“A Whiter Of Pale” singer Gary Brooker dies at age 76

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Gary Brooker, singer, pianist and composer for Procol Harum,” the statement on the website read. “He was an irreplaceable shining light in the music industry.” The singer died at home.

Gary Brooker achieved his first real musical success with The Paramounts. He formed the band in 1962 with his friend and guitarist Robin Troir. In 1966 he co-founded Procol Harum with Keith Reid. With their debut single, A Whiter Shade Of Pale, the British band recorded No. 1 for weeks in 1967, which still performs well on the traditional year-end charts.

In addition to his work for the band, Gary Brooker has also been involved in solo projects for George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Paul McCartney. In 2003, the Briton was knighted for his charitable fundraising efforts.

Brooker will be buried particularly soon, according to the report posted on the fan site. This will later be followed by a public memorial concert for the musician. He left behind his wife, Frankie, whom he met in 1965 and married in 1968. The couple had no children.

Frankie really went to Hollywood and ‘Here’s a Kickback’: International Bands Names Explained †