Johnny Rivers - Whiter Shade Of Pale

Fifth song on side one of Johnny's 1968 release LP 'Realization'

[@MrRonnieG]

I was of my youth in the 1960's. I was drafted, served a Tour of Duty in Vietnam, lost the love of my life (Kathy) to that fucking war and have tried, with only moderate success, to catch up with the life that I lost in Southeast Asia. I still speak the names, out loud, of friends I lost in Nam because I believe they should never be forgotten. My experience, living in the 60's, would not have been the same if Johnny Rivers had not shared it with me. The best of times, the worst of times.....

[@eduardocardone3478]

Monstrooooo

[@markrogers2593]

Very well said. Life with its joys and pains is always worth living, at least that's what i keep telling myself.

[@billpook1272]

I feel for you ... Welcome Home Brother

[@greenbeagle13]

Wow, sad mate. Hope you're still around. I lost many friends, one way or the other, to that "fucking war" too. It was the politicians war - had nothing to do with "freedom"... I think we all realized after that era, not to believe our government. Our generation woke up after that fiasco. I hate what it did to all of us, especially guys like you who were sent there without a say...

[@joelboardgamerpger5393]

i hope you found some peace of mind. Thank you for serving.

[@jerrywscott]

I am 77, I heard this album for the first time in Argentina in 1969 while living in a motel in Mendoza. I was feeling alone, far from friends and my country, and looking at at least two years more living in Argentina. I loved the country but Rivers' voice and music kept calling me home. Love this guy's music..always will. What a trip, man.

[@van1976]

+Jerry Scott I never realized JR did a cover of this song, I own the Procol Harum Album....Wow, Argentina back in 1969...bet a lot has changed... btw, Where's "Home"? What part of the USA? --Van

[@reallyhonest1020]

Huge music lover and used to slow dance to the Procol Harum version in high school. Studied violin, piano and ballet (I am a lady) but wish I had studied guitar as it is my favorite instrument. I live in Louisville where the radio station quality varies. I possess and listen to albums, CD's and cassettes. I like to look up videos of music I do not own, but love Johnny Rivers and did not know he covered this song. Thank you for your post!

[@doppelganger521]

I love this man's music and especially the Realization album. It is one of my very favourite albums (vinyl). I think it must be close to the best produced of albums. In 1969 I danced at my wedding to "Slow Dancin".

[@elisalehman4414]

I am 62 and would play it non stop through an unhappy teenage portion of my life. I remember it all to this very day. The bad, then listening to this album to round out the rough edges.

[@scottrowland2787]

💜

[@onegr8harry7]

my wife bought this album for me on my 18th birthday.. she was 14..we were married in 1972 and still married today 40 years years together.will always love this song

[@fredross6444]

Good for you!. Best of luck.

[@valdirbergamobergamo5396]

It seems that every version of this Procol Harum's song is beautiful. The song has a magic of itself. What was nice still remains nice. Thanks for telling us your story.

[@tonycheek1356]

@@valdirbergamobergamo5396 yes.. I first heard Johnny's version. Good also

[@valdirbergamobergamo5396]

@@tonycheek1356 this song has no time, it is as the wind on our faces. It is now, it vanishes , but it is always somewhere.

[@pollobox944]

...Johnny Rivers how many memories...😢❤❤

[@antonioyvesmello3617]

For me the album " Realization" is one of the Best from Johnny Rivers.

[@a1sausie453]

Rewind also

[@reinaldobrito6454]

I agree.

[@bobh28630]

Add Changes and Rewind to Realization to have an excellent trilogy... and then consider the stunning fact that Johhny Rivers discovered Jimmy Webb.

[@BennieWilll]

I agree. Masterpiece!

[@absolving]

His album Home Grown is a masterpiece

[@marilenearruda9760]

Da um aperto muito grande no coração, saudade imensa dos velhos tempos. Thanks Mr. Rivers for such amazing memories.

[@davidsurnearsr8249]

Johnny Rivers is my all time favorite! There is npt a song that he did not make his own, such a great under appreciated talent!

