Bad-Tempered Facts About Ginger Baker, Rock's First Superstar Drummer

Bad-Tempered Facts About Ginger Baker, Rock's First Superstar Drummer


July 18, 2025 | Nikolas C.

Bad-Tempered Facts About Ginger Baker, Rock's First Superstar Drummer


Brilliant And Dangerous

Music has no shortage of divas and eccentric personalities, but in Ginger Baker’s case, his actions earned a whole new level of notoriety. While he spent much of his life collaborating with other musicians in various groups, one would be hard-pressed to find more than a few who truly called him a friend. To fans and those closest to him, he was ill-tempered at best, and dangerous at worst—all while being one of the most iconic drummers in rock history.

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1. He Received His Nickname

Known for his wild and exuberant style of performance, Ginger Baker made waves as a musical genius among other rock drummers, but that wasn’t his only reputation. Very quickly, those who met him learned how unpredictable and intense he could be, with a fiery temper that seemed to be foreshadowed in his youth. Born on August 19, 1939, as Peter Edward Baker, he received the nickname “Ginger” for his flaming red hair.

However, his hardships at a young age may have earned this hostile attitude.

17526454250ee38308b598bc91827400791bba107114ab3c8a.jpgZoran Veselinovic, Wikimedia Commons

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2. He Lost Someone

Born in Lewisham, South London, to his parents, Ruby May and Frederick Baker, Ginger would sadly experience one of his first major losses at only five years old. During WWII, his father served as a lance corporal and participated in the Dodecanese campaign, during which he perished.

Despite that loss, Ginger’s natural aptitude soon appeared as he grew older.

Gettyimages - 612579976, Drummer for Cream Ginger BakerShepard Sherbell, Getty Images

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3. He Had Rhythm

Ginger found himself drawn to music at an early age, especially after he began listening to jazz more and developed a passion for the style. Even in school, he couldn’t keep his mind from drifting to the music he loved, and he spent much of his time drumming all of his favorite rhythms on his desk.

Fortunately, he received a lot of support from those around him.

175264566946724b2db1c64ca1d47a3b18b6431c4b61495f02.jpgGorup de Besanez, Wikimedia Commons

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4. They Encouraged Him

Although Ginger was an amazing drummer, his first real instrument was the trumpet at 15 years old. Still, his affinity for percussion remained, and even his friends knew it was what he was meant to do. While at a party, remembering his tendency to drum on his desk, they pushed Ginger to play drums with the band performing there.

This couldn’t have ended better.

17526457382ecfe4ff480482773d1de6fc76c87bea0a5ad562.JPGATCO Records, Wikimedia Commons

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5. He Was Inspired

Conceding to the nudging of his classmates, Ginger sat down with the band and started to play the drums, even though he was quite inexperienced. This didn’t seem to matter, though, as the other band members quickly became impressed at his skill and told him so afterward. At that moment, he decided he would be a professional drummer.

Luckily, he caught a break before long.

Gettyimages - 73988548, Photo of Ginger BakerMichael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

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6. He Found Work

With his dream career decided, Ginger put himself out there to gain experience as a drummer, and possibly some fame. Auditioning for multiple bands at only 16 years old, he wound up taking a spot in Hugh Rainey’s All Stars, which later became the Storyville Jazz Band.

His raw talent didn’t mean he had finished learning, however.

Gettyimages - 106520375, Ginger BakerRick Hardy, Getty Images

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7. He Was Taught

No one could deny that Ginger had the makings of a rock star, but he was still a young amateur, and he had no delusions about his lack of training. So, as he continued to perform into the 1960s, he began studying under one of the most prominent jazz drummers in the UK at that time, Phil Seamen.

Unfortunately, he soon developed something other than his skills.

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8. He Formed Poor Habits

Throughout the 1960s, Ginger performed as a jazz drummer at venues across London and fully embraced the life of a famous musician, even some of the darker sides. During this time, he developed an addiction to illicit substances, and this struggle would follow him for most of his life.

Even worse, in keeping with his volatile nature, he often rubbed people the wrong way.

