Because this is the type of vital information without which our lives could not continue, a British music licensing board announced Monday that Procul Harem’s “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” is the most-played song in public places in Britain over the last 75 years.
The full list features the top 75 songs played in the last 75 years, and the variety (and repetition) of artists is simultaneously encouraging and utterly disturbing. Queen’s rock opus “Bohemian Rhapsody” came in second, Elvis landed in the top 10 and The Beatles had three songs land somewhere in the countdown. That number ties them with Robbie Williams for most mentions on the chart, and while several artists had two songs appear, the most notable names getting two nods were John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Yes, you read right.
Gary Brooker, lead singer of Procul Harem, said landing at the top of this chart was “a great and unsought honor.”
“It isn’t something I could have remotely imagined when I wrote the song and then made that legendary recording with Procol Harum all those years ago,” he said. “Every musician and singer hopes to reach out and communicate to the audience, so it means a great deal that the record has such an indefinable popularity and lasting appeal.”
Top Ten Songs Most Played in Public Places In Britain Since 1934
1. Procol Harum “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” 1967
2. Queen “Bohemian Rhapsody” 1975
3. Everly Brothers “All I Have To Do Is Dream” 1958
4. Wet Wet Wet “Love Is All Around” 1994
5. Bryan Adams ”(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” 1991
6. Robbie Williams “Angels” 1997
7. Elvis Presley “All Shook Up” 1957
8. ABBA “Dancing Queen” 1976
9. Perry Como “Magic Moments” 1958
10. Bing Crosby “White Christmas” 1942
