Cream

Cream, active for just over two years, were pioneers of the power trio format, influencing blues-rock and hard rock of the late '60s and '70s. Guitarist Eric Clapton rose to international stardom with Cream, known for their fusion of blues, pop, and psychedelia in studio recordings. Despite criticism for their live shows' emphasis on showmanship over taste, Cream's original material showcased their musical prowess.

Formed in 1966, Cream, comprised of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, sought to break free from traditional rock/R&B/blues boundaries, crafting electrified blues on their debut album, "Fresh Cream." Their breakthrough came with 1967's "Disraeli Gears," featuring hard-driving psychedelic pop hits like "Strange Brew" and "Sunshine of Your Love." Cream's success continued with the chart-topping double album "Wheels of Fire" in 1968, solidifying their status as one of the biggest rock acts globally before disbanding later that year.