A whiter shade of pale - Procol Harum

'A whiter shade of pale' is one of those songs that have been universally accepted as a true classic. The Hammond organ line was inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's 'Sleepers awake' and 'Air on a G String', but contrary to popular belief, the song is not a direct copy or paraphrase of any music by Bach, although it makes clear references to both pieces.

The song reached number 1 in several countries, including the UK and the Netherlands, when released in 1967. Written by Gary Brooker, Matthew Fisher and Keith Reid, the latter commented that he got the idea for the title when it came to him at a party, which gave him a starting point for the song.

My collection: 7" single no. 330
Found: Disco Market, Den Haag, 1985
Cost: 2 guilders
Tracks: 'A whiter shade of pale' / 'Conquistador'