ladyislingering
retired
Often overlooked as a solo artist, Benjamin Orr (1947-2000) is best known for being one of the main vocalists, and the bassist for 80s new wave group The Cars.
(Photo restoration by the Lady.
Photo circa 1979.)
Benjamin Orzechowski (nicknamed "Benny 11-Letters" by his friends), born in Lakewood, Ohio, was of Russian and Czechoslovakian heritage; from an early age his parents encouraged musical activity to which he exercised in learning guitar, bass, drums, and even the keyboard. From time to time he entertained his family with impressions of Elvis Presley.
In 1965, when he was just 18 years old, he and his band, The Grasshoppers, released two singles on a lesser-known label called Sunburst. "Mod Socks" being the name of one; "Pink Champagne (And Red Roses)" which was written by Benny himself, was the other. During this time he also appeared as a session musician for local variety show "Upbeat!"
In 1967, the band Benny dropped out of Valley Forge High School to persue would soon have three of its members drafted to war - including Benny, who, after approximately 18 months, received a deferment and returned home.
Benny met Ric Ocasek in Cleveland around 1970. Ric was new to the area since his father had just relocated the family. Ric and Ben, along with two other musicians, formed a band called Milkwood, who released an album called "How's the Weather" in 1972. The record was, commercially, a flop.
However, they continued to tour with the likes of MC5 and the Stooges. After a short stint in New York City proved unsuccessful, Ric had an idea.
Benny and Ric moved to Boston in hopes of finding greater success on the music scene.
Soon afterward Benny, Ric, and newcomer Elliot Easton (who would someday be lead guitarist for The Cars) formed a group called Cap n' Swing and frequented nightclubs in Boston. This group disbanded in 1975 (other musicians in the group have long since been unnamed) leaving the three core Cars members to soon meet Greg Hawkes, who they had initially turned away for Cap n' Swing, but recruited into their new group.
For a short time the four performed as Richard and the Rabbits; shortly after meeting with drummer David Robinson in 1976, these five men called themselves the Cars in 1977.
From their inception to their disbanding in 1987, the lineup remained consistent. Ben's vocals can be heard on several Cars hits (Ric Ocasek has said himself that any time he needed superior vocals to accompany the songs he wrote, he asked Ben to do it.) including "Just What I Needed", "Moving in Stereo", "Drive", "Bye Bye Love", and "Double Trouble".
By the mid-80s Ric had embarked on a journey of solo projects; Ben would have his time in 1986 when he released "The Lace". While the record was not commercially successful and has long since been forgotten in time, its songs were very similar to the sound that made The Cars successful. Lyrics to "The Lace" were written by Benny and his then-girlfriend Diane Grey Page. It spawned one popular single, "Stay the Night", which charted in the top 40 that year and won Ben an ASCAP award for its video.
Ben's vocals and bass appeared on some tracks from Ric's "This Side of Paradise" album; he was also a session musician for Joni Mitchell's "Misses" and "Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm".
A follow-up single called "Too Hot to Stop" was also released; video in tow, similar to "Stay the Night". Songs were written and recorded for a second album during the 90s, but were never officially released. "The Lace" continues to be a rare find, but was re-released by Wounded Bird records in 2006.
By 1987 tensions were running high between the members of The Cars; they recorded their last album "Door to Door", and called it quits. Ric Ocasek would remain one of Ben's closest friends throughout the remainder of his life.
Up til the time of becoming ill with pancreatic cancer, Ben continued to do what he loved. He was part of a few groups during the 90s: Orr, Big People, and The Voices of Classic Rock. In April of 2000, he was hospitalized, but continued to make appearances in moderately sized venues, determined to play music until he could no longer function.
On September 27th, 2000, he appeared in Anchorage, Alaska with his group Big People. On October 3rd, he passed away at the home of Julie Snider, a close friend of his, who lived in Atlanta, Georgia. He left behind one son (whose age is uncertain) from a previous marriage and his beloved golden retrievers.
In 2005 Ric Ocasek wrote "Silver" for his new record "Nexterday", which he dedicated to Ben.
A little personal input:
The tender little clip above breaks my heart every time. I've been a fan of Ben's since I was a little girl; I was heartbroken when I heard that he'd passed away but have always hoped that there's some way in this galaxy that the souls of those who have passed away should be aware of the happiness their legacies have brought to people.
He was a friend of many, and a very well-liked, charming individual with many genuine talents.
Though very little is publicly known about Ben, his music (with The Cars, and solo) is a tremendously beautiful thing.
