Gary Brooker
Photo: Redferns, Gina Wetzler. All rights reserved.
Gary Brooker is dead. The former singer of Procol Harum passed away on Saturday (02/19/2021), as the band announced on their website. He was 76 years old. At the same time, the band members cleared possible speculations about the cause of death with their statement. Brooker had been ill with cancer for a long time and passed away at his home.
Gary Brooker – a remarkable career
Brooker was born on May 29, 1945 in London. He showed his musical talent at an early age on the piano and playing the guitar and flugelhorn – his father, a professional musician, taught him the instruments. It was ideal for a career in the music industry and Brooker took his chances. With his band Procol Harum he achieved remarkable success in the heyday of the hippie movement.
“A Whiter Shade Of Pale” was the first song he was involved with as lead singer. With over ten million units sold, it is still considered one of the group’s biggest hits. In the UK, home of Procol Harum, it remains one of the most played songs to this day. Over the years he has also worked with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, among others.
In their statement, his band also reminds of his good character. “Above all, he was a loving, loyal husband to his wife, Franky, whom he met in 1965 and married in 1968. Our thoughts are with her, her families and friends at this terribly sad time.” It also reads, “He lit up every room he walked in and his kindness to all fans was legendary.”