Ginger Baker was a volatile personality - and one of the greatest rock drummers in history.

The British skinsman for Cream, who also pursued a love of African music with Fela Kuti and joined Eric Clapton again in the short-lived supergroup Blind Faith, died on Sunday at age 80.

A couple of weeks ago, Baker’s family announced that the musician was critically ill. They confirmed his passing, but offered no other information about his death.

Baker was revered as the first “superstar” drummer in rock music thanks to his aggressive and flamboyant style of playing. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Cream in 1993 and is regarded as one of the most influential drummers of all time.

News of his passing prompted musicians including Mick Jagger, Questlove and Paul McCartney to share their memories and condolences.

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