Sad news to report, as legendary Cream singer-bassist Jack Bruce has died at the age of 71 on Saturday, Oct. 25. Bruce was a pioneer of hard rock music, as Cream laid down a musical foundation for generations of bands to follow.

Along with bandmates Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, Bruce took Cream to huge heights in the 1960s despite only existing for two years as a band. The power trio still managed to release four albums, with Bruce writing and singing such classic hits as 'Sunshine of Your Love' and 'White Room.'

Prior to Cream, Bruce had played in Blues Incorporated along with future Rolling Stones drummer Charile Watts, who was replaced in that group by Ginger Baker. After Cream broke up in 1968, Bruce released a number of solo albums to moderate success, with his last disc, 'Silver Rails,' coming out in March 2014.

Cream were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, and reunited in 2005 for a series of shows at London's Royal Albert Hall.

Bruce's death was announced on his official website via the following statement: "It is with great sadness that we, Jack's family, announce the passing of our beloved Jack: husband, father, grandfather and all round legend. The world of music will be a poorer place without him, but he lives on in his music and forever in our hearts." No cause of death was immediately revealed.

We'd like to send our condolences to Jack Bruce's family and friends. Hard rock music owes a great deal of gratitude to his legendary career.

Check Out Cream Playing 'Sunshine of Your Love' at Their 1968 Farewell Concert

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