[@22ratshot]

REALIZATION! The sad, soulful, mournful, emotional sound of JR has had a mesmerizing effect on me since I first heard this album in 1968. Love, hate, war, death, were emotions that we all felt during that time and Johnny Rivers in this album expressed these emotions. REALIZATION still the best ever!

[@kayfoster6504]

22ratshot agree great

[@44PatsRule]

This album accompanied me on my first Trip !

[@shirleydunbar8825]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again,Johnny Rivers is awesome, he can do it all and make it sound amazing thank you for sharing

[@jab353]

Sixty-eight years old, been listening to "Realization" since '68 and I just cannot understand why its not in everyone's "Top Ten" ! It's #1 in my humble opinion! JR can cover songs and they are honestly better than the original recordings And the Hammond and drums on this cut really add ...something

[@markgough3359]

I agree, in my opinion, it is the best album ever recorded

[@jab353]

@@markgough3359 YESSIR!

[@markschirmer5413]

Well said! The arrangements, Johnny’s passionate vocals, the strings and “the wrecking crew” are absolutely amazing!

[@jab353]

@@markschirmer5413 Amazing indeed!

[@directoricae2144]

I remember listening to this album in my freshman dorm for hours at a time. I loved Johnny's voice and still do, especially this album which is near perfect. There was a whole generation that he spoke to with such clarity and strength. He deserves to be remembered today as the spirit of an age, long past. we were going to change the world with our dreams and these songs. wish we had done a better job.. but we tried.

[@dawsoncees7577]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@markschirmer8477]

I've listened to this song thousands of times over the years, but tonight, I really heard the "Passion" in Johnny's vocal, as well as the musicians accompanying him. Would've loved to have been there when they recorded it! Take another really good listen and realize the magic!!

[@BeauSweetwater]

Wrecking Crew-The best ever

[@markschirmer5413]

They were magnificent!

[@joaopauferro8837]

Todos os músicos são excelentes, fiquei com a bateria nessa gravação. Tudo perfeito, música para ouvir sempre.

[@GregWTyree]

VIET NAM ------ GUAM ----- 1967---68 ---- U.S. Air Force!!! It WAS JOHNNY RIVERS ..........EVERY NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS JOHNNY!!!

[@pamkahn3306]

I was 14,15,16 I would sit in my room listening to Johnny Rivers realizations, this was my salvation, my parents never talked to me. Thank you

[@larrystrunk9404]

Sounds very unusual...but I felt the same way

[@kimsmith5169]

“

[@omegalgo297]

God bless you, brother...

[@marcelrossignol8814]

J'adore et ja l ai écouté 1000 fois

[@tornadopap]

He opens his mouth and the wonderful sound just pours out.

[@genehesser1855]

This man should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His body of work is incredible. Yeah! I am a homer for this dude! Have been since way back in the day.

[@saletecembrani1335]

I love all Johnny Rivers song but this is very special!

[@ibtel4513]

U have to be spicial also

[@ibtel4513]

If u bilive with one god

[@MsFidelzinho]

.I was still alive at that time! What a pity only now do I know what it's like to live ... now it's so late for me ...

[@saletecembrani1335]

@@MsFidelzinho Never is late for all.

[@sharonhenderson8956]

Wow; powerful rendition J💫hnny Rivers version of a Master Classic "Whiter Shade of Pale" ..-its haunting grooves still resonates today.-👏👏🏾👏🏿✨

[@fredc8346]

Heck of a strong song no matter who does it. But Johnny's special way with it makes it even better.

[@shirleydunbar6970]

I agree 💯

[@dougstevens6257]

I remember when Realization was released. I rushed out and bought it and have been a huge, huge fan of this masterpiece ever since. I've since got it on CD along with Rewind. To me, it is one of the best albums to come out of the '60's. Johnny Rivers is the best!

[@fredross6444]

The best version of this song ever.

