What was Ginger Baker's Net Worth?
Ginger Baker was an English drummer who co-founded the rock band Cream in 1966. At the time of his death in October 2019, Ginger Baker had a net worth of $2 million. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the genres of rock and jazz fusion. Baker is remembered for both his innovative music styles and his dynamic performance style.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Peter Edward Baker in 1939 in Lewisham, South London, Famed for his flaming red hair, he earned the nickname “Ginger.” He attended Pope Street School and Shooter's Hill Grammar School, where his passion for music began. Baker started learning to play the drums at 15 and later took lessons from English jazz drummer Phil Seamen.
In the 60s, Baker joined Blues Incorporated, an English blues band, where he frequently clashed with bassist Jack Bruce. Despite their conflicts, they later played together in the Graham Bond Organisation.
Cream
In 1966, alongside Jack Bruce and guitarist Eric Clapton, Baker formed Cream. Although the band only lasted two years, it achieved massive success with its fusion of hard rock, blues, and psychedelic rock. Cream released four albums, with “Fresh Cream” and “Disraeli Gears” being particularly successful. The hit single “Sunshine of Your Love” is one of their most famous songs.
Despite their success, tensions between Baker and Bruce led to the band's breakup in 1968. Cream did a farewell tour of the US and was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
Blind Faith
After Cream disbanded, Baker joined the supergroup Blind Faith, which included Eric Clapton, bassist Ric Grech, and Steve Winwood. The group's self-titled album topped charts in the UK, US, and Canada, but the band dissolved shortly after.
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Ginger Baker's Air Force
In late 1969, Baker formed the jazz-rock fusion supergroup Ginger Baker's Air Force. The lineup included notable musicians such as Steve Winwood, Ric Grech, and Denny Laine. The band released two albums in 1970 and performed live at various prestigious venues.
Time in Africa
In 1971, Baker set up a recording studio in Lagos, Nigeria. Although delayed by setbacks, the studio, Batakota, officially opened in 1973. It became a hub for both African and Western musicians. Baker collaborated with multi-instrumentalist Fela Kuti, resulting in the 1972 album “Stratavarious,” later re-issued in the US as “Do What You Like.”
Other Musical Affiliations
Throughout his career, Baker participated in many other musical projects. In 1974, he formed Baker Gurvitz Army, which released three albums before disbanding in 1976. After the failure of his Nigerian studio in 1980, Baker briefly joined Hawkwind.
In 1985, Baker collaborated with Bill Laswell on the album “Horses & Trees” and was a session musician on Public Image Ltd's “Album.” In 1992, he performed with the band Masters of Reality and formed BBM with Jack Bruce and Gary Moore in 1993. He also led the Ginger Baker Trio from 1994 onwards, featuring Charlie Haden and Bill Frisell.
Personal Life
Baker was married four times and had three children: daughters Ginette and Leda, and son Kofi. His personal life was marked by a notorious temper and a prolonged struggle with heroin addiction. He overcame his addiction in 1981 by moving to Tuscany and farming olives.
In 2013, Baker disclosed he had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from years of heavy smoking. In 2016, he underwent open heart surgery for heart problems. He passed away in October 2019 at the age of 80.
