Who was Ginger Baker? Cream drummer who died aged 80
ROCK and roll legend Ginger Baker, founder of Cream, has died aged 80.
But who was the rock legend? Read on to find out everything we know about the Cream drummer…
Who was Ginger Baker?
Baker was thought of as one of the finest drummers the UK has ever produced, and had a fearsome reputation due to his no nonsense attitude and fiery temper – which often prompted mid-show punch ups.
Nicknamed ginger for his flaming orange hair, the superstar drummer was born in Lewisham, south London, shortly before World War Two.
He founded rock and blues band Cream in 1966, recruiting Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce.
The band is regarded as the world’s first supergroup and sold more than 15million records, despite only being active for three years in the late 60s.
Baker’s signature style combined the lyricism of jazz with a rebellious, unapologetic style of rock, with one critic said watching him was like witnessing “a human combine harvester.”
Of playing with Cream, Baker once said: “It was as if something else had taken over. You’re not conscious of playing.
“You’re listening to this fantastic sound that you’re a part of. And your part is just… happening. It was a gift, and we three had it in abundance.”
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Baker died, peacefully in hospital on October 6.
A statement put out to fans read: “We are very sad to say that Ginger has passed away peacefully in hospital this morning.
“Thank you to everyone for your kind words over the past weeks.”
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