Procol Harum are often considered to be a one hit wonder, known primarily for their 1967 hit “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. However, a closer look at their career reveals a band that enjoyed modest success over several decades with additional hit singles and acclaimed albums. In this article, we’ll examine Procol Harum’s musical output and legacy to determine if they were truly a one hit wonder or a band with greater depth than typically acknowledged.
Background on Procol Harum
Procol Harum formed in 1967 out of the ashes of another band called The Paramounts. The original lineup consisted of vocalist and pianist Gary Brooker, lyricist Keith Reid, organist Matthew Fisher, guitarist Ray Royer, bassist David Knights, and drummer Bobby Harrison. Their debut single “A Whiter Shade of Pale” was released in May 1967 and quickly shot to #1 on the UK charts, also becoming an international hit. The Baroque-influenced song with its iconic organ line would go on to become one of the defining tracks of the psychedelic era.
Buoyed by the success of their debut, Procol Harum released their self-titled debut album in September 1967. It reached #5 in the UK and cracked the US Top 50. The album contained additional songs that received radio play including “Homburg” and “Conquistador”. However, Procol Harum were unable to replicate the phenomenal success of “A Whiter Shade of Pale” with their subsequent singles.
Procol Harum’s Post-“Pale” Output
In 1968, Procol Harum returned with their second album, _Shine On Brightly_, which peaked at #3 in the UK and became their first to reach the US Top 40. It featured the minor hit “Skip Softly (My Moonbeams)”. The album marked a progression into more ambitious, proto-progressive territory. Their third LP, 1969’s _A Salty Dog_, continued their evolution into complex, symphonic rock and was well-received by critics. The title track gave them a minor UK hit.
| Album | UK Chart Peak | Key Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| Procol Harum (1967) | #5 | “A Whiter Shade of Pale”, “Conquistador” |
| Shine On Brightly (1968) | #3 | “Skip Softly (My Moonbeams)” |
| A Salty Dog (1969) | #32 | “A Salty Dog”, “The Devil Came from Kansas” |
Procol Harum had further success in the early 1970s. Their 1971 single “Conquistador” belatedly became a hit when re-released, reaching #16 in the US and helping the album _Procol Harum Live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra_ achieve gold certification. 1972’s _Grand Hotel_ was their first album to chart in the US, spawning the modest hit “A Souvenir of London”.
While Procol Harum struggled to have major chart hits after 1967, they maintained a devoted following with their albums and live shows. Their blend of rock, classical, and blues influences proved influential on the burgeoning progressive rock genre. Songs like “Whaling Stories”, “In Held ‘Twas in I”, and “In the Autumn of My Madness” showed the band’s continued artistic growth and ambition.
Procol Harum’s Legacy
Procol Harum continued recording and touring into the late 1970s and even briefly disbanded for part of that decade. While they never regained their initial level of commercial success, their albums maintained a consistent level of critical acclaim. Their body of work stands as influential in the development of progressive and symphonic rock.
So were Procol Harum truly a one hit wonder based on the above information? They clearly peaked early with “A Whiter Shade of Pale” but enjoyed follow-up hits like “Homburg” and “Conquistador”. Their albums were steady sellers and they developed a dedicated fanbase that kept them active for decades. While their legacy is defined by that one major hit, they managed to carve out a long, respectable career in rock that makes labeling them a one hit wonder seem unfair.
Conclusion
Procol Harum were far more than a one hit wonder. Though they reached an early creative and commercial peak with 1967’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale”, the band went on to record acclaimed albums that influenced progressive and symphonic rock. Major songs like “Conquistador” and “A Salty Dog” gave them additional hits. Their albums maintained a consistent level of artistry and sophistication while the band toured successfully for years after their initial burst of fame. Though indelibly linked to their debut hit, Procol Harum enjoyed a fruitful career that makes dismissing them as a one hit wonder inaccurate. Their musical legacy is greater than that one smash single.
