Ginger Baker (1939

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Biography

Peter Edward "Ginger" Baker was an English drummer. His work in the 1960s and 1970s earned him the reputation of "rock's first superstar drummer", for a style that melded jazz and African rhythms and pioneered both jazz fusion and world music.

Timeline

The story of Ginger Baker, told in moments.

1966 Event

Formed Cream with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce. He hated Bruce. They fought constantly. The music was extraordinary. Three men who could barely stand each other made some of the best rock ever recorded.

How could Cream make extraordinary music when you could barely stand each other? Did you really hate Jack Bruce?

1970 Event

Drove a Land Rover across the Sahara to build a recording studio in Lagos, Nigeria. He wanted to play with Fela Kuti. He did. The studio went bankrupt.

Why drive across the Sahara to build a studio in Lagos? What was playing with Fela Kuti like?

1993 Event

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Cream. He and Bruce still weren't speaking. They managed the ceremony anyway.

Could you and Bruce manage a ceremony without speaking? What does the Hall of Fame mean to someone who doesn't care about awards?

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Explore what happened on the days that shaped Ginger Baker's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.