# Ginger Baker

> British drummer (1939–2019)

**Wikidata**: [Q122232](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122232)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger_Baker)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ginger-baker

## Summary
Ginger Baker was a British drummer (1939–2019) who was a founding member of the influential rock band Cream and later led his own jazz-rock fusion supergroup, Ginger Baker's Air Force, making significant contributions to rock and jazz fusion music.

## Biography
- Born: 1939-08-19 (from P569)
- Nationality: United Kingdom (from P145)
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Founding member of Cream and leader of jazz-rock fusion supergroup Ginger Baker's Air Force
- Employer(s): Associated with Polydor, Warner Music Group, Island Records, Universal Music Group, and other labels; member of Cream, Ginger Baker's Air Force, Blues Incorporated, The Graham Bond Organisation, Blind Faith, and Masters of Reality
- Field(s): Musician, specifically a drummer and percussionist

## Contributions
Ginger Baker made significant contributions to rock and jazz fusion music through his work with various bands and projects. He was a founding member of the influential rock band Cream, which was active from 1966 to 1968. Later, he led his own jazz-rock fusion supergroup, Ginger Baker's Air Force, which was active from 1969 to 1971. His work with these bands helped shape the development of rock music and influenced subsequent generations of musicians.

## FAQs
**What bands did Ginger Baker play with?**
Ginger Baker was a founding member of the rock band Cream and later led his own jazz-rock fusion supergroup, Ginger Baker's Air Force. He also played with Blues Incorporated, The Graham Bond Organisation, Blind Faith, and Masters of Reality.

**What record labels was Ginger Baker associated with?**
Ginger Baker was associated with several major record labels including Polydor, Warner Music Group, Island Records, and Universal Music Group.

**When did Ginger Baker's career begin and end?**
Ginger Baker's career began in 1958 and ended in 2015 according to the work period information from the source material.

**What genres of music did Ginger Baker play?**
Ginger Baker played primarily rock and jazz fusion music, with his work spanning various subgenres including blues rock, hard rock, psychedelic rock, and jazz fusion.

## Why They Matter
Ginger Baker's work with Cream and his subsequent projects significantly influenced the development of rock music and jazz fusion. As a drummer, he was known for his powerful and innovative playing style that helped define the sound of 1960s and 1970s rock bands. His contributions helped bridge the gap between rock and jazz, creating new musical possibilities that influenced countless musicians who followed.

## Notable For
- Founding member of the influential rock band Cream
- Leader of the jazz-rock fusion supergroup Ginger Baker's Air Force
- Significant influence on rock and jazz fusion music
- Work with multiple major record labels including Polydor and Universal Music Group
- Member of several notable bands including Blues Incorporated and Blind Faith

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ginger Baker was born as Peter Edward Baker on August 19, 1939, in London, United Kingdom. He began his musical career in the late 1950s, playing with various bands before gaining prominence as a drummer. His distinctive playing style and powerful rhythm section work established him as a key figure in the emerging rock scene.

### Formation of Cream
In 1966, Ginger Baker co-founded the legendary rock band Cream with guitarist Eric Clapton and bassist Jack Bruce. The band became one of the most influential rock groups of the 1960s, known for their innovative blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic elements. Cream's debut album "Fresh Cream" was released in 1966 and featured groundbreaking performances that showcased Baker's drumming skills.

### Musical Style and Innovation
Baker was known for his powerful, driving drumming style that incorporated elements of jazz and rock. His approach to rhythm and tempo created a distinctive sound that became a hallmark of Cream's music. He was particularly noted for his use of complex time signatures and innovative percussion techniques that expanded the possibilities of rock drumming.

### Ginger Baker's Air Force
After Cream disbanded in 1968, Baker formed his own jazz-rock fusion supergroup, Ginger Baker's Air Force. The band featured a diverse lineup including guitarist Larry Lee, bassist Rick Wakeman, and saxophonist Dave Stewart. The group's debut album "Ginger Baker's Air Force" was released in 1969 and showcased Baker's ability to blend jazz improvisation with rock structures. The band continued to perform and record until 1971, contributing to the development of jazz-rock fusion as a distinct genre.

### Later Career and Musical Evolution
Following the breakup of Ginger Baker's Air Force, Baker continued to work as a musician, appearing on albums by various artists and participating in other musical projects. He remained active in the music industry until his death on October 6, 2019. Throughout his career, Baker's work influenced numerous musicians across different genres, particularly in the areas of rock and jazz fusion.

### Legacy and Influence
Ginger Baker's contributions to music have had a lasting impact on the development of rock and jazz fusion. His innovative drumming techniques and ability to blend different musical styles helped shape the sound of 1960s and 1970s rock bands. Many contemporary drummers cite Baker as an influence, and his work with Cream and Ginger Baker's Air Force remains studied by music scholars and enthusiasts. The influence of his playing style can be heard in the work of numerous musicians across different genres, demonstrating the enduring legacy of his musical contributions.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/ginger-baker-rock-drumming-colossus-of-cream-dies-at-80/2019/10/06/f1aff9ae-e828-11e9-9c6d-436a0df4f31d_story.html)
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. datos.bne.es
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. [Discogs](http://www.discogs.com/Ginger-Bakers-Air-Force-Air-Force-2/master/79204)
7. [Discogs](http://www.discogs.com/Ginger-Bakers-Air-Force-Live-In-The-Stadthalle-Offenbach-Germany-1970/release/4114395)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. MusicBrainz
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. CiNii Research
12. IMDb
13. Discogs
14. GeneaStar
15. [Meghalt Ginger Baker, a Cream legendás dobosa](https://index.hu/kulfold/2019/10/06/elhunyt_ginger_baker/)
16. [Source](https://www.lemonde.fr/disparitions/article/2019/10/06/mort-de-ginger-baker-explosif-batteur-de-jazz-et-de-rock_6014449_3382.html)
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. BBC Things
19. The Guardian
20. Quora
21. The Movie Database