[@saltwithlove2269]

This is a very good version , and one of the best keyboard solos to this , imho . Here is a version you may , not just like , but have never heard the full four verse song . This is the first ever licensed studio version by anyone . We are deeply honoured to have been granted Permission by Bucks music Group to release this . .kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHitk4Fto6eVadE

[@mickeywhite7878]

Put away the anointing oil

[@suekimmey8266]

I think this was the first version of this song that I heard. And I was astounded. I love him so much. For some weird reason, he reminds me of Ricky Nelson. Youth! It's great reliving these moments.

[@1951henleys]

One of the greatest ever; should be in the hall l of fame

[@rhondaeverett8284]

It isn't worthy of his name added. I.m.h.o.

[@lindakidd9477]

Slipping back through the years when we had few worries and few bad memories. Thank you, Johnny Rivers!

[@markess489]

I listened to this album many times in the late 60's and early 70's. It is one of the best LP's of all time.

[@barbaraestes2434]

Memory of a friend Tommy Segal RIP

[@lisaholland5699]

Love Johnny Rivers, especially this song ! Beautiful ....

[@avidrocker]

Lisa Holland I luvs me some Johnny Rivers 2

[@tornadopap]

Ken: You are absolutely right about that. This is one of the very best albums ever and I cherish the one I have. Love Johnny Rivers.

[@fardelphilippe5991]

Cette reprise par le fameux Johnny Rivers est une véritable merveille .. J'adore ce superbe chanteur à la vocalise si belle et touchante, cela depuis ses débuts et je suis le plus heureux de l'écouter encore et toujours!

[@Lullabyt]

D'accord mon ami. Il etait un grand chanteur.

[@dawnfish477]

Yes I love him so much such beautiful songs I'm 65 my sister's listen to him in the day when I was young just can't grow tired of it

[@angelafernanda8217]

Johnny Rivers♡♡♡

[@firstnamelastname3574]

THIS, and POSITIVELY 4TH STREET ARE THE TWO GREATEST 'COVERS' I'VE EVER HEARD, AND I'M ALMOST 63 YEARS OLD!!!!!!!

[@jamesthompson9481]

Read that Dylan said JR's version was the one he liked best.

[@jackmanfredo1215]

My 2 favorites also

[@sirwoofsalot]

The best music of every decade since the 60's. A lot of good artists but none like JR. With the war, the drugs, draft dodgers, rebellion changing the world before our eyes. And in the midst of all that was Johnny Rivers. JR seemed to bring us all back down to ground. And I go back to his music every time I hear the garbage that rules the music world today. Very few can match JR. He takes me back to my High School days - of innocence, of dreams, of love. Thank you Johnny Rivers.

[@martypalanos2460]

one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite artists. remember getting this album in my middle teens. all of my friends, being hard core rockers thought I went soft. But after listening a few times and realizing this was a Poco Harum song they were hoooked.

[@jackmanfredo1215]

I graduated from High school in 1968, I played the Realization 8 track until it self destructed. 50 years later one of my sons gave me the CD, I listen to it often, my alltime favorite. Got to see him in 1992 in Jackpot, Nevada. Amazing show in a nightclub setting at Cactus Pete's Casino.

[@jaimemarzionna649]

Eu assisti 2 shows dele em SP.um numa casa de shows. A platéia foi a loucura. O pessoal ficava em pé aplaudindo. O outro foi no parque Ibirapuera e estava também lotado. Para mim foi e é um dos maiores cantores que já vi. Sou um fã incondicional desse cara. Quando ouço suas músicas viajo num passado esplêndido que tive nas décadas de 60 e 70.

[@Marinalve1]

Amo de paixão e meu sonho era conhecê-lo antes que eu morra e queria ouvir ele cantando essa musica whiter shade of pale . Eu furava o disco quando ouvia , sou da época do disco de vinil.

[@ticoinjapan]

eu tambem cara, e olha que sou fa de rap e hip hop, mas na minha adolescencia tinha uma coletanea dele, nao sei como parar no meio dos meus discos, depois na decada seguinte comprei um CD com as 20 melhores dele, permaneco fa desse cara ate os dias de hoje

[@gryjffrs]

Everybody forgets about Johnny Rivers. Not me, I burnt me up some Johnny Rivers albums around 1970. So no, I didn't forget him. I also didn't forget that while others had some success with this song, he did too! He also done it first and there ain't NOTHING wrong with his rendition at all. One of my all time favorites.

