Gary Brooker

Gary Brooker, MBE, (born May 29, 1945),Hackney, London, is a singer, songwriter, pianist, and founder of the classical rock band Procol Harum. Brooker was awarded the Me

Gary Brooker, MBE, (born May 29, 1945),Hackney, London, is a singer, songwriter, pianist, and founder of the classical rock band Procol Harum. Brooker was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's Birthday Honours on June 14, 2003 in recognition of his charitable services.

Gary Brooker founded The Paramounts in 1962 with his guitarist chum Robin Trower. The band gained respect within the burgeoning 1960s British R 'n' B scene, which yielded The Beatles, The Animals, The Spencer Davis Group, The Rolling Stones, and many others. The Stones, in particular, were Paramounts fans, giving them guest billing on several memorable shows in the early 1960s.