Ginger Baker, Legendary Cream Drummer, Dead at 80

Legendary drummer Ginger Baker has passed away at the age of 80, according to a statement by his family posted to his Twitter account this morning (Oct. 6). “We are very sad to say that Ginger passed away peacefully in hospital this morning,” it reads. “Thank you to everyone for your kind words over the past weeks.”

No cause of death has been announced yet, but in late September, Baker’s family revealed he was “critically ill.” “Dad passed away peacefully,” Baker’s daughter Nettie told CNN in a statement. “He was in no pain and had recently been able to see and speak to his children, close family and special friends.”

Born in 1939 in London, Baker is best known for his work with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce in short-lived but legendary power trio Cream. The group only lasted two years before tensions between Baker and Bruce caused their split, but in that time, they recorded four hugely influential records — Fresh Cream (1966), Disraeli Gears (1967), Wheels of Fire (1968) and the aptly titled Goodbye. They’re responsible for some of the era’s most iconic hits, including “Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room,” “Crossroads,” and “Strange Brew.”

Baker and Bruce first met in 1962 when Baker joined Blues Incorporated, replacing Charlie Watts after Watts left to join the Rolling Stones. They then played together in the Graham Bond Organisation before forming Cream with Clapton in 1966.

Cream was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Baker was also the subject of the documentary Beware of Mr. Baker in 2012.