Legendary drummer for Cream, Ginger Baker, has passed away this weekend, aged 80.
Tributes have flowed for the musician, who was most known for his work with the British psych-rock band, as well as with Fela Kuti, and Blind Faith.
Ginger Baker, legendary drummer and member of Cream, has been remembered by musicians around the world including Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, and Brian Wilson.
Baker was often considered one of the greatest drummers in the world. Regarded as “rock’s first superstar drummer”, he was known for his style which combined jazz and African rhythms, having a pioneering influence on the genres of jazz fusion and world music.
Baker had a lasting effect on the music world and he has been remembered by a staggering amount of people, including Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Brian Wilson, Steve Winwood, Brian May, Ringo Starr, Flea, Questlove, and more.
“The other day I had a beautiful visit with my dad,” wrote Baker’s son, Kofi, on the page of his tribute band, the Music of Cream, “We talked about memories and music and he’s happy that I’m keeping his legacy alive. Our relationship was mended and he was in a peaceful place. Thank you all for the kind messages and thoughts. I love my dad and will miss him always.”
Elsewhere, the family of Baker’s bandmate, the late Jack Bruce, wrote of the chemistry between the pair, labelling Baker as an older brother to Bruce.
Others have remembered Baker for his wild personality, with American director, Jay Bulger, who directed a 2012 documentary on the drummer, writing a memorial for Baker:
“Ginger drove sports cars off cliffs in Algeria,” he wrote. “The night Jimi Hendrix died, Ginger Baker was with him. He chain-smoked for 50 years. He took heroin for decades. Four wives. Three children. He was a living testament to the stiff upper lip that gained Britain its empire. So long, Ginge. Don’t worry, like you always said: ‘The devil takes care of its own.’”
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 pic.twitter.com/Rne4tn6A2i
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) October 6, 2019
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. pic.twitter.com/tZg3IGwP4Z
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) October 6, 2019
I’m sorry to hear that Ginger Baker passed. He was a great drummer and we all were fans of Cream back then. “Sunshine Of Your Love” was a great one. Love & Mercy, Brian
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) October 6, 2019
