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Greetings! I am a dedicated Cars fan... especially Benjamin "Don't Call Me Ben" Orr)! I made this tribute profile because I've always felt that he is one of the most underrated rock-stars of all time. It is my pleasure to have this profile dedicated to honoring the late Benjamin Orr, known for being one of the lead singers and the bassist for one of the "new wave" music pioneers, The Cars.About me: I'm 23, female. My name in Japanese translates to "Rori". My birth month happens to be the November, the same as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Blue
Relationship: Working on it
Children: 1
Interests: Music, Art, Nature, Comedy, & Food
Panorama Benji:
Total Value: 752,776 Gold
[Item Information]
Item List:
Faust's Curse
Count's Vengeance
Classic Aviators
Sicilian Wiseguy
Fancy Gray Coat
Who are the Cars, exactly? Meet The Cars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRTF1pRRAJU
What makes Benjamin Orr so special? Sampler of Cars songs sang by Benjamin Orr: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEHJcFMWRcQ
About The Cars:
The Cars made an incredible impact on music with their unique, new sound. Hardly appreciated, even with many hits- you may recognize them for VERY overhyped hits like "Let The Good Times Roll" (lead vocals sang by Ric Ocasek). Both Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr sang many popular Cars songs, although Ben (though some who don't know what he sings often argue) sang the most profound Cars songs, including the highest charting Cars song of all, "Drive". Ric and Ben sometimes sounded like each other vocally, though with many of their songs you can tell the direct distinction of voices between the singers. They were the dynamic duo, even if Ric had a chip on his shoulder. The Cars never had an official breakup, but they never reunited until 11 years after Benjamin died. Sadly, they no longer have their "Magic". Even if Dave Robinson tries to downplay Benjamin's vital role, The Cars are just not themselves without their platinum blonde angel.
In the final interview with every original Cars member, Ric said something very memorable: "...When we played songs- we'd just say, oh... You sing this... oh, you sing this. It wasn't any big deal. You know... although I did keep in mind that if it needed to have a good voice, it should be Ben. I definitely thought, 'well, this is, maybe this is a song that has a lot of melody in it, so it needs a good voice. So, Ben should sing this one'." The Cars stopped performing together around 1987, going out on solo endeavors.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a RIC-ochet fan as well. When I find a devoted Ric fan who insults Benjamin, I've usually come to find that those people end up discovering that some of their favorite songs were actually sang by Benjamin, and not Ric as they had originally thought!
Ric Ocasek wasn't blessed with good looks, but he is a brilliant lyricist, producer, and vocalist. "Tonight She Comes" is timeless. "Heartbeat City" is out of this world!
Dave Robinson is pretty talented as well. Rather handsome, and a true artist indeed! He was the artistic and fashion director of The Cars. Album covers, wardrobes and stage layouts among his many talents as well as his drumming.
Then, there's Greg Hawkes. a-dork-able, genuine, friendly, he also was an incredible keyboardist. Not only that, but he also plays the flute, clarinet, and saxophone. He's also a wonderful ukulele player.
Ah, Elliot Easton- the intriguing, darling and quirky guitarist! He can sure shred it! A very underrated guitar legend, he!
Fun facts about Benjamin:
-Benjamin Orr was born in Lakewood, Ohio to Russian and Czechoslovakian parents (Charles Orzechowski and Betty Benn) who supported Benjamin's musical interest.
-He was proficient with guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, and drums, and (of course) vocals.
-"Benny 11-Letters" hated to be called Ben, and especially Benny!
-He had a vast history in music, taking part in groups such as:
1960-1963 The Cyclones
1964 The Grasshoppers
1965-1968 The Proof Sets (which later changed their name to The Mixed Emotions)
1968 The Colours
The Outsiders
ID Nirvana
Leatherwood
1974 Milkwood
Richard and The Rabbits
Ocasek and Orr
Cap N' Swing
The Cars
Orr
Voices Of Classic Rock
Big People
-Western Zodiac Sign: Virgo (Virgin)
-Chinese Zodiac Sign: Boar (Pig)
-Eye color: Blue
-Hair Color: Light Brown. Benjamin was naturally a Brunette, but he rocked his Bleached Blonde hair like a god!
Favorite Cars Song: Drive
-Smoke: Yes. Camel, Basic, Marlboro Red.
-Vehicles Benjamin Owned: Chevy Suburban, Dodge Ram, Mercury Cougar, "Magic" his Corvette, 2 Harleys, Boat "The Blue D", among others
-Sexuality: Straight. He was never gay, thank Ric for that false rumor!
-First Car: Lavender '64 Impala
-Boxers or Briefs: None
-Children: 1 son, Ben. He loved children, contrary to popular belief.
-Pets: Golden Retrievers
-Nationality: Slavic
-Tattoos: Right Arm: Chinese Dragon w/ banner under it that read, "London 1983"
-Religion: None
-Favorite place to eat: http://www.ladalatonnantasket.com/
-Surprising Personality Traits: Benjamin was actually quite shy. He was considered to be very modest and unpretentious. Unlike many who achieved fame, he never forgot his roots. Despite his busy schedule, Benjamin made time for great causes such as CARE. Kind and generous, he stepped up to the plate when asked to. He loved children, and he loved to perform. He never let his fame go to his head, and his pride never got in the way.
-Part of Rock n Roll Hall of Fame: No. The Cars, like other worthy groups such as Heart, Moody Blues, The Guess Who, The B-52s, Cheap Trick, The Cure, Todd Rundgren, and The Smiths. Pathetic!
