As news of the passing of Procol Harum leader Gary Brooker arrived, many rockers, and other celebrities who were touched by his music, paid tribute to the singer, keyboardist and songwriter. Brooker died of cancer on February 19, 2022, at age 76.
The musician was one of many prominent alums of the All Starr Band.
God bless Gary Brooker peace and love to the family. 😎✌️🌟❤️🎼🎹🎶☮️ pic.twitter.com/eSbYGP7tvQ
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) February 22, 2022
It turns out that Brooker and his wife, Frankie, served as baby sitters when George Martin and his wife, Judy, were away.
Rest in peace #GaryBrooker – incredible singer, writer and musician- more than that he was a lovely, lovely man. He and his wife Frankie looked after me and my sis when my parents were away. They gave so much love and warmth to us as kids, I wish I’d thanked him before he passed
— Giles Martin (@mashupmartin) February 22, 2022
Another Beatles-related post; this one from Alan Parsons, who wrote, “I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Gary Brooker. I had worked with Procol Harum in my early years as an assistant engineer at Abbey Road, and many years later he sang what became one of my all-time favorite APP songs – Limelight. He sang it again with me and the band on the On The Blue Cruise in 2019. He was a superb artist and he will be greatly missed.”
So saddened by the news of Gary Brooker passing. Rod and I loved him dearly and we had so many wonderful times together. Gary was top of my list when we were putting together some names for my Cocktail Podcast series last year – he was such good fun. Will miss you, Gary x pic.twitter.com/WUqc2DgWKV
— Pattie Boyd (@thepattieboyd) February 23, 2022
From the BBC’s “Whispering Bob” Harris…
This is proving to be a very sad week. I’ve shared many stages with Gary Brooker through the years and he was a gentleman – kind and generous. Plus his road crew literally saved my life! #rip #GaryBrooker Procol Harum – Salty Dog (1969) https://t.co/qgiQznh4ma via @YouTube
— Bob Harris 💙 (@WhisperingBob) February 22, 2022
From longtime Jethro Tull guitarist, Martin Barre. “I am devastated to hear of the passing of Gary Brooker. I have known him throughout my career, and the highlight for myself was to tour with him, and play amongst other songs ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’. He radiated charm and talent, and I am proud to have been near him. My deepest condolences to Frankie, their family and the band.”
Gary was a master of song. We began chart buzzing together on the same label, Deram, in 1966. Last we hooked up was at the Music for Marsden benefit concert in aid of Cancer in 2020, where he played piano on Wild World. God bless him with a brighter shade of peace#GaryBrooker pic.twitter.com/qy9rLSeM9L
— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) February 23, 2022
Steve Winwood wrote, “Gary was an inspired singer, a very capable musician and writer of the iconic ‘Whiter Shade of Pale.’
“I recorded this with Carlos Santana no more than a few [months] ago, and we both realised what an intricate, beautiful song it is. He will be greatly missed.”
Sorry to hear about the passing of Gary Brooker.
Rest in Peace.
– Billy Joel[Pictured: Gary Brooker, founder and lead singer of Procol Harum] pic.twitter.com/C2VbXjviHA
— Billy Joel (@billyjoel) February 22, 2022
Colin Blunstone of the Zombies wrote, “So very sorry to hear the sad news about Gary Brooker. He was a wonderful artist and a great character. I will never forget seeing his wonderful performances many times over the years and really enjoying his company back stage. Great music lives forever!!!”
From actor-comedian Richard Lewis…
The salty dog has passed. My heart goes out to his wondrous wife, Franky.
RIP Gary Brooker.
I was in love with Procol Harum from the moment I heard them.
Gary was a genius and along with miraculous lyricist, Keith Reid, their work is heavenly.
Their friendship was a dream to me. pic.twitter.com/ATE0FSWeTI— Richard Lewis (@TheRichardLewis) February 22, 2022
From noted filmmaker John Carpenter…
Gary Brooker, one of the great voices in rock ‘n roll has passed away. Rest In Peace.
— John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster) February 22, 2022
2 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationAll of the two- and three-disc deluxe editions of their catalogue on Esoteric Recordings are well worth acquiring. I was a fan before, but these reissues gave me an even deeper level of respect.
RIP Gary Brooker. He’s now with Jack Bruce and Jimmy Dewar