Who was Ginger Baker? Cream drummer who died aged 80
ROCK and roll legend Ginger Baker, co-founder of Cream, has died aged 80.
But who was the rock legend? Read on to find out everything we know about the percussion legend.
Who was Ginger Baker?
Baker, real name Peter, was thought of as one of the finest drummers the UK has ever produced.
He 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 - August 1939.
Hi father as killed in action in 1943.
Baker was married four times and fathered three children, Nettie, Leda, and Kofi.
His wild life included a problem with drink and heroin addiction.
He gave his own 15-year-old son Kofi a line of cocaine to perk him up for a gig and had sex with his daughter’s mates.
Ginger was involved in foursomes with Jimi Hendrix and bedded a string of groupies and fans.
When did he form Cream?
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.
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."
The band's highest ranking single in the UK was I Feel free in 1966.
They had nine top 10 albums with 1969's Goodbye reaching No1.
Cream were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
Cream were at the height of their fame when they split in November 1968, blaming the arguments between Baker and Bruce.
When did Ginger Baker die?
Baker died peacefully in hospital on October 6 at the age of 80.
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."
The family of former bandmate Jack Bruce, who died in 2014, posted a picture of the two stars together saying: "The Bruce family would like to extend their sincere condolences to Ginger Baker’s family, friends and fans.
"Surviving a love hate relationship, Ginger was like an older brother to Jack, their chemistry was truly spectacular. RIP Ginger, one of the greatest drummers of all time."
MORE PEOPLE WE'VE LOST
Mick Jagger paid tribute on Twitter saying: "Sad news hearing that Ginger Baker has died, I remember playing with him very early on in Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated. He was a fiery but extremely talented and innovative drummer."
And Paul McCartney said: "Ginger Baker, great drummer, wild and lovely guy.
"We worked together on the 'Band on the Run' album in his ARC Studio, Lagos, Nigeria. Sad to hear that he died but the memories never will. X Paul."
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