Ginger Baker's family says the Cream drummer is 'critically ill,' asks for prayers

Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY

Ginger Baker, the English drummer who co-founded the rock band Cream with guitarist Eric Clapton, is hospitalized in critical condition.

His family announced on Facebook Thursday that the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is "critically ill in hospital." They asked Baker's fans to "please keep him in your prayers."

The announcement didn't go into detail about the drummer's illness, but when a fan tweeted, "Is this for real," Baker's account replied, "Sadly yes."

The news comes just a month after Baker celebrated his 80th birthday in August. USA TODAY reached out to the drummer's rep for comment.

Baker is best known for forming the rock band Cream in the ’60s with Clapton and bassist Jack Bruce, who died in 2014. The short-lived group went on to sell 35 million albums in just over two years and was awarded the world's first ever platinum disc for 1968 album "Wheels of Fire."

More: Cream singer Jack Bruce dies at 71

Cream, featuring drummer Ginger Baker, bassist Jack Bruce and guitarist Eric Clapton perform Oct. 24, 2005, at Madison Square Garden in New York. It was the band's first United States performance since their 1993 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Cream, featuring drummer Ginger Baker, bassist Jack Bruce and guitarist Eric Clapton perform Oct. 24, 2005, at Madison Square Garden in New York. It was the band's first United States performance since their 1993 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Their hit songs include "Sunshine of Your Love," "I Feel Free," "White Room" and "Crossroads." Cream was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

Rolling Stone named Baker No. 3 of its 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ginger Baker's family says the Cream drummer is 'critically ill'