Cream

Cream are a British rock supergroup from London, active from 1966 to 1968. The group consists of bassist and vocalist Jack Bruce, guitarist Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker. Bruce is the main songwriter and lead singer, with Clapton and Baker also contributing to the writing. The band members had all already been part of successful groups, and Cream is widely regarded as one of the first supergroups.

Style and recording

Cream are known for the technical ability of all three members. Their music spans blues rock, psychedelic rock, hard rock and related rock styles, and their recorded work also includes acid rock, jam band and pop rock. From their second album onwards, producer and multi-instrumentalist Felix Pappalardi works with them in the studio.

Albums and songs

The band releases four albums: Fresh Cream, Disraeli Gears, Wheels of Fire and Goodbye. Their best-known singles include “Sunshine of Your Love” and “White Room”. Wheels of Fire becomes the first double album to be certified platinum.

Career and legacy

Cream sell over 15 million records worldwide. In 1968, tensions between Bruce and Baker lead to the group’s decision to split, but they still complete a farewell tour and record Goodbye. Their final concerts take place at the Royal Albert Hall in November 1968 and are later issued as the Farewell Concert video. The group is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and appears on lists of influential artists, including those compiled by Rolling Stone and VH1. Jack Bruce dies in 2014, Ginger Baker in 2019, and Eric Clapton remains the only surviving member.