[@JosePaulo-on2nw]

I always listened to a song recorded by the Brazilian singer Daniel, called "next to you again" but I knew that I already knew from somewhere, this without a doubt, is one of my favorite songs of life.

[@lindawildermuth9901]

I listened to Johnny Rivers growing up .. I love his voice.. my parents loved him to... when my dad had a stroke I played Johnny rivers in his hospital room...

[@pocopico7409]

One of John Lennon's favorite songs of the 60's, this song had everything. A beautiful, haunting melody, and lyrics that were seemingly melancholy, yet obtuse and hard to understand. Put it all together and the song became magical and unforgettable. How many people would include this song as one of their favorites....ever?!?! I loved Procol Harum's version, of course, but I think my favorite version would be this one by Johnny Rivers. Both are beautiful and set emotions on fire.

[@joeramos9960]

I love both Procol Harum's version and Johnny Rivers' version. And YES, I would include this song (both versions) as one of my favorites EVER.

[@bear6264]

Johnny Rivers captured the 60s here.Beautiful collection of tunes on this album.Thank you

[@bbbolster1]

Johnny Rivers album , Realization is the BEST of ALL albums . Every song speaks to the soul. Thank You Johnny Rivers

[@marilynbelcher8171]

Still listening in 2020!!! Love Johnny Rivers!!!!! Helps to take my mind of the world for awhile!!!!!! God bless our world. COVID-19/ Revolution. Time for the world to change again. It's time.....but the music will still carry us through!!!!

[@hugolukouski943]

Me enamore de una amiga escuchNdo esa version extraordinarIA,y cuerenta años despues le declare mi amor con esa cancion,una noche inolvidable

[@rebekahbeaty6650]

He should have been in the rock and roll hall of Fame. Miss him so much.

[@luizaries100]

Haja coração!!! Sou fâ desse baixo, bateria, guitarra ,melodia e voz. COMPLETO.

[@victoriasloan524]

I love him. Great voice. Thanks for the memories.

[@TSlater50]

I was in Vietnam when I first heard this album. Realization. Certain lines in the different songs stuck with me The Way We Live) Ask me why I don't smile is their something troubleing me, just open your eyes and tell me what do you see...(Something stange) is happening to me something more than my two eyes can see.Brother where are you) they said you came this way Whats the Difference) so whats the difference if you don't wake up ,you won't know yourself when you finally do.

[@mr.garlicman3134]

HELLO SIR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. IT IS PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO ARE THE TRUE HEROS IN THIS WORLD.

[@federicogerlin7734]

Honour and respect to you. Amen

[@teresamorrison5653]

Never gets old...

[@viragovtwin]

I still have my vinyl of this in mint condition. Was thrilled when the CD came out. Sometimes just put it on repeat and drift off to younger yesterdays!!!

[@anibalnikov47]

truly, truly this is the only decent cover of the song. The best cover, a true original interpretation, it holds the original tune's deep passion.

[@lilil6720]

IMHO the best version of this mystical, haunting, heart soaring song. Thank you for posting it!

[@glannapolisteam8681]

This is a great 60s album that never gets mentioned

[@tornadopap]

I am very, very happy that i still have all of Johnny's albums. H e was truly an Icon to this beautiful music we call Rock n Roll.

[@OldielocksNmo50]

This whole album is awesome and under appreciated ..Hey Joe was one of my favs laying with my then gf back in 69-70 b4 going into the service. ..

[@joselourivalbarreiro7791]

É inacreditável ouvir essa música esse cantor, sem palavra a gente volta no tempo. Eramos felizes e não sabiamos, sou fã do Johnny Rivers, em especial essa música onde me faz lembrar dos bailinhos, de uma época que era puro romantismo.