Gettyimages - 612579512, Drummer for Cream Ginger BakerShepard Sherbell, Getty Images

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9. They Couldn’t Stand Each Other

Before the end of the decade, Ginger joined another group called Blues Incorporated, where he formed one of his most significant relationships. However, it wasn’t a good one, and as Ginger got to know bassist Jack Bruce, the two couldn’t keep from fighting. Still, they worked together again with the Graham Bond Organization.

But despite their efforts, things ultimately went extremely left. 

  Gettyimages - 86963899, Cream In ConcertVal Wilmer, Getty Images

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10. He Was No Picnic

The conflict between Ginger and Bruce ranged from petty to dangerous and fluctuated quickly as it boiled over into their performances, with them frequently fighting on stage. Still, Ginger’s issues didn’t stop with Bruce, and his irritable reputation spread to the public as he started having confrontations with fans as well.

Finally, things reached a tipping point.

Gettyimages - 1024202694, Cream Lead singer and bass guitarist Jack Bruce (1943 - 2014) and drummer Ginger Baker (right) of British rock band Cream in concert, circa 1967.Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

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11. He Escalated Things

Before too much longer, the tensions between Ginger and Bruce had become irreparable, and Ginger had had enough. Seeing no other alternative, he fired Bruce from the band, but this was ineffective. Bruce continued to show up to play with them, which soon prompted an enraged Ginger to threaten him with a blade on stage.

Despite his issues, Ginger was still able to have some meaningful relationships.

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12. He Had A Family

Over the course of his life, Ginger’s romantic relationships proved to be just as tumultuous as his professional ones. Starting with his first marriage to Liz Finch in 1960, during which they welcomed their daughter Ginette, Ginger would eventually marry three more times. By the end of his life, he would also father two other children.

Meanwhile, he crossed paths with another star-to-be.

Gettyimages - 3142028, Ginger's KidsD. Morrison, Getty Images

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13. He Was Impressed

As he continued to perform, Ginger met many of the other British musicians trying to make it big. One such performer was legendary guitarist Eric Clapton, who sometimes sat in with Ginger’s band, allowing the drummer to see his potential. Then, attending one of Clapton’s performances with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Ginger grew even more impressed.

Of course, this respect wasn’t just one way.

17526471042f4fcefd48bd580a344805b1ff5ddba9ed0b92b8.pngRSO Records, Wikimedia Commons

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14. He Had Mutual Feelings

For what it’s worth, Clapton seemed to reciprocate Ginger’s admiration for him, but it didn’t always have to do with the drummer’s musical ability. He would later state that, after the Bluesbreakers gig, Ginger drove him home in his Rover. While the two were already forming a friendship, Clapton specifically was “very impressed with his car and driving”.

Suddenly, a lightbulb went off in Ginger’s head.

Gettyimages - 74259574, Cream Portrait 1968: British Rock Group Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

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15. He Pitched His Idea

Watching Clapton with the Bluesbreakers, an idea struck Ginger like a lightning bolt, and he soon developed his next big project. During the subsequent ride with Clapton, Ginger proposed a new experimental band, consisting of the two of them. Clapton showed interest, but having played with Jack Bruce once before, agreed to it only if Ginger would ask Bruce to join too.

Ginger begrudgingly accepted.

Gettyimages - 74259581, Cream Portrait 1968: British Rock Group Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

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16. They Worked Together Again

Ginger was, understandably, taken aback by Clapton's stipulation of including Bruce in their new band—and was equally unhappy about it. However, he was willing to do anything to get Clapton’s involvement, so in 1966, Ginger and Bruce agreed to put aside their differences and officially formed the band Cream.

Finally, it all came together—for a while anyway.

Gettyimages - 3166524, Cream 20th August 1967: The members of the rock group Cream, (from left) Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton at London Airport on their way to Los Angeles.George Stroud, Getty Images

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17. They Thought Of A Name

Getting Clapton on board, they still had to come up with a name, and briefly considered “Sweet 'n' Sour Rock 'n' Roll”. However, over the past decade, Ginger, Clapton, and Bruce had each managed to stand out in the British music world, specifically among blues and jazz players. As many referred to them as the cream of the crop, the band took on the name Cream.

