Gary Brooker on Homburg

Interviewed in 1967 by Harry Harrison

Don't miss listening to the clip (mp3 here) as well as reading the brief text of this astonishing interview, and clash of styles, from 1967 … Harry Harrison was a New York DJ for WABC AM Radio, and the show in question was sponsored by the US Army.

DJ Harry Harrison (stentorian tones)
Your future ! Your decision ! Choose army!

(Homburg cuts in immediately)
Here it is, that big new follow-up to Whiter Shade of Pale, England's Procol Harum on The In-Sound Show, Homburg.

(DJ cuts in during the second verse)
There it is: big hit from The Procol Harum, Homburg.

Joining us at the In-Sound mike today, Gary Brooker, who y'all know does the singing with the group.

Gary, Hi!

Gary Brooker
Hello Harry …

Gary, you and Keith wrote this number, is there a story behind it?

Well I don't write the words, so it's sometimes a bit hard for me to explain, specially his words, because they are his words you know, they are from his experiences. He knows what they mean.

Mmm …

But I don't think they mean anything literally … a lot of er … I mean if you take each line … not not that you're meant to split it down, but if you do take each line the sort of the way the words are used, and, they create little little feelings, little moods.

Mm-hmm. And the overall effect is a great sound as usual. Thanks for talking to us Gary and continued good luck to you and The Procol Harum.

Mm, thank you Harry .

(Loud music and continuity announcement. DJ shouts …)
The In-Sound was presented by the United States Army and I'm Harry Harrison reminding you that whatever career you want to follow, you can get a great start in the army: your future, your decision, choose army!