This week, the music world lost a legend in Procol Harum songwriter Keith Reid's passing. The famous songwriter was 76.
According to the Daily Caller, Reid’s wife, Pinkey, announced his passing in an email sent to his friends. He was widely known for his work in writing the 1967 hit song "A Whiter Shade of Pale."
Keith Reid, lyricist who co-wrote Procol Harum's A Whiter Shade Of Pale, dies aged 76 https://t.co/36jSUdeXHl
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) March 30, 2023
The song is still heard in movies, television, radio, and other forms of media given its lasting popularity.
The Daily Caller noted: "The song reached #5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in the United States."
On its official Facebook page, the famous 60's English rock band released a touching written tribute to Reid.
"We are sad to hear of the death of Keith Reid," the statement said.
It added: "An unparalleled lyricist Keith wrote the words to virtually all Procol Harum songs, as well as co-writing the John Farnham hit ‘You’re the Voice.’ His lyrics were one of a kind and helped to shape the music created by the band. His imaginative, surreal and multi-layered words were a joy to Procol fans and their complexity by design was a powerful addition [to] the Procol Harum catalogue. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends."
The Daily Caller added:
Because Keith was not a performer in Procol Harum, he was not considered an official band member. However, his poetic lyrics were integral to the band’s music, prompting fans to decipher their meaning.
Tributes poured in across social media from Reid's friends and supporters, with many noting his invaluable contributions the band and the genre as a whole.
Rest in peace Keith Reid, the lyricist for the wonderful British band, @ProcolHarumband. His words touched a generation of people with songs like "A Whiter Shade of Pale," "A Salty Dog," and "Conquistador." His lyrics were poetic and profound. #thoughihopeforsomethingtofind pic.twitter.com/nz3gKrHBWC
— stephen doster (@stephen_doster) April 1, 2023
The famous songwriter was born on Oct. 19, 1946, in Hertfordshire, England. He later moved to London, where he would ultimately meet the people who would shape his career in music.
Many noted in their tributes that Reid's writing style, which was mostly poetic in nature, had a profound effect on the popularity of the famous band's songs. Clearly, he will be missed not only by his former band associates, but by family, friends, and fans around the world.