Gary Brooker, founder, singer and keyboardist of Procol Harum, died on Saturday at home from cancer. He was 76.

Best known for their 1967 song “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” the band released a statement saying, “From his earliest onstage duets with his musician father, through his youthful recording career with Southend’s The Paramounts, Gary exhibited and developed a highly individual talent. His first single with Procol Harum, 1967’s ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale,’ is widely regarded as defining ‘The Summer of Love,’ yet it could scarcely have been more different from the characteristic records of that era.

Nor was it characteristic of his own writing. Over 13 albums Procol Harum never sought to replicate it, preferring to forge a restlessly progressive path, committed to looking forward, and making each record a ‘unique entertainment.’ Gary’s voice and piano were the single defining constant of Procol’s 50-year international concert career.

Brooker was much in demand as a collaborator: He played, wrote and sang for Eric Clapton’s band and with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. He toured with Ringo’s All-Starrs, and contributed to solo projects for Paul McCartney and for George Harrison, who guested on one of Gary’s four solo albums. Gary played and sang at the Albert Hall in 2003’s Concert for George.”

Knighted by Queen Elizabeth with an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2003, Brooker is survived by his wife Franky, whom he met in 1965 and married in 1968. They had no children.