Soon, it was time to show themselves.

Gettyimages - 74259576, Whisky & Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

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18. They First Appeared

On July 29 of that year, Cream played at a nightclub called the Twisted Wheel in what was their unofficial debut. However, just two nights later, they would appear before audiences officially for the first time during the Sixth Annual Windsor Jazz & Blues Festival. They would break up only two years later, but not before releasing four albums together.

Although short, this time was extremely significant to Ginger’s development.

Gettyimages - 1024198248, Cream British rock band Cream in concert, circa 1967. From left to right, they are lead singer Jack Bruce, drummer Ginger Baker and guitarist Eric Clapton.Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

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19. He Developed His Styles

Ginger’s reputation as a drummer grew even further during his time with Cream, and he demonstrated the range of his performances. While many came to see him as an energetic and flashy drummer, others saw a calmer side of him. This was due to his inspiration from earlier British jazz musicians, who usually displayed a more subdued demeanor.

Not to mention, he became an inspiration himself.

Gettyimages - 73990981, Cream Perform In Germany KIEL, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 26: Rock band Cream performs onstage at the Star Club on February 26, 1967 in Kiel, Germany.Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

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20. He Was A Trendsetter

Due to his style, many often compared Ginger to The Who’s drummer, Keith Moon. Fortunately, the two were friends and once attended a Duke Ellington concert, where they watched drummer Sam Woodyard play with two bass drums. After this, both Ginger and Moon incorporated double bass drumming into their music, becoming pioneers of the technique in rock.

He also created one of the coolest aspects of later music.

17526551764d1eefc62b8793dbed9ad042c8ce7be1419c6356.jpgJean-Luc, Wikimedia Commons

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21. He Introduced An Archetype

When it comes to Ginger’s contributions to rock music, one stands above the rest as it quickly became a common trope of the genre. Stemming from Cream’s first album in 1966, Fresh Cream, one of its tracks, “Toad,” consists of a five-minute drum solo composed and performed by Ginger. Many consider this to be the first drum solo in rock. 

Of course, Cream was only his first collaboration.

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22. He Joined Another Group

Following Cream’s separation, Ginger was still open to creating another group, albeit likely one without Jack Bruce. Furthermore, he still wanted to work with Clapton, and in 1969, the two of them joined Steve Winwood and Ric Grech to create a supergroup called Blind Faith. However, this was also short-lived, and they released one album before calling it quits.

He did make another lasting friendship, though.

Gettyimages - 78306041, Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

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23. He Stuck His Neck Out

During this period, Ginger met another budding musician, whose work furthered his love for African music. At the time, Nigerian musician Fela Kuti was going to school in London while spending his free time at various blues and jazz clubs. Through this, he became friends with Ginger, who used his connections to secure Kuti several gigs in the area.

Still, in his own career, Ginger didn’t stop.

Gettyimages - 541027969, Musicians from Nigeria Kuti, Fela Anikulapo *15.10.1938-02.08.1997 saxophonist, bandleader, Nigeria founder of the Afrobeat Fela Anikulapo Kuti performing during the Berlin Jazz Festival - 1978ullstein bild, Getty Images

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24. He Moved On

Almost immediately after Blind Faith broke up, Ginger was ready to get back on the horse and took a couple of his bandmates with him. This time, he formed a supergroup with his name plastered across it, calling the band Ginger Baker’s Air Force. Bringing along Winwood and Grech, they also included eight more members, such as Phil Seamen and Alan White.

Following this, he made a big change.

Gettyimages - 86108133, Photo of Ginger BAKER DENMARK - JANUARY 01: Photo of Ginger BAKER; Ginger Baker - Bakers Air Force, not sure about the date., Copenhagen, DenmarkJorgen Angel, Getty Images

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25. He Relocated

Similar to his previous projects, Ginger Baker’s Air Force only lasted a couple of years before they threw in the towel, leaving Ginger with a desire to shake things up. Not one for half-measures, he started making big plans to establish a recording studio in Lagos, Nigeria. To do this, though, he embarked on a grand adventure.