[@MariaOliveira-iz3wg]

cousin

[@MrRogerimb]

tenho 29 anos e queria ter vivido nessa epoca foi a melhor que existiu ate hoje pena que as coisas vao mudando..... mas no meu tempo livre dedico a relembrar esses tempos que infelizmente ficou la no passado quem viveu maravilha mas quem nao viveu ficara so na saudade.... :(

[@joselourivalbarreiro7791]

É isso mesmo, foi uma época muito boa eu vive ela más infelizmente ficou para trás. 👏👏👏🤣🤣

[@joselourivalbarreiro7791]

@@MrRogerimb É verdade, eu vivi essa época e possa falar que éramos felizes só que já passou infelizmente. 👏👏👏😄😄

[@shirleydunbar1020]

Johnny Rivers, you are amazing never disappointed in your music, I thank you for sharing

[@piacentini]

Album released in Argentina,circa November 1968. One of the finest ever LP produced. My generation ,baby boomer. Argentina was a fan of J. Rivers

[@fox21802]

Lembro da minha mãe ouvindo essa linda canção numa vitrola e um LP.

[@AndersonAlves-uv9nu]

O Flávio puxa vida cara minha mãe ouvia Johnny Rivers numa vitrola também puxa caraca veio agora a lágrima desceu se loco arrepia meu jovem

[@wendypayne7693]

Bought this album in 1970-71. Then our family moved to a southern town after living in a hip northern town. Thank you Johnny for keeping me sane through those longgg days and nights without a rock n roll radio station. All I could get was WLS out of Chicago after midnight for rock. Every radio station was Country & Western back then in that area. It was horrible. Thank God for the few albums I owned. But this one and my James Taylor album were treasures.

[@latitudeselongitudes1932]

i know what its like to live in a place with little options in terms of culture,art.

[@antoniocelular2708]

Foram tantos cantores que cantaram essa música todos da melhor qualidade, mais em particular eu tinha o meu preferido Jonhy Rivers. Procon harun fizer para o mundo. A saudade e indescritível.

[@BeatrizSouza-mu5mj]

Nosso paraíso perdido. Infância.... Adolescência. Por que tem que ser assim?

[@klivviking4921]

I love this version the very best! I can listen to it again and again. Johnny Rivers is wonderful. I like the keyboards...piano sound in the beginning to soaring organ throughout!

[@robertocesar3884]

"A Whiter Shade of Pale" gravada originalmente em 1967 pela banda britânica Procol Harum, se tornou um das canções mais executadas em todo o mundo e com inúmeras versões. Excelente a versão em estúdio com Johnny Rivers, com magistral arranjo musical e marcante presença das cordas, bateria e um solo perfeito de orgão elétrico.

[@user-zo9wf2wn9m]

One of the greatest albums ever. Why is this man not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

[@wfwillis]

In my lifetime, Realization by Johnny Rivers is the best album ever recorded!

[@jamesbeason3729]

Wonderful sound that I love. When I was a child and now!

[@martapereira3157]

Essa é a única versão que na minha opinião supera a original, todas são boas, mas o Johnny arrasou na interpretação.

[@Gabriellozano777]

Concordo!

[@ramonnicolasgomez1868]

Es la que mas me gusta, mas que la original, aparte, debe ser que fue la primera que escuche!!!

[@Psicoedu7885]

Concordo! Eu não gosto da original, mas, quando ouvi esta interpretação, me encantei. O arranjo é maravilhoso e os instrumentos parecem mesclar-se harmoniosamente com a voz melodiosa dele.

[@robertocesar3884]

O cantor belga Helmut Lotti tem uma versão ao vivo de 2003, que está excelente. Ver em: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn2yY6qthbiebqM&ab_channel=fritz5108

[@martapereira3157]

@@robertocesar3884 Eu vi!!! Que coisa mais linda!

[@andrewlamour4723]

one of my favorite albums ever.

[@teresamorrison5653]

He plays thi with such heart❤❤

[@beckyparrish57]

I LOVE JOHNNY RIVERS AN ALWAYS WILL AWESOME MUSIC 💜

[@peperland68]

Para mi, la mejor version de este tema

[@bentonrcmp]

Under rated and unappreciated performer

[@TheOneStoneAngell]

Purchased this album today for a $1... cant wait to play it.

