Procol Harum

A Whiter Shade Of Pale

A Whiter Shade of Pale is written by Gary Brooker, Matthew Fisher and Keith Reid and that came on Procol Harums debut album in 1967. The song is said to be the most played in the UK the last 75 years. The Inspiration from the Baroque is probably the most recognizable element. The Hammond organ line was inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's 'sleepers, Wake!' 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 music also borrows ideas from 'When a Man Loves a Woman' by Percy Sledge
Reid told that he got the title at a party, which gave him a starting point for the song. He overheard someone at the party saying to a woman, 'You've turned a whiter shade of pale,' and the phrase stuck in his mind.
In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine placed 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' #57 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.