Gettyimages - 86104008, Cream At 1967 National Jazz And Blues FestivalIvan Keeman, Getty Images

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26. He Made A Film

Initiating his plan for a new studio in 1971, he also decided that simply flying to Lagos was too boring, and that crossing the Sahara on land would be far more daring. Wanting to make a full account of this journey, he invited filmmaker Tony Palmer along for the ride, creating a documentary titled Ginger Baker in Africa, which released in 1971.

This trip led back to another impactful relationship.

Ginger Baker in AfricaGinger Baker in Africa (1971), some Goat

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27. He Met A Friend

Now in Lagos, Ginger had the opportunity to work with an old friend, whose music he endlessly adored. In the early 70s, Ginger reconnected with Fela Kuti, and the two collaborated on several projects, including Ginger’s next album, Stratavarious. Because of his love for Kuti’s work, Ginger adopted more and more of his Afrobeat style.

Fortunately, Ginger’s endeavor paid off for a while.

Gettyimages - 84889458, Photo of Ginger BAKER and Fela KUTIEchoes, Getty Images

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28. He Was Successful

Despite Ginger’s unyielding resolve, he wasn’t able to open his new recording studio right away in 1971, due to several logistical challenges. However, two years later, Batakota Studios finally had its grand opening. Ginger hit the ground running, too, and would soon host musicians from all over, including big names like Paul McCartney.

At the same time, his days of performing in music groups weren’t over.

Gettyimages - 106492573, Ginger Baker CIRCA 1969: Drummer Ginger Baker of the rock group Cream poses for a photo circa 1969.Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

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29. He Worked With Others

Hoping to fare better than previously, Ginger again formed a band with two other musicians named Paul and Adrian Gurvitz. Starting in 1974, Baker Gurvitz Army toured throughout Europe over the next couple of years and recorded three albums. Sadly, they didn’t last too much longer and broke up after their manager lost his life in a plane crash

Following this, he took a step back.

Gettyimages - 524383539, Baker Gurvitz Army English rock group the Baker Gurvitz Army in a studio, August 1974. Left to right: Paul Gurvitz, Ginger Baker and Adrian Gurvitz.Michael Putland, Getty Images

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30. He Lived A Simple Life

Although Ginger’s studio in Lagos was initially a success, by the early 1980s, it had been on a steady decline for a while until he had no choice but to shutter it. In the wake of this failure and the break-up of his most recent band, he moved to Tuscany and stepped out of the music business for a bit, preferring to relax on an olive farm there.

This time ended up changing his life, and quite possibly saving it.

Gettyimages - 86111593, Photo of Ginger BAKER DENMARK - JANUARY 01: Photo of Ginger BAKER; Ginger Baker - BAKER GURVITZ ARMY, 1975 - Copenhagen, DenmarkJorgen Angel, Getty Images

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31. He Beat His Demons

Since the 1960s, Ginger’s addiction to illicit substances had followed him closely, even though he tried to overcome it many times. In his words, he would use every trip to Africa as an attempt to get sober, even if this never worked permanently. Thankfully, during his time as an olive farmer, he finally gained enough clarity and space to quit his substance use for good.

Even with that succes, though, he couldn’t stay away from his passion forever.

Gettyimages - 827891736, Ginger Baker English drummer Ginger Baker in London, a few days after the release of 'Elysian Encounter', Baker Gurvitz Army's second studio album, 7th January 1975.Evening Standard, Getty Images

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32. He Returned To Music

Once Ginger had spent enough time away from his familiar stresses, he felt he was ready to rejoin the music industry. Following a brief stint as a session drummer on Hawkwind’s 1980 album, Levitation, he joined the band. Even though he left the following year, his work with them appeared on two of their albums.

Meanwhile, he wanted to add another job to his resume.

Gettyimages - 538108415, Drummer Ginger Baker performing at the Forum Theatre, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, 1980. .Heritage Images, Getty Images

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33. He Wanted To Branch Out

Ginger loved making music, but even as he returned to the industry, he likely grew tired of its various pressures and pitfalls, which may have influenced his decision to try something else. Later that decade, he relocated again to Los Angeles with a new dream of entering show business.

