even as he got older. "Conquistador" is another great song by Procol Harum. Sad to hear of his passing recently.

[@joelspaulding5964]

Someone who GETS IT. Feeling music in this manner...Blessing or curse? I feel for the people who do not immediately react as you have. Is there any other option? Genius piece, God- approved performance. The audience are beyond blessed.

[@peteleal5365]

The first time I heard this song I was at the lake with my parents and family. It was coming out of the speakers at the concession stand. My Dad came looking for me. His voice as strong as the first time I heard this. There is so much to learn from all these songs the 60's, 70's, 80's. So much history, so many stories

[@michaelmontgomery44]

One of my favorite songs of all time and such a beautiful version!

[@walshamn]

Aileen this guy's name is Gary Brooker. Sadly we lost him recently but some of us have enjoyed his vocal and keyboard talents since the sixties. This is the latest reincarnation of the band Procol Harum. Hardly any, if any of the original band are here. I'm not sure now, but this was an absolutely massive hit in the sixties. No-one had heard anything like this before or since and it has maintained its popularity ever since because of its originality, and it still sounds as fresh today as ever. I urge you to delve into the back catalogue Aileen. There are some amazing classic sounds there. RIP Gary Brooker.

[@dimitrasotirakoglou2553]

That was an Amazing performance ❤

[@markrowett8168]

This performance is a real gem. I never get tired of watching this!

[@douglaskrug4806]

Thanks for another great review Aileen. Great song. Wonderful performance! Keep up the great work.

[@seanstevenson9891]

Loved the reaction. 😊 RIP Gary

[@virtualray-ality5317]

Aileen, the singer was Gary Brooker, unfortunately we lost this huge talent in February of 2022, thank you once again for choosing this (one of my favorite Procal Harem songs) may I suggest two more from this live album- Salty Dog and Conquistador. Finally once again you and this performance has moved me to tears fear not it does wonders for my dry eye problem, love you always my go to reaction video you tuber!

[@raymondhira2723]

inspired by J.S. Bach, that is what's so melodic and catchy! The haunting voice of Gary Brooker along with the Hammond makes this a song that will last forever

[@WillFlyTheLightingGuy]

I don’t know what’s more impressive, that: a) he could sing like this as a young man, or b) he could sing this as an old man.

[@mikeklesic7535]

Both!!!😂

[@michaelsouthin160]

I saw them perform this live in the day. Fantastic then. Fantastic now. Keep playing this type and period of music. Real singing and wonderful music.

[@oldmanghost219]

Procol Harum - "A Whiter Shade of Pale" Absolutely beautiful !!! BUT This version with orchestra and choir covers up what made it memorable and iconic. The haunting sound of the organ,. The studio version is what I hear in my head and is the version I will always want to hear.

[@Roh_Echt]

This one came out when I was 5 yrs., and radio stations played it often enough throughout my childhood years for me to always remember it and those times. I always love hearing this one.

[@TheCornishCockney]

MORE British musical genius. Must be something in our water.

[@oopsdidItypethatoutloud]

I love this song, and loved seeing you watch it ❤ from Northeast England ❤️

[@lawrenceschabell5740]

I'm 74 years old and grew up with some of the best music ever, and I'm very grateful for this. So glad you can experience it.

[@Simon-lw4uc]

Always love your reactions Aileen ♥️

[@ThistleAndSea]

Wonderful! Thank you, Aileen, for sharing this classic redo of a classic rock song. It's been so many years since we first heard this one, and it just keeps on giving. 😊

[@denisjones3853]

Your reaction to this absolute classic was priceless...thank you

[@jono.pom-downunder]

I love how excited and thrilled you get by our "old buggers" music.

[@anitawright7169]

This is such a beautiful song. Gary Brooker had the most awesome voice. Sadly, a couple of years ago he passed away. RIP Gary. Love your reaction!

[@For_The_Masses]

I love this song, I wasn't even born yet when this was released. I can't remember what movie or TV show played this, when I first heard it, but I have loved it ever since. Good selection!

[@fatally_errored2512]

Wow, only 7 min into the video but feel compelled. I've never heard this before. What an amazing voice, and emotion pouring through.

[@mikh9202]

Although im old now, i dont regret growing up in the 80s. Everyday the radio played the best from the 60s 70s and 80s. It was a golden age for music.

[@maryannturton9830]

Layers of greatness in a Narnia setting! This SOARS!🎙🎶

[@albertspillane2831]

Thank you for your reaction to this beautiful music 🎶

[@blastingweevil2968]

his voice has not changed in 60 years.. he was an amazing artist, Rip mr booker.

[@robertb7813]

One of the greatest songs of all time, it has been around for 57 years and will live forever

[@sheldonengstrom4415]

Such a beautiful voice. Amen.

[@keithbate9405]

Aileen you are wonderful in every sense. So much genuine love for music and you are clearly like me moved by music when you like it .

[@josephscally6270]

Here is the thing about reaction videos. This song, which is by any standard of classic is as much a part of my personal history as any song is. Experiencing it through your eyes however, makes it new again for me as if I were hearing it for the first time again. Thank you for that.

[@Daniel-f1u6o]

I wont cite specifics, but since my dad passed in november i been unable to listen to this song. Saw this reccommended and decided to try...and now crying floods of tears on the bus. But this is absolutley amazing...

[@SQUATCHY614]

Grew up on this song. One of my top three favorite songs. Classic.

[@DickusCopernicus]

The real magic was being there when this song first reached our ears. Old age is the price for being there then. Well worth every year.

[@dwightengle8802]

It all started back in 1969 when Deep Purple played with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Now most rock bands have done the same from GFR, Metallica, Kiss, and Procol Harum to name afew. Thank you Jon Lord.

[@DougRae-xt2qe]

Thankyou. This reminded me of the pure joy I experienced when my dad introduced me to this when I was a young lad

[@peter-h8s2z]

This was No 1 in the British charts for 6 weeks in 1967. The music is a famous classical piece 'Air on a G String by Bach. Procul Harems singer was Gary Brooker who you saw on the video. The band had other best selling singles and albums (ASalty Dog is one of the best) Great band !

[@b52crewdog]

Although Gary has traveled on, we will forever have his incredible voice! Once again Aileen you represent what real LOVE of music is!

[@schardach2036]

I really apprciate you listening to these songs it reminds me of so many that I have forgotten over the years. Thank you very much. Wishing you the best

[@TheFoxUK]

The 60’s and early 70’s had some god like music, that to this day still stands its ground some 60 years later.

[@spacebearsven7130]

I love this song for so many years! But I have never cried while listening to this wonderful tune - so it's a "first time" for me as well. Thank you, Aileen!

[@deanbrydges2434]

To hear another generation react to this song as you have is truly inspiring and gives us hope that music is not dead as we made it many years ago. Electronics has killed musical innovation, for now but apparently not forever, Thank You

[@dranet47]

Excellent reaction, thank you.

[@Garland042]

Soon to be 40 (one month), lost my father to cancer 12 years ago. This song was one of his favourites so my cousin sang this during his funeral so this song has a special meaning for me.

[@astonvillaization]

I love the dark tones of this song

[@christelsegbars1630]

Hi beautiful one. I couldnt hear this for 37 years as a schoonmate died and he played this song on the trumpet.. (his parents let us hear the recording)..... the live version made me love it again. Time heals all wounds I guess..... hug from a stranger from the Netherlands ❤

[@ronparsons8786]

Simply one of the finest live performances ever recorded, any era any genre. Full stop