Procol Harum originally began as a rhythm and blues band known as The Paramounts in 1963. The London group came together in 1966 as Procol Harum (loosely translated from Latin to mean "beyond these things") with members Gary Brooker (piano & vocals), Keith Reid (lyrics). Matthew Fischer (organ), Ray Royer (guitar), Dave Knights (bass) & Bobby Harrison (drums). The 1967 hit 'Whiter Shade of Pale' sold over six million copies. Robin Trower and B. J. Wilson replaced Royer and Harrison in 1968. Trower left in 1971 and other personnel changes continued. 'Conquistador', recorded live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and De Camera Singers, became a success for the group in 1972. The group disbanded in the mid-1970s. However, Brooker, Fisher, Reid, and Trower reunited Procol Harum in 1991 to record the album The Prodigal Stranger.
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Formed in Birmingham, England in 1963 as a rhythm-and-blues-style band, members included Spencer Davis (vocals & rhythm guitar), Muff Winwood (bass), Steve Winwood (vocals, lead guitar, keyboards), and Pete York (Drums). Davis and York were college mates playing music together when they met the Winwood brothers. The four teamed and became the Rhythm and Blues Quartet. Later, Chris Blackwell, owner of Island Records, developed the name Spencer Davis Group and signed the band to record for his Fontana label. The hit song 'Gimme Some Loving', composed at London's Marquie Club, skyrocketed the group to worldwide fame, and the song was soon followed by 'I'm A Man'. Steve Winwood left the group in 1967 to form Traffic and eventually pursued a solo career. The Spencer Davis Group continued to perform.
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