Skip to main content
Text only version of this page
Access keys help
Home
Explore the BBC
This page has been archived and is no longer updated.
Find out more about page archiving.
Accessibility help
Text only
BBC Homepage
BBC Music
Full Schedule
-
Radio 2
Sold on Song
What's On
Search For A Songwriter
Songs A-Z
Artists A-Z
Songwriting Guides
Genres
Glossary
Newsletter
Contact Us
Like this page?
Send it to a friend!
SONG HOME
IN-DEPTH
COVER VERSIONS
YOUR VIEWS
1
|
Top 100
A Whiter Shade Of Pale
Procol Harum
The song nobody understands - even the writer Keith Reid couldn't explain it. It's topped the 100 poll and is consistently popular since its 1967 release.
Song facts
Composer
Brooker/Reid
Genre
Pop
Release
1967
UK Chart
Position
1
In cover versions
Another gustsy performance from American power balladeer Michael Bolton. One for the ladies?
Listen to Michael Bolton's version of A Whiter Shade of Pale
MORE COVER VERSIONS
Procul Harum
75%
Joe Cocker
10%
Jose Feliciano
4%
Micheal Bolton
12%
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE...
A brilliant and moving song, years ahead of its time.
Mike Sloman
READ MORE COMMENTS...
Make a comment
Your Name and Town/City:
Your Message:
Songwriting tips
Get started with your own songs at
Getting Started
How a great lyric can make a song work:
Writing Lyrics
Test your knowledge
How much do you know about Procol Harum and Whiter Shade of Pale?
100
Brown Eyed Girl
2
Bohemian Rhapsody
Newsletter sign-up
Sign up for updates on new songs, documentaries and live events
Like this song? Try these...
Stairway to Heaven
Bohemian Rhapsody
DON'T MISS
Doves
Special guests on Dermot's show this week
What's on
Radio 2 Documentaries
Find out more about current and forthcoming documentaries on Radio 2.
About the BBC
|
Help
|
Terms of Use
|
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Full Schedule
75%
Get started with your own songs at 
Newsletter sign-up