How Cream Formed in 1966

Cream’s formation in 1966 is traced back to the early trio blueprint that eventually brought guitarists Eric Clapton, bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker together. Clapton had already developed a reputation after playing with the Yardbirds and John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, while both Bruce and Baker had been in the Graham Bond Organisation. The article describes how all three moved in overlapping British blues circles, leading to conversations about building a new group around a lead guitarist. Clapton recalled being inspired by Buddy Guy’s performance and believed a trio could “do anything” if guided by the right talent. It recounts Clapton appearing at Graham Bond shows and later joining the Bluesbreakers, where Baker suggested starting a band and they agreed on Bruce as the bassist. Baker initially questioned the idea, but negotiations led to a condition that both men would join together. The article ends as it shifts to the unresolved question of who would serve as the frontman.