Bruce, who formed Cream in the 1966 with guitarist Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker, co-wrote some of Cream’s biggest hits, including Sunshine of Your Love and I Feel Free before the band broke up after only two years in 1968. “The world of music will be a poorer place without him, but he lives on in his music and forever in our hearts,” a statement by Bruce’s family members said on his website. Bruce, who was born in Glasgow, began playing bass as a teenager and dropped out of music school because he was not allowed to play jazz, reported Reuters.
After spells with several British blues bands the musician had turned down an offer to work with US soul singer Marvin Gaye in order to get married, reported The New York Times.
The band was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and received a lifetime achievement award at the Grammy’s in 2006.
After Cream, Bruce played with many top jazz musicians including guitarist John McLaughlin and drummer Tony Williams as well as with rock stars such as Lou Reed and Frank Zappa. Cream reformed briefly for concerts in 1993 and 2005. The most recent of many solo albums by Bruce was released in March.
According to Reuters, the bassist of British rock band Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, once paid tribute to Bruce, calling him “probably the most musically gifted bass player who’s ever been.”
British media reported that Bruce had been suffering from liver disease. The musician is survived by his wife Margrit, four children and a granddaughter.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 28th, 2014.
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