[@antonioscussiato9937]

Essa canção e uma viajem de lembranças boas👏👏👏👏👏

[@johntheriault4865]

Yep...one of the greatest. Saw him in Vegas 3 years ago ...and still amazing

[@SoniaMaria-xz4vn]

Y Love Johnny Rivers ❤

[@lollieway]

I still have the same album I bought in 1971.

[@larrystrunk9404]

I still have this album from 1971 and it has no scratches

[@shirleydunbar6970]

I too love all of Johnny Rivers music , this one is beautiful

[@genehesser1855]

If you don't own the Realization album, CD or whatever, you are missing one of the greatest albums I have ever heard. Whiter Shade of Pale, Positively 4th Street, get it. Trust me!

[@jab353]

+Gene Hesser Agreed! If I could only own one cd or record album it would definitely be Realization!

[@viragovtwin]

I can't express how this album speaks to me! To many years facing the fears Of a man to paralized to say what's deep inside.

[@celsocarlospommer8604]

This music is the first of century XX. Gracias!!!

[@amiltoncesar.o7384]

Versão maravilhosa!!! "Procol Harum" deve ter ficado orgulhoso com tamanha qualidade!!!!

[@fede4avarrr]

Pure magic this song

[@larrystrunk9404]

I still have the Johnny Rivers version still play it often

[@myriamcristinajuarez3443]

Yo conocí a Johnny Rivers gracias a mi papá ...hacen 5 añoS que te fuiste viejo y no logro escuchar ninguno de estos temas sin largarme a llorar

[@rebekahbeaty6650]

I bought this album of johnnys, as i did all his albums. Love him,

[@firstnamelastname3574]

I HAVE TO SAY SOMETHING MORE ABOUT "REALIZATION": I've loved a few other, minor details about this album. The way it starts, with a marching band, AND, the way most of the songs segue ( "How on earth did the 'ue' in 'segue' get pronounced "way"? ) from one to the next, as in the orchestra tuning up between SUMMER RAIN and WHITER SHADE OF PALE. I've always loved those things on this GEM! speaking of gems: Did you know that, pound for pound, RUBIES ARE WORTH MORE THAN DIAMONDS?!?!

[@lorijoiner9862]

Love this song. Im getting tickets to his concert!!😊❤

[@kimberlyhaller5356]

I grew up listening to all his music. But this album my dad & I listened to most by TV static for light. Different songs on the album jumped at me for Different times in my life. When dad was in the hospital after a heartattack, I play this talking to him til we got the call. Sang this song all the way to the hospital. I refused to buy cds until this album was in cd. I still have both record copies of my dad's & cassette &cd . Record is still the best!

[@keithmartin7301]

I'm so mad he is not in the rock nroll hall of fame,he was the first in alot of musical trivia,and great great great,

[@helenanalini8050]

Canções Belíssimas Românticas Saudades Dos Bons Tempos Obrigado

[@user-zo9wf2wn9m]

I have this album on vinyl and on CD. I love this man.

[@kathyfugitt4733]

love Johnny Rivers

[@valmirgoncalves2610]

Bons tempos, ainda bem que existe uma plataforma que nos proporciona ouvir músicas como esta tempos que não voltarão mais.

[@Harry62562]

Thank you, I enjoyed the good music

[@karenwatts9779]

This is beautiful.

[@toolakea]

Another awesome cover. I really like his version of Into the Mystic. Although, I enjoy listening to anything he sings. He is awesome!

[@bern260]

Into the Mystic was a great song for sure.....

[@jimrankin7334]

I also love his version of "Into the Mystic"

[@jeanmarclavoie307]

Bought that lp in 1971 on a canadian military base (LAHR) germany...always love that record..specially the version of Dylan "Positively 4th street...!

[@starlabratcherflannigan1798]

OMG that voice melts me every time

[@barbaramcknight4506]

Oh love Johnny rivers music so ooo great, should have all awards available

[@pagasa1]

There have been many versions of this song over the years, but J.R. did it the BEST. Thanks Bro!

[@51519761]

I love this song and this version is the best from Johnny.