Legendary Cream and Blind Faith drummer Ginger Baker has died at the age of 80.
Baker’s family had revealed last month that he was critically ill, and a new post on social media revealed that he passed away early Sunday.
“We are very sad to say that Ginger has passed away peacefully in hospital this morning,” read a message on his website. “Thank you to everyone for your kind words over the past weeks.” In a statement to CNN, his daughter Nettie Baker added, “Dad passed away peacefully. He was in no pain and had recently been able to see and speak to his children, close family and special friends.”
Baker’s son Kofi Baker, who is also a drummer, sharing, "The other day I had a beautiful visit with my dad... we talked about memories and music and he's happy that I'm keeping his legacy alive," adding, "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."
- Baker started Cream with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce in 1966, and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, where the band reunited. They were known for such songs as “Strange Brew,” “Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room” and more.
- Baker and Clapton also teamed up with Ric Grech and Steve Winwood to start Blind Faith in 1969, and Ginger later formed Ginger Baker’s Air Force and released two albums. He was also honored with a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
Winwood took to his website to pay tribute to Baker, noting he was “lucky to play with him,” adding, “he made a great contribution to the Blind Faith album which has withstood the test of time.” He adds, “Beneath his somewhat abrasive exterior, there was a very sensitive human being with a heart of gold. He’ll be missed."