This didn’t work out as well as he hoped.

Gettyimages - 592341336, Ginger Baker in wool coat and snakeskin bootsMirrorpix, Getty Images

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34. He Was Down On His Luck

Unfortunately, Ginger would only face even further failure in his pursuit of becoming an actor. While he did appear in a series called Nasty Boys in 1990, most of his other auditions came up fruitless, such as for a role in Weird Al’s 1989 comedy, UHF. Out of work and disheartened, he resorted to seeking out music work through magazine ads.

Returning to his roots, he found a familiar face.

Gettyimages - 106492483, Ginger Baker CIRCA 1970: Drummer Ginger Baker of the rock group Air Force poses for a photo circa 1970.Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

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35. They Came Back Together

As the 90s progressed, Ginger decided to return to basics with musicians whom he already knew were powerhouses in their genres. This meant working with his age-old rival, Jack Bruce. As another briefly successful group, Ginger and Bruce joined guitarist Gary Moore to form BBM and released one album in 1994, Around the Next Dream.

He soon developed a more active interest.

Gettyimages - 85223287, Photo of BBM and Ginger BAKERMick Hutson, Getty Images

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36. He Had Other Passions

Leaving Hollywood in the mid-90s, Ginger remained in America but took up residence in Parker, Colorado, specifically due to the presence of another pastime of his. Having become more invested in the sport of Polo, he frequented the Salisbury Equestrian Park, where he also sponsored several music events.

Soon enough, however, he had to pick up everything and move again.

Gettyimages - 1177378196, Ginger Baker... ANTELOPE VALLEY, CA - JANUARY 1: Ginger Baker, Rock Drummer Legend And Founding Member Of Cream On His California Ranch. January 1, 1990 Saugus, Antelope Valley, CaliforniaPaul Harris, Getty Images

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37. His Past Caught Up To Him

Ginger enjoyed his home in Colorado for about six years before circumstances forced him to leave America entirely. Although he had quit his substance use, just his history of it was enough for US Immigration to become involved. To avoid any further problems, he sold his house and took up his next residence in South Africa.

One more time, he got the band back together.

Gettyimages - 1420149984, Ginger Baker Ginger Baker attends the party celebrating the release of Ringo Starr's album 'Time Takes Time,' held at the Paramount Theater in Los Angeles, California, 27th May 1992. Vinnie Zuffante, Getty Images

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38. They Played Again

In the new millennium, old fans of Cream received a welcome surprise when all three members of the band reunited. Ginger and Bruce once again overcame their differences to perform together, playing a series of shows in 2005, both at Madison Square Garden and the Royal Albert Hall.

This didn’t mean they turned over a new leaf.

Gettyimages - 829618114, Cream reunion concert - Royal Albert Hall (From left to right) Bassist Jack Bruce, drummer Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton of Cream.Yui Mok - PA Images, Getty Images

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39. His Feelings Didn’t Change

Even after all that time, Ginger and Bruce were never able to see eye to eye, and their disdain for each other seemed only to grow stronger. Bruce later spoke about their reunion, explaining how tensions between them were as high as ever, and, even though they lived on separate continents, he wanted Ginger to move even farther away.

Behind the scenes, Ginger was dealing with another major issue.

Gettyimages - 1135084697, Cream Reunion Reunion of British rock group Cream at Royal Albert Hall in London on May 3, 2005. Bassist-vocalist Jack Bruce, guitarist-vocalist Eric Clapton, drummer Ginger Baker.Luciano Viti, Getty Images

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40. He Was Scammed

The late 2000s saw Ginger involved in a financial scandal when law enforcement charged his personal assistant, Lindiwe Noko, with defrauding him of around R500,000. According to Ginger, Noko had taken advantage of her access to his private information and withdrawn the money from his account without authorization.

Naturally, she had her side of the story.

