"A Whiter Shade Of Pale"

Linda · **Posted:** Fri Apr 04, 2008 2:21 pm

http://www.uncut.co.uk/news/uncut/news/11349

PROCOL HARUM SINGER WINS BACK ROYALTIES FOR A WHITER SHADE OF PALE

Procol Harum’s lead singer, Gary Brooker, and lyricist Keith Reid have won back full royalty rights for “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. The pair had been forced to share the songwriting credits with organist Matthew Fisher, after a 2006 legal ruling. But this morning, London’s Court of Appeal reversed the decision in favour of Brooker and Reid, ruling that there had been an "excessive delay" in Fisher’s original claim.

In October, Brooker’s barrister, John Baldwin QC, told the Court of Appeal that Mr Fisher had failed to take the case to court earlier because “he wanted to stay in the band and live the life of a pop star".

Fisher had filed a lawsuit against Brooker in 2005, nearly 40 years after the hit was recorded, claiming his distinctive organ melody was integral to the song and he should be acknowledged as one of the song’s creators.

“It was entirely my idea to compose a set solo, and give the last two bars a satisfying ‘shape’,” Fisher told Uncut late last year. “What I added was the tune. You don’t sell 10 million records without a tune.”

But today’s ruling by Lord Justice Mummery overturns the 2006 decision to credit Fisher with co-writing the ’60s classic and awarding him 40 per cent of past and future royalties.

Speaking to Uncut last year, Brooker played down Fisher’s contribution.

“Of course it has improvisation on it, from the rehearsals. But it was based on my ideas, my music and playing,” said Brooker. “If there was any question over credits then that should have been sorted on the day.”

With its haunting, Bach-inspired organ line and enigmatic lyrics, “A Whiter Shade of Pale” became one of the most successful songs of all time: in 2004, the Performing Rights Group certified it the most played song of the last 70 years, clocking up almost 1000 cover versions and 10 million sales.

72stones · **Joined:** 12 Jul 2006 **Posts:** 2109

Hopefully, this now once and for all clears the way for the Procol Harum box set and reissues to begin in earnest. I still have it written down on my release board here in the computer room.

Linda · **Posted:** Tue Apr 14, 2009 10:41 am

http://www.uncut.co.uk/news/uncut/news/13017

A WHITER SHADE OF PALE IS MOST PLAYED SONG IN PUBLIC

Procol Harum's 1967 No. 1 hit "A Whiter Shade of Pale" has been named the most played song in public in the past 75 years, topping a new chart compiled for Radio 2.

Queen came in at two with "Bohemian Rhapsody" and at No. 3 is The Everly Brothers' "All I Have To Do Is Dream".

Although The Beatles don't feature in the Top 10, they do have three songs on the chart; "Hello Goodbye" (11), "Get Back" (13)and "From Me To You" (51).

Former Take That singer Robbie Williams matches The Beatles for most number of entries, also getting three.

The 100 tracks chart was compiled based on licensing firm PPL.

The Top 10 most played songs are:

1. Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade Of Pale
2. Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
3. Everly Brothers - All I Have To Do Is Dream
4. Wet Wet Wet - Love Is All Around
5. Bryan Adams - (Everything I Do) I Do It For You
6. Robbie Williams - Angels
7. Elvis Presley - All Shook Up
8. Abba - Dancing Queen
9. Perry Como - Magic Moments
10. Bing Crosby - White Christmas

Glenn S. · 30 Oct 2006

I'm surprised, as I've always found "A Whiter Shade of Pale" to be vaguely depressing. I think it is the combination of the downward chord progression, that mournful organ, and those sad/surreal lyrics. For years I would actually change the station if it came on, although now I can appreciate it for the rock classic it clearly is. Still surprised it is "most played" though, even in the UK.

ranasakawa · 26 Jan 2007

A Whiter Shade Of Pale is one of my all time favorite songs. Made me go and find a genuine Hammond organ just so I could play the beautiful melody.

Rick A · 23 Jul 2006

Surprised big time about the Bryan Adams - (Everything I Do) I Do It For You being on the list.

And even more surprised that the Police "Every Breath You Take" or even The Beatles "Yesterday" didn't
make the list.

Rick A.

GoogaMooga · 02 Aug 2006

I'm not at all surprised that "Bohemian Rhapsody" made it to number two on the list. In fact, I always thought it was THE most played song in the UK, it certainly topped a popularity poll among the Brits. Oh, and for the record, I don't like Queen or "Bohemian Rhapsody".

Really, really happy to see "Magic Moments" make it to the top ten. Means the '50s are not forgotten.

Glenn S. · 30 Oct 2006

If this list was for the US, "I Melt With You" would have to be right up there. Most overplayed song from the 80s, and as I recall it wasn't even that big of a hit back then.

Beachy · 18 Sep 2005

I listen to Annie Lennox's version quite a bit.

GoogaMooga · 02 Aug 2006

Glenn S. wrote:

If this list was for the US, "I Melt With You" would have to be right up there. Most overplayed song from the 80s, and as I recall it wasn't even that big of a hit back then.

I'm ashamed to say I've never heard of it. :oops:

Linda · **Posted:** Thu Jul 30, 2009 5:03 pm

http://www.nme.com/news/procol-harum/46411

Procol Harum organist wins 'Whiter Shade Of Pale' court case

July 30, 2009

Procol Harum member Matthew Fisher has won a court case to be named the official co-writer of the band's classic 1967 song 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale'.

Fisher claims he wrote the song's organ melody, and Law Lords today (July 30) ruled that he is entitled to his share of future royalties from the song.

In 2006, the High Court ruled that the organist was entitled to 40 per cent of royalties from the song. However, royalties were reverted to Procol Harum frontman Gary Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid in 2008, after the Court Of Appeal ruled that Fisher had waited too long – 38 years – to make his claim.

Speaking of the case, Lord Neuberger said Fisher had repeatedly asked Brooker and Reid if he could have a share in the rights to the record, only to be "rebuffed or ignored".

According to lawyers, the case marks the first time the Law Lords have been asked to rule on a copyright dispute involving a song, reports the BBC.

Fisher now works as a computer programmer.

AMW · **Joined:** 26 Sep 2006 **Posts:** 4543

Damn...I would have figured it was "Change The Weather" by Crowded House.

Pip · **Joined:** 16 Aug 2004 **Posts:** 2921

The guy got credit for ripping off Johann Sebastian Bach?

ranasakawa · 26 Jan 2007

I bet there is no love lost between Booker and Fisher.

Very sad this has to happen, Whiter Shade Of Pale is an immortal song.

Kid Bailey · 16 Jul 2006

Pip wrote:

The guy got credit for ripping off Johann Sebastian Bach?

It's interesting, and strange, that I couldn't find any mention of this in any story about this case. I suppose neither Brooker nor Fisher wanted to remind or inform people where the "melody" came from.

From THE TIMES online:
"Baroness Hale, 62, one of the five Law Lords who heard the case,declared herself a fan of the song. She said "As one of those people who do remember the sixties,
I am glad that the author of that memorable organ part has at last received the recognition he deserves".

I'm sure Bach would be pleased to learn finally of this recognition.

Geff R. · 27 Sep 2006

It is a nice song. Sadly, it's the only one of the top 10 that I like AT ALL.

"A Whiter Shade Of Pale"

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