35. Procol Harum

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The Progressive Rock question returns again with an act that could have had the biggest hit of the genre in “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. That song may not only have been Progressive Rock’s biggest hit; it may have been the first real one too.

 

Selling well on both sides of the Atlantic, Procol Harum’s use of classical themed music with a Rock edge invoked the very beginnings of the Progressive Rock movement. Their music was rich and textured and for a seven year period between 1967 and 1973 they were one of the most respected bands in the world. The draw against them is the Progressive and Classical label which as illustrated in previous entries will earn them no favor to Hall voters. Like the other Progressive Rockers listed earlier they have a decent shot to become the Hall’s next Progressive act; not that fans of the genre are holding their breath for that to happen.


Procul Harum

www.proculharum.com

 

 


  

Should Procol Harum be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 86.6%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 8.7%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 2.4%
No opinion. - 0.4%
No way! - 2%

The Bullet Points

  • Previous Rank: 2010: #63
    2011: #58
    2012: #51
    2013: #47
    2014: #44
    2015: #45
    2016: #44
  • Eligible Since: Wednesday, 01 January 1992
  • Country of Origin: United Kingdom (London, England)
  • Why they will get in: This would allow the respected Robin Trower entry.
  • Why they won't get in: Drawing from classical influences has not proven to gain entry to the Hall.
  • Nominated in: 2013
  • Essential Albums: Procul Harum (1967)
    Shine on Brightly (1968)
    A Salty Dog (1969)
    Grand Hotel (1973)
  • Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: A Whiter Shade of Pale (From Procol Harum, 1967)
    Conquistador (From Procol Harum, 1967)
    Kaleidoscope (From Procol Harum, 1967)
    A Salty Dog (From A Salty Dog, 1969)
    Memorial Drive (From Broken Barricades, 1971)

Should Procol Harum be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 86.6%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 8.7%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 2.4%
No opinion. - 0.4%
No way! - 2%
Last modified on Sunday, 29 May 2022 20:03
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Comments   

+2 #7 john peter 2017-10-09 12:51
Simply just another pathetic tragedy that they will have to wait till they are dead before being recognized for their extreme musicianship .It sounds like the fate of ELP. Believe me this should never happen to talent like this.Shame on you again RRHOF.
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+5 #6 Danny Holmes 2016-12-20 18:26
"Simple Sister" doesn't rock?
"Bringing Home the Bacon?
"The Devil Came From Kansas?
"Power Failure"
If the Beatles could pull off "A Day in the Life"
so is it PH deserves to be voted in.
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+7 #5 Jim Lyons 2016-10-07 04:28
Procol Harum should be inducted without further delay. They rock more than most who are already in the hof. Their absence diminishes the hof, in the opinion of this 69 year old rock fan and fan of PH since their beginning almost 50 years ago. Drop the stupid prejudice and purity. Recognize the quality and achievements of a unique contributor to the history of rock and roll.
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+6 #4 Joe Boggs 2014-07-16 20:12
It's funny, when i think of Procol Harum, I almost never think of White Shade, but that is always the song that is associated with them. I think of one of the most elegant, melodic, deliciously produced albums of all time: Grand Hotel.
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+9 #3 Howard Bacaaazeo 2014-03-07 01:07
It's inconceivabl e that Procol Harum is NOT in the hall!!
Just shows what a bogus institution the hall is.
Ignoring a band that produced one of the most listened to and instantly recognizable songs in popular music and a band that's still on the road after 47 years and sounding better than ever!
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+7 #2 monniewood -0001-11-30 00:00
I agree with Musicologist 999 - They belong in the Hall! I mean "Conqui stador!" ; and the ridiculous Classical / Rock feud just cracks me up - they compliment one another - it is to Rock's credit that classical music is so a kin to it and it is one of the best things about Rock'n&# 39;Roll. VERSATILITY - MELODY - CRESCENDOS - AND A BEAT TO BOOT!
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+9 #1 Musicologist999 -0001-11-30 00:00
The band that gave us "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" NOT in the Hall Of Fame? That is just plain wrong. But Procol Harum are so much more than that one song. Their music catalog is wonderful! Listen to any one of their albums and you will hear melodies, vocals, and musicianship like no other band out there. Gary Brooker and company are musical geniuses, and their music is very deep, and very special. They have respectable album sales, BIG musical influence, and a large fanbase. Like the Moody Blues, Procol Harum also use Classical music elements, but the Hall Of Fame voters need to wake up and realise that it is NOT a crime to use Classical elements in Rock! It may be Symphonic Rock, but it is STILL Rock, and Procol Harum are one of the world's greatest Rock bands. Show Procol Harum some respect and put 'em in the Hall where they belong!
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