Thoughts/videos/pictures/shared info I might have missed is greatly welcome.
(Photo restoration by the Lady.
Photo circa 1979.)
Benjamin Orzechowski (nicknamed "Benny 11-Letters" by his friends), born in Lakewood, Ohio, was of Russian and Czechoslovakian heritage; from an early age his parents encouraged musical activity to which he exercised in learning guitar, bass, drums, and even the keyboard. From time to time he entertained his family with impressions of Elvis Presley.
In 1965, when he was just 18 years old, he and his band, The Grasshoppers, released two singles on a lesser-known label called Sunburst. "Mod Socks" being the name of one; "Pink Champagne (And Red Roses)" which was written by Benny himself, was the other. During this time he also appeared as a session musician for local variety show "Upbeat!"
In 1967, the band Benny dropped out of Valley Forge High School to persue would soon have three of its members drafted to war - including Benny, who, after approximately 18 months, received a deferment and returned home.
Benny met Ric Ocasek in Cleveland around 1970. Ric was new to the area since his father had just relocated the family. Ric and Ben, along with two other musicians, formed a band called Milkwood, who released an album called "How's the Weather" in 1972. The record was, commercially, a flop.
However, they continued to tour with the likes of MC5 and the Stooges. After a short stint in New York City proved unsuccessful, Ric had an idea.
Benny and Ric moved to Boston in hopes of finding greater success on the music scene.
Soon afterward Benny, Ric, and newcomer Elliot Easton (who would someday be lead guitarist for The Cars) formed a group called Cap n' Swing and frequented nightclubs in Boston. This group disbanded in 1975 (other musicians in the group have long since been unnamed) leaving the three core Cars members to soon meet Greg Hawkes, who they had initially turned away for Cap n' Swing, but recruited into their new group.
For a short time the four performed as Richard and the Rabbits; shortly after meeting with drummer David Robinson in 1976, these five men called themselves the Cars in 1977.
From their inception to their disbanding in 1987, the lineup remained consistent. Ben's vocals can be heard on several Cars hits (Ric Ocasek has said himself that any time he needed superior vocals to accompany the songs he wrote, he asked Ben to do it.) including "Just What I Needed", "Moving in Stereo", "Drive", "Bye Bye Love", and "Double Trouble".
By the mid-80s Ric had embarked on a journey of solo projects; Ben would have his time in 1986 when he released "The Lace". While the record was not commercially successful and has long since been forgotten in time, its songs were very similar to the sound that made The Cars successful. Lyrics to "The Lace" were written by Benny and his then-girlfriend Diane Grey Page. It spawned one popular single, "Stay the Night", which charted in the top 40 that year and won Ben an ASCAP award for its video.
Ben's vocals and bass appeared on some tracks from Ric's "This Side of Paradise" album; he was also a session musician for Joni Mitchell's "Misses" and "Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm".
A follow-up single called "Too Hot to Stop" was also released; video in tow, similar to "Stay the Night". Songs were written and recorded for a second album during the 90s, but were never officially released. "The Lace" continues to be a rare find, but was re-released by Wounded Bird records in 2006.
By 1987 tensions were running high between the members of The Cars; they recorded their last album "Door to Door", and called it quits. Ric Ocasek would remain one of Ben's closest friends throughout the remainder of his life.
Up til the time of becoming ill with pancreatic cancer, Ben continued to do what he loved. He was part of a few groups during the 90s: Orr, Big People, and The Voices of Classic Rock. In April of 2000, he was hospitalized, but continued to make appearances in moderately sized venues, determined to play music until he could no longer function.
On September 27th, 2000, he appeared in Anchorage, Alaska with his group Big People. On October 3rd, he passed away at the home of Julie Snider, a close friend of his, who lived in Atlanta, Georgia. He left behind one son (whose age is uncertain) from a previous marriage and his beloved golden retrievers.
In 2005 Ric Ocasek wrote "Silver" for his new record "Nexterday", which he dedicated to Ben.
A little personal input:
The tender little clip above breaks my heart every time. I've been a fan of Ben's since I was a little girl; I was heartbroken when I heard that he'd passed away but have always hoped that there's some way in this galaxy that the souls of those who have passed away should be aware of the happiness their legacies have brought to people.
He was a friend of many, and a very well-liked, charming individual with many genuine talents.
Though very little is publicly known about Ben, his music (with The Cars, and solo) is a tremendously beautiful thing.
Thoughts/videos/pictures/shared info I might have missed is greatly welcome.