Gettyimages - 105869382, South African Woman Sentenced For Conning British RockerGallo Images, Getty Images

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41. She Made Claims

For her part, Noko didn’t deny that she came into possession of the money, but insisted that it had been with Ginger’s consent. In her version of events, she and Ginger had become romantically involved, and he gave the money to her as a gift. Ginger refuted this by claiming he had a scar that every woman he was involved with had seen, but she didn’t know about it.

Eventually, the courts reached a decision.

Gettyimages - 105869441, South African woman sentenced for conning British rockerGallo Images, Getty Images

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42. She Tried To Fight It

Noko stuck to her story and tried to fight against Ginger’s accusations in court, but in the end, the law ruled in Ginger’s favor. Noko received a conviction and a sentence of "correctional supervision" for three years. While he was on the winning side, this sentence left Ginger disappointed, and he referred to it as “a travesty”.

With all these problems, it's no wonder that his health suffered.

Gettyimages - 105869391, South African Woman Sentenced For Conning British RockerGallo Images, Getty Images

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43. His Health Worsened

By 2013, several long-term conditions had taken more and more of a toll on Ginger until he couldn’t ignore them any longer. He announced that a lifetime of unhealthy habits had resulted in a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and that he was living with back pain that stemmed from degenerative osteoarthritis.

Still, he hadn’t finished performing yet.

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44. He Had One Last Hurrah

Although his health was deteriorating in a way that increasingly limited his mobility, Ginger was adamant about making as much music as he could before the end. In 2013, he formed a quartet called the Ginger Baker Jazz Confusion, with which he toured and released his final album called Why?

He also wasn’t exactly through with the movie business.

Gettyimages - 162934842, Bristol Jazz And Blues Festival - Day 1David Redfern, Getty Images

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45. He Was In Another Film

Ginger had long since abandoned his dreams of being an actor, but he would appear on-screen in one more film, although it likely wasn’t what he envisioned. In 2012, filmmaker Jay Bulger debuted his documentary Beware of Mr Baker, which depicts the life and career of Ginger—focusing more on his substance use and ill-tempered behavior.

Soon enough, his health reached a point of no return.

Beware of Mr. BakerBeware of Mr. Baker – Re-Release Trailer, Kino Lorber

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46. He Couldn’t Continue

Despite his poor physical condition, Ginger still had a mind to keep performing for as long as possible, but fate had a different plan. Adding to his previous issues, in 2016, his doctors diagnosed him with severe heart problems and essentially ended his career. He announced that due to this new issue, he would be cancelling his upcoming shows.

However, he still fought it.

Gettyimages - 506979714, Ginger Baker's Airforce Show At The Borderline In LondonNeil Lupin, Getty Images

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47. They Tried To Help Him

As his doctors treated his new heart condition, they assured him that through multiple surgeries, he would be able to return to performing on stage. However, they may have spoken prematurely, and even though his surgery went well, a nasty fall while he was recovering caused his condition to worsen again.

Sadly, he was nearing the end.

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48. He Became Worse

Ginger survived these issues initially and lived for another three years, despite not being well enough to perform as he had hoped. Ultimately, his illness put him back in the hospital in the fall of 2019, when his family urged fans to pray for his health. A month later, he succumbed to his lung disease and passed on October 6.

Thankfully, he remained in others’ memories.

Gettyimages - 1228107369, Ginger Baker Portrait Shoot, LondonClassic Rock, Getty Images

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49. His Legacy Remains

Ginger Baker was hard to get along with and encountered many problems in his life, but there’s no denying the respect that people ascribe to him. The innovations he introduced to the music world have earned him a shining reputation, and as Modern Drummer magazine stated, he was “one of classic rock's first influential drumming superstars of the 1960s”.

Even so, he likely would take issue with one part of his legacy.

Gettyimages - 73988547, Photo of Ginger BakerMichael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

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50. He Hated It

With his reputation for pioneering many aspects of rock drumming, Ginger’s irritable attitude has remained a part of his legacy, even concerning some of the praises people give him. For instance, the website AllMusic definitively labeled him “the most influential percussionist of the 1960s,” and brought up the impact he’s had on modern heavy metal drummers. Ironically, Ginger reportedly hated heavy metal.

Gettyimages - 106492634, Cream Perform In GermanyMichael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

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