Procol Harum is an English rock band, formed in the 1960s, who built an important foundation for what would become progressive rock, or perhaps more closely, symphonic rock. They are best known for their 1967 hit single "A Whiter Shade of Pale", which is not only a regular item on classic singles polls, but is also regarded as being a seminal track in the development of pop music and particularly progressive rock music. Procol Harum have had a devoted following throughout their career; their music, although being principally noted for its classical influence, also embraces the blues and pure pop music. Beginnings Procol Harum started from a live band, The Paramounts, led by Gary Brooker and Robin Trower. Based in Southend, England, they signed to Parlophone and scored a moderate British success with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller's "Poison Ivy" in 1964. They were unable to recreate this success, however, and the band fell apart in 1966