My Favorite You Tube Live Performances: #6 "Crossroads" Cream

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1968 Fillmore West Cream called themselves Cream for a reason. It refers to cream at the top because Eric Clapton (guitar), Jack Bruce (bass) and Ginger Baker (drums) were the best and they were. Though a short-lived group, Cream’s influence was enormous. Just listen to ZZ Top’s introduction to Cream’s Rock and Roll HOF induction. Their biggest hits “Sunshine of Your Love” and “White Room” (both sung by Bruce) are classics. Cream’s sound is distinct and nothing else like it. My favorite is Clapton’s driving cover of Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads.” Clapton’s solos so legendary that Eddie Van Halen said “Crossroads” was a major influence on him. Bruce’s relentless bass. Baker’s backbone drumming. Led Zep’s John Bonham is always cited as the greatest rock drummer but it was Baker who influenced Bonham in the first place. Every band in they wake has felt the Cream influence.