Hobbies aside from music:
sailing on his boat, skin-diving, slaving over a wok-(yes, cooking!) perfecting his mastery of Szechwan-style cooking.
Benjamin's battle with Pancreatic Cancer:
Born Benjamin Orzechowski on September 8, 1947, in Lakewood (Cleveland), OH. At the age of 53, Benjamin Orr died in Atlanta, GA on October 4, 2000 from pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. It has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. 94% of pancreatic cancer patients will die within five years of diagnosis – only 6% will survive more than five years. 74% of patients die within the first year of diagnosis. The average life expectancy after diagnosis with metastatic disease is just three to six months (Benjamin Orr died nearly 6 months after being diagnosed in April 2000). Few risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer are defined. Family history of the disease, smoking, age, and diabetes are risk factors (Orr had quit smoking and drinking, in spite of his doctor telling him it probably wouldn't prolong his life. He joked that he had "made a deal with the devil" to stop drinking & smoking in exchange for prolonging his life). Benjamin Orr fought for his life like a trooper in the final months... regularly performing at concerts and going to interviews. His final public appearance was on September 27, 2000, in a Big People concert in Anchorage, Alaska.
Memorable quotes from Ben?
Let's face it, he was not much of a talker.
(On if his illness would keep him from performing): "If I fall down one day and can't get up, you'll know it's over."
"When I went down to the studio, I was totally on my own. I had no influences."
Is that possible for an experienced musician?
"Anything`s possible. I don`t think anybody who sits down to write a song wants to be thought of as pulling off somebody else`s material."
Orr sounds even more like a fan when asked to name his favorite of the five Cars LPs.
"The first one is great for me. *Panorama* I like a whole lot, maybe just because we got a lot of crap for making it. So those two, and *Heartbeat City*. *Candy-O* wasn't bad either."
"I felt I never needed to fight for a more prominent songwriting and increased vocal role with the Cars".
"Rick is the leader and I don't have a problem with that".
Interviewer: "Ben, did you think of yourself as the sexy one?"
Benjamin: "Oh, hell no! Randy, maybe- but uh, not the sexy one."
"I've always kept my one foot on the ground. It's just a show... act, and you leave the stage and you're somebody else but nobody else sees that except these guys and the crew. And that was terrifying."
"Enjoying the music that we played and still having it recognized by the kids of uh, you know... the kids that- the kids of the kids that used to be at the concerts. Um, good camaraderie. Glad we're all friends and lived through all that for about 10 years of peace. It's been great fun, proud to do that... great people. 'Bout it."
"A lot of people don't know I'm me. I've done half the songs we recorded. But it's OK - the thrill is being part of the Cars and doing that, which is all I wanted in the first place."
"Just when you think things are going along good, God says it's time to stop. But, you had a good time, didn't you?"
"There is a lot to be said for romance, and the fantasies people put to romance."
"You have to keep in there, pitching (to keep romance alive). The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence, but if you really care about somebody and make a commitment, you give it the best shot you can. It`s a shot in the dark, but I`m taking it."
Memorable Benjamin Performances:
*The Cars performing "Candy-O": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEkGqb2wu5k
*The Cars performing "Everything You Say": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHuzFEXwozc
*The Cars performing "It's Not The Night": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opVZJeGaWlg
*The Cars "Just What I Needed"-warning, beautiful footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsPh-EgH65M
*Benjamin Orr performing "Drive" (in 1995!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r68ximq8aM
*The Cars performing "All Mixed Up": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oxJDZaLmDg
*The Cars performing "Bye Bye Love": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV3kx-yZUwA
*The Cars performing "Think It Over":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXvuegYEumc
Memorable Benjamin Tracks:
*The Cars- "Coming Up You":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhX3mikCXvo
*Orr- "Stay The Night": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WGVG3_IoG8
*The Cars- "Go Away": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wetk8Cr5MdA
*Orr- "Too Hot To Stop": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8ZR1RUlTGY
*The Cars- "Moving In Stereo": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6Ksrmbwr1s
*The Cars- "Drive": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFZmRVjUJnY
*The Cars- "Stranger Eyes": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eak3oOR7ogM
*The Cars- "It's Not The Night": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKhHvbuc0dw
Demos, Rarities and Other Tracks sung by Benjamin Orr:
*The Cars- "(One Too Many Times) It's All I Can Do": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RDANr7deAM
*Buddy Holly Cover- "Everyday" performed by Benjamin Orr & Ric Ocasek (Benjamin lead vocals) in 1974- warning, some images are graphic in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn04jccJKAI&feature=related
* The Cars- "Funtime" Demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2uX5Z_ybNA&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL8A1AB0FFBE5A8FE7
*The Cars- : "Wake Me Up" Demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig4OF0cKWMQ&list=FL7LBVmlKZvLP8s0t2nF2Ucg&index=21&feature=plpp_video
*The Cars- "Take Me Now" (Unreleased): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP5h_D8zfNA
*Grasshoppers (Benjamin Orr)- "Pink Champagne": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQdVmBEjsMw&feature=related
*Benjamin Orr- "Send Me": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXV0rXlGIbE
*Benjamin Orr- "Little Mind Working" (video says different name, but this is the actual name of the track): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYm6MAsj8YM
*Benjamin Orr: "I'm Coming Home Tonight": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzh7MVjQCJk
*Benjamin Orr- "I Am"(disclaimer, very dark song): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUKg7kTF3tA
Albums I Highly recommend for your listening pleasure:
~Door To Door: http://www.amazon.com/Door-Cars/dp/B000002H52
My