Pete Brown, Cream’s Lyricist Passed Away At 82

Pete Brown, poet and lyricist for Cream, has passed away at age 82 following a long battle with cancer.

The news was shared by the family of the late Cream bassist Jack Bruce. The statement reads:

“We are extremely saddened to learn of the death of Jack’s long-term friend and writing partner Pete Brown, who passed away last night.

“We extend our sincere condolences to Pete’s wife Sheridan and Pete’s children as well as all his family and friends. Love from the Bruce family.”

A statement was also posted on Brown’s social media pages, saying:

“Pete was known to repeat the mantra, ‘I come from a long line of worriers, not warriors.’ One of his other favorite expressions.

“Despite his tendency towards Jewish pessimism, he lived the life of a warrior poet. He was proudly anti-establishment and dedicated his life to his creative endeavors in an uncompromising way.”

The post also noted that Brown was an animal lover with an “ever-increasing family of cats.” Brown is survived by his wife Sheridan, his daughter, the singer and writer Jessica Walker, and his musician son Tad.

At the age of 14, Brown started publishing poetry and later formed the Real Poetry Band with John McLaughlin. He established himself as a leading beat poet and through his success, encountered iconic drummer Ginger Baker, who hired him to co-write for Cream.

Brown is considered by many as the fourth member of Cream. His contributions to the band include the classics “White Room,” “Sunshine of Your Love,” “I Feel Free,” “Politician” and “Deserted Cities of the Heart.” After the band’s split, Brown continued working with Bruce and collaborated with Graham Bond and others. He also continued to publish and perform poetry and became involved in writing and producing films.

In 2008, Brown told Rolling Stone about work with saying:

“I like to think that people can still relate to those songs.

“I’ve come a long way since then, and I write in different ways. But ‘White Room’ is a state of mind, as well as a description of a particular place and time.”