A British rock musician, songwriter, and producer, best known for his iconic organ riff in the Procol Harum hit "A Whiter Shade of Pale".
Matthew Fisher, born on March 7, 1946, is an English musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known for his timeless contribution to the rock band Procol Harum, particularly for playing the iconic Hammond organ on their 1967 single "A Whiter Shade of Pale", for which he later won a songwriting credit.
Fisher's journey in music started in his teenage years, initially playing the bass guitar. However, after being inspired by The Animals and Georgie Fame, he shifted his focus to becoming an organist. He briefly considered a career as a music teacher and even enrolled for classical training at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music.
Fisher's fascination with the Hammond M102 organ and Leslie speaker, inspired by Ian McLagan of Small Faces, led him to purchase the same model after borrowing money from his grandmother. This investment proved to be a turning point, making him a sought-after musician, as he quipped, "Having a Hammond was like having a licence to print money."
In 1967, Fisher joined Procol Harum, a newly formed band founded by Gary Brooker and Keith Reid. His impressive skills on the Hammond organ and Leslie speaker added a new dimension to the band's sound, cementing his status as an integral part of the group.
Fisher's contribution to "A Whiter Shade of Pale" earned him a songwriting credit, along with Gary Brooker and Keith Reid. The song's hauntingly beautiful melody and Fisher's intricate organ work catapulted the band to international fame, making it one of the most enduring and beloved songs of the 1960s.
In the later stages of his life, Fisher pursued a new passion – computer programming. He qualified from Cambridge University, demonstrating his remarkable versatility and adaptability.
Matthew Fisher's innovative approach to the Hammond organ and his work with Procol Harum have inspired generations of musicians. His legacy extends beyond the realm of rock music, influencing a wide range of genres, from progressive rock to electronica.
79 Years Old
Legendary blues-rock guitarist and founder of Fleetwood Mac, known for his soulful, emotive playing style and iconic songs like "Albatross" and "Man of the World".
92 Years Old
A British blues legend, known for his iconic guitar playing and influential blues-rock sound, which has inspired countless musicians.
81 Years Old
A highly influential blues and rock musician, known for his mastery of the electric guitar and hits like "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight".
82 Years Old
Legendary guitarist and songwriter behind iconic rock band Led Zeppelin, credited with creating some of the most enduring and influential music in rock history.
81 Years Old
A highly influential and innovative rock guitarist, known for his versatile and experimental style that has inspired countless musicians across multiple genres.
83 Years Old
Lead vocalist and founding member of the Yardbirds, a pioneering British rock band that spawned Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, known for blending blues, folk, and psychedelia.
80 Years Old
Founding member and guitarist of the 1960s British rock band The Yardbirds, known for his iconic riffs and songwriting contributions to hits like "For Your Love" and "Heart Full of Soul".
84 Years Old
Founder of the Rolling Stones, a legendary rock band that blended blues, folk, and psychedelia, and a key figure in shaping the British Invasion of the 1960s.
