According to a new statement shared by his family, iconic drummer Ginger Baker is “holding his own” following the news last week that he was ill and hospitalized.
Baker’s family shared an update via his Facebook on Sunday. The statement reads,
UPDATE! Ginger is holding his own & thank you for all your good wishes. He is receiving visits from close family & very special friends.
Born Peter Edward “Ginger” Baker on August 19th, 1939, the now 80-year-old musician began playing the drums at age 15 and went on to co-found Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-inducted band Cream alongside Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce. Formed in 1966, Cream achieved global success with songs including “Sunshine of Your Love”, “White Room”, “Crossroads”, but had a short-lived career through 1968.
In 1969, Baker co-founded Blind Faith with Clapton, Ric Grech, and Steve Winwood and their time as a band lasted only through a single tour and self-titled album. Ginger went on to form a rock fusion out, Ginger Baker’s Air Force, before deciding to set up a recording studio in Nigeria and dig deep into the history and roots of African music. Baker has collaborated with countless musicians throughout his five-decade musical career.
In 2016, Baker announced he had been diagnosed with serious heart issues, underwent open-heart surgery, and subsequently retired from touring.
Hang in there, Ginger!