Jack Bruce

It's nearly impossible to get through a conversation about the bass guitar without landing at one point or another on Jack Bruce. Best known as one of the founding members of the legendary rock and roll band Cream, Bruce established himself as far more than just a backup player to band mate and musical demigod Eric Clapton. Although he held steady contention for some of the highest superlatives that four-string rock music has to offer, Bruce's talents were hardly limited to the bass: a gifted cellist, pianist, and songwriter, the multifaceted rock star stood throughout his life and career as a unique talent and an artistic and cultural icon. His death on October 25, 2014 was greeted with deep sorrow by friends and fans around the world.