A photo of the Baker family from 1997 (L-R: the late Liz Baker, Nettie, Leda, Kofi and Ginger Baker) (Photo via his Facebook page)
Four days after writing that Cream legend Ginger Baker was “critically ill,” his family posted a brief update on the drummer’s health. A note posted on September 29 on his Facebook page noted he is “holding his own” and “receiving visits from close family” and “very special friends.”
Late Wednesday (Sept. 25), his social media team wrote, “Announcement. Ginger is critically ill in hospital. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you everyone.” Baker turned 80 on August 19.
UPDATE: Baker died October 6, 2019
Baker played in the seminal 1960s British R&B bands Blues Incorporated and the Graham Bond Organisation before joining forces in 1966 with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce in Cream, arguably the first classic rock supergroup. He and Clapton then went on to form a second supergroup, Blind Faith, with Steve Winwood and Ric Grech.
Related: Cream, rock’s short-lived first supergroup
Here’s the entire September 29 post: UPDATE! Ginger is holding his own & thank you for all your good wishes. He is receiving visits from close family & very special friends. Sunday family pic from 1997: the late Liz Baker, Nettie, Leda, Kofi & Ginger. Parker CO 💖🙏🏻
In June 2016, Baker was said to be recovering well from heart surgery, as well as a bad fall that led to swelling in his legs. At that time, the classic rock legend’s daughter Leda said, “Ginger is on the road to recovery. He is miraculously recovering well.”
Ginger Baker at NYC’s Iridium, October 2013 (Photo by Jeff Tamarkin, used with permission)
Back in February 2016, Baker announced on Facebook he would no longer play drums under doctors’ orders and cancelled all his upcoming tour dates. At the time, he wrote, “just seen doctor… big shock…. no more gigs for this old drummer…. everything is off…. of all things i never thought it would be my heart…..”
The famed drummer has lived as hard as he played, most notably a long history of heroin addiction that he finally overcame in 1981 after what he said was some 19 tries. He suffers from degenerative osteoarthritis and COPD, but despite pain and challenges the feisty musician continued to gig.
Related: Listings for 100s of classic rock tours
3 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationGinger Baker, best drummer of all time! Hang in there and get better.
Ginger Baker your talent on the drums will live forever in the mind’s and heart’s All who have heard you !!!
Lots of love and positive vibes to Ginger and all his family and fellow lovers of his brilliant percussive work.