Istoric ( 160 )

20.12.2006 - Matthew Fisher, a founding member of Procol Harum won a High Court battle over who wrote their song ‘A Whiter Shade Of Pale’. Fisher who played organ on the 1967 hit had argued he wrote the distinctive organ melody, but Mr Justice Blackburne ruled he was entitled to just 40% of the copyright, (rather than the 50% he was seeking). The court decided lead singer Gary Brooker’s input was more substantial and Fisher’s claim for back royalties – of up to £1m – was also rejected. For almost 40 years, the song had been credited to lead singer Gary Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid.