The Meaning Behind Procol Harum: Unveiling the Origin and Significance
Procol Harum is a legendary British progressive rock band that has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Less known, however, is the origin of the band's name. This article delves into the intriguing journey of the band's moniker and its meanings.
The Origin of Procol Harum
The prehistory of Procol Harum is as interesting as it is convoluted. The band initially went by the name 'The Pinewoods,' but as they approached the release of their iconic track 'A Whiter Shade of Pale,' it became necessary to find a new name. In an interview with AllMusic, the band members recount the story of how their new name came to be.
According to Gary Brooker, one of the founders of the band, during a crucial moment, a friend of their manager's called in with a suggestion. The manager requested the name of a cat owned by his friend, and it was in this instance that Procol Harum was conceived.
Brooker elaborates, "The name of the cat was Procol Harun. And Procol Harum is a name in Latin that means 'beyond these things.' So we thought it was pretty cute, and it really suited us. We#39;ve always been a sound-and-minded kind of project and it seemed to paint a picture of what we were about. And it#39;s not a made-up name, it#39;s a genuine name. We didn#39;t invent it. It was handed to us."
The Latin Translation and Coincidence
The band found out that in Latin, the name Procol Harum means 'beyond these things,' a phrase that perfectly encapsulates the progressive and philosophical nature of their music. However, the story took an amusing turn when they realized they had spelt the name incorrectly over the telephone.
Brooker continues, "It was spelt Procol with a y rather than a u, and Harun rather than Harum. So a friend of mine got on the extension and said, Wow, that is very close to the Latin Pro. col Harum. It means 'beyond the things,' and it suits us, and the idea of going beyond the things is an ambition that we#39;ve always had and are still trying to achieve with our music.
A Fitting Nom de Guerre
Procol Harum became a fitting nom de guerre for the band and set the stage for their progressive sound and thematic depth. The name not only fit their music but also their vision of exploring beyond the constraints of conventional music. Their album 'A Salvo' (1969) and the single 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' (1967) further cemented their position as pioneers in the progressive rock genre.
Additional Insights and Resources
For those interested in deepening their understanding of Procol Harum, the definitive source for all things related to the band is Procol Harum's official website. The site includes comprehensive details about the band's history, upcoming tour dates, and more. In this interview with AllMusic, founding member Gary Brooker discusses the band's journey, the significance of their name, and their influential impact on the music industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the band name Procol Harum is far more than a random selection. It is a reflection of the band's ambition to push the boundaries of music and explore the depths of their craft. The origin of the name, as revealed by Gary Brooker, is a blend of a chance encounter with a cat's pedigree and an insightful Latin translation that resonates with their mission as a progressive rock band. Procol Harum has stood the test of time, and their legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers.