RIP Gary Brooker

This topic has 12 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 1 month ago by San Luis Rey.

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- February 22, 2022 at 4:10 pm #298161
  Ralph P.
  Participant
  I just learned of the passing of Gary Brooker. He wrote one of the most devastatingly beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. This song touched my soul in ’67, and it still gets to me every time I hear it.
  
  John Lennon even said this is the best song ever written:
  
  Ralph
  
  Ralph P.
- February 22, 2022 at 7:08 pm #298173
  charjo
  Moderator
  One of the most hauntingly, beautiful songs ever written. I had no idea who Gary Brooker was, very sorry to find out this way.
  John
  - February 23, 2022 at 2:35 pm #298266
    Ralph P.
    Participant
    I agree John. Can’t think of too many other songs that are perfect.
    Ralph
    
    Ralph P.
- February 22, 2022 at 8:23 pm #298177
  richard t
  Participant
  High on the list of favorite songs. He touched a lot of souls. RIP.
  - February 23, 2022 at 2:36 pm #298267
    Ralph P.
    Participant
    Yes, very high on my list too Richard. Quite a legacy to leave for us.
    Ralph
    
    Ralph P.
- February 23, 2022 at 10:21 am #298226
  Sal
  Participant
  A beautiful song by Gary Brooker, and I also like the version by Johnny Rivers on his “”Realization” album!!
  - February 23, 2022 at 2:31 pm #298265
    Ralph P.
    Participant
    I had forgotten about Johnny Rivers version Sal. He did do a very good job on his cover. I always liked Johnny’s voice. He seemed to have quite a few hits and then disappeared. Thanks for reminding me of his version. I just gave it another listen after 40 years.
    Ralph
    
    Ralph P.
- February 23, 2022 at 1:19 pm #298252
  San Luis Rey
  Participant
  Another great song from the 60’s. For a long time I thought Steve Winwood sang that . RIP Mr. Brooker
  
  Mike
  - February 23, 2022 at 2:38 pm #298269
    Ralph P.
    Participant
    He does have a Winwood soulfulness to his voice. I would love to hear Winwood sing this.
    Ralph
    
    Ralph P.
  - February 23, 2022 at 2:54 pm #298272
    Ralph P.
    Participant
    Since you brought it up Mike, I just looked it up and found a version of Steve Winwood and Carlos Santana doing Whiter Shade. I don’t know how I missed this one. Awesome.
    
    Ralph
    
    Ralph P.
    - February 24, 2022 at 7:11 am #298345
      charjo
      Moderator
      
      Stevie’s voice does this justice. I may be going against the grain here but I find this Santana habit of putting guitar phrases between each vocal line kind of formulaic and a bit tiresome. I think it actually takes away from the groove. I kind of prefer his pre-PRS tone, also.
      John
    - February 24, 2022 at 2:06 pm #298364
      Ralph P.
      Participant
      
      I agree about his phrasing John. It has gotten very predictable. Same as Smooth, Game Of Love, etc. Also, I think his outro solo was a little “overkill”. He should have let Stevie play some guitar on this. He’s a very tasteful and understated lead player.
      
      Ralph P.
    - February 24, 2022 at 5:30 pm #298384
      San Luis Rey
      Participant
      
      Cool Ralph! Stevie is just a great singer/ musician. The Procal Harum original version is the one embedded in my brain though.
      
      Mike
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RIP Gary Brooker

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