Ginger Baker: His Way WAS The Highway

Ginger Baker, legendary drummer and co-founder of the band Cream, passed away today at the age of 80. He disclosed a heart condition in 2013, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and in in 2016 had open heart surgery. He has been receiving treatment ever since. On Sept. 25th, his family announced that he was in the hospital, in critical condition and asked for prayers.

(Photo by George Stroud/Express/Getty Images)

Baker, Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton formed Cream in 1966, blending blues, rock, and jazz into a new sound that attracted a huge audience. Baker was uncompromising, and relentless when it came to recording and touring. He and Jack Bruce eventually stopped communicating. Cream reunited in 2005 for shows at Madison Square Garden and Royal Albert Hall. Rush drummer Neil Peart said that every rock drummer has been influenced by Baker, whether they know it or not.

We were lucky to get a glimpse into Bakers' life through the eyes of his son, Kofi, also a drummer. He told us growing up as the son of the worlds' greatest drummer was taxing at times. Kofi had to share his dad with the world, and Ginger wasn't always around.