British musician Jack Bruce, bassist in band Cream, dead at 71

(Image credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

British rock star Jack Bruce, the legendary bassist of the super-group Cream, has died at age 71, The Associated Press reports:

Cream, which also included guitarist Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker, sold 35 million albums in just over two years and were awarded the world's first ever platinum disc for their album "Wheels of Fire."Bruce wrote and sang most of the songs, including "I Feel Free," "White Room," "Politician," and "Sunshine Of Your Love." [AP]

Watch the video below, featuring a classic performance of one of Bruce's greatest songs with Cream, "Tales of Brave Ulysses." The tune displays both his energetic singing and his highly influential rock-bass style, which was simultaneously heavy and melodic. --Eric Kleefeld