How Cream Formed in 1966

How Cream formed in 1966 traces the early formation of what many at the time viewed as the first “supergroup,” built around Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker. By then, Clapton had developed a reputation with the Yardbirds and John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, while Bruce and Baker had both been active in the Graham Bond Organisation; Bruce also had a brief stint with the Bluesbreakers where he met Clapton. The article explains how Clapton began showing up at Graham Bond shows, and later how Baker proposed starting a new band after seeing Clapton perform. Clapton suggested Bruce as bassist, while negotiations required alignment between Baker and Bruce. The piece also details how the trio’s lead-singer decision remained unresolved, with Clapton considering himself before facing the realities of realizing his musical vision.