RIP - Ginger Baker

Ginger Baker, best known as the drummer for Cream and Blind Faith has passed away at 80 years old. While his fame came from the rock world his talents really lay well beyond that. Here he is with Bill Frisell and Charlie Hayden doing his jazz thing -




And here with Fela Kuti doing Afro Beat -

I was in 9th grade when Disraeli Gears came out. Three guys made a lot of music. RIP

One of the most underrated of drummers. Too bad Baker and Bruce couldn't get along.

RIP Ginger

No one ever played Ginger's riffs. He was one of a kind. His complaint about Bruce, "he played too loud." Yet he performed in at least three different bands with Bruce.

He insisted Cream did not play Rock and Roll, two jazz musicians with a blues guitarist, playing jazz, and never performing a song the same way twice.

Hearing Cream or Blind Faith live was a visceral experience because of Ginger.

When told he was the father of Heavy Metal he responded "It (heavy metal) should have been aborted."

His musical sojourns in Africa and work with musicians there, legendary.

A stand up guy who lived for his love of music and who's music was for his love of life.

Despite heart disease, arthritis, other maladies, he performed well into his late 70's.

Don't rest in peace Ginger, pound the heavens with your syncopating drums for the glory of music.

Rogue Valley said:

One of the most underrated of drummers. Too bad Baker and Bruce couldn't get along.

RIP Ginger

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True, he was a PITA to work with according to many. Underrated? Every learned poll I have seen puts him in the same league as the other really great rock drummers (Bonham, Pert, Paice, Copeland, Moon and Palmer)

Rest peacefully Ginger Baker, I was blessed to grow up listening to the best in rock music, thank you.

I love Cream's music. Now the angels can enjoy it to. Thank you Ginger Baker for a lifetime of music. RIP and play like hell!

V/R
Evilroddy.

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