Who Is Ginger Baker? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Ginger Baker, born on August 19, 1939, was a celebrated English drummer known for his innovative playing style and contributions to rock music. He gained fame as a member of iconic bands such as Cream and Blind Faith. Over his lifetime, he became renowned not just for his drumming skills but also for his unique fusion of jazz and rock elements. Although he passed away in 2019, his legacy as one of the greatest drummers in the history of music endures. As of 2025, Ginger Baker would have been 86 years old.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 19, 1939 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | Lewisham, South London, England |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 6 October, 2019 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Ginger Baker's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: Ginger Baker was approximately 6 feet tall (182 cm).
- Weight: His weight fluctuated throughout his life, but during his prime, he weighed around 170 lbs (77 kg).
- Body Measurements: Known for his lean physique, specific body measurements during his active years aren’t documented, predominantly due to his dynamic performance style and his work on stage.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ginger Baker was known to have had multiple relationships throughout his life. He was married and divorced multiple times—most notably to his first wife, Joyce Baker, with whom he had several children. Throughout his lifetime, he was quite private about his personal life, and posthumously, various relationships and anecdotes have emerged but not extensively corroborated. The exact details of his relationships as of 2025 are speculative, given that he passed away in 2019.
Baker gained early fame as a member of Blues Incorporated and the Graham Bond Organisation, both times alongside bassist Jack Bruce, with whom Baker would often clash.
In 1966, Baker and Bruce joined guitarist Eric Clapton to form Cream, which achieved worldwide success but lasted only until 1968, in part due to Baker's and Bruce's volatile relationship.
After working with Clapton in the short-lived band Blind Faith and leading Ginger Baker's Air Force, Baker spent several years in the 1970s living and recording in Africa, often with Fela Kuti, in pursuit of his long-time interest in African music.
Among Baker's other collaborations are his work with Gary Moore, Masters of Reality, Public Image Ltd, Hawkwind, Atomic Rooster, Bill Laswell, jazz bassist Charlie Haden, jazz guitarist Bill Frisell, and Ginger Baker's Energy.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2019, Ginger Baker's net worth was estimated to be around $5 million. His wealth primarily came from his illustrious music career, performance tours, and album sales. As a legendary figure in the music industry, his legacy continues to generate interest and income through royalties and posthumous album releases.
Career, Business and Investments
Baker's career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1960s with the formation of the influential supergroup Cream alongside Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce. His drumming style, characterized by polyrhythmic techniques and vigorous improvisation, set new standards in rock music. Besides Cream, he also participated in various projects like Ginger Baker's Air Force and collaborated with numerous artists, blending various genres.
In terms of business ventures, Baker opened a recording studio and was involved in various other music-related enterprises. He had a passion for African music, which led him to invest time and resources in African musical influences, further diversifying his artistic portfolio.
In November 1971, Baker decided to set up a recording studio in Lagos, then the capital of Nigeria. He decided that it would be an interesting experience to travel to Nigeria overland across the Sahara.
Baker invited documentary filmmaker Tony Palmer to join him and the film Ginger Baker in Africa follows his odyssey as he makes his journey and finally arrives in Nigeria to set up his studio.
After many frustrating setbacks and technical hitches, Batakota (ARC) studios opened at the end of January 1973, and operated successfully through the seventies as a facility for both local and western musicians.
Paul McCartney and Wings recorded the song "Picasso's Last Words (Drink to Me)" for Band on the Run at the studio, with Baker playing a tin can full of gravel.
Social Network
Ginger Baker had a significant presence on various social networking platforms before his passing. His influence and interaction with fans on platforms like Twitter and Instagram can still be explored through fan pages and tribute accounts. His legacy continues to inspire new musicians and drummers worldwide who aspire to emulate his groundbreaking style.
Baker began playing drums at around 15 years of age. In the early 1960s he took lessons from Phil Seamen, one of the leading British jazz drummers of the post-war era.
Education
Ginger Baker did not have formal music education; instead, he honed his skills through relentless practice and real-world performance experiences. He developed his unique style by experimenting with various genres, and his knowledge of jazz played a pivotal role in shaping his innovative approach to drumming.
