Ginger Baker

Date of Birth: August 19, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: October 6, 2019

Biography

Ginger Baker, born Peter Edward Baker, was an influential English drummer and co-founder of the rock band Cream. Born on August 19, 1939, in Lewisham, London, Baker is often regarded as one of the most innovative and influential drummers in rock history. His early career began in jazz bands, but he gained international fame with Cream, a power trio also featuring Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce. Known for his distinctive style, which incorporated jazz and African rhythms, Baker helped set the template for modern rock drumming. After Cream disbanded, he played in several other bands, including Blind Faith and Ginger Baker’s Air Force, and collaborated with various artists across genres. Despite his musical achievements, Baker’s life was marked by tumultuous relationships and struggles with substance abuse.

5 Interesting Facts about Ginger Baker

1. Ginger Baker was known for his fiery temper and eccentric personality, which often led to conflicts with bandmates and collaborators.

2. He was one of the first rock drummers to use two bass drums, paving the way for the double bass drumming technique in rock and metal music.

3. Baker spent several years living in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where he collaborated with Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.

4. Despite being primarily known as a rock drummer, Baker had a deep-seated passion for jazz and considered himself a jazz drummer at heart.

5. Baker published an autobiography titled “Hellraiser” in 2009, detailing his tumultuous life and career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ginger Baker

1. “The only way you can judge a drummer is by listening to the band as a whole.”

2. “I’ve had enough of all this rock and roll. It’s all a load of crap.”

3. “If I am playing jazz I don’t really need a drum kit. I can play it on a table, I can play it on the floor, I can play it on a wall, I can play it anywhere.”

4. “I was always a bit of a loner. I never really fit in with anyone else.”

5. “I never thought of myself as a rock drummer. I always thought I was a jazz drummer.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Ginger Baker’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.

Children

Ginger Baker had three children: Ginette Karen, Leda, and Kofi Stile Baker. Kofi, born in 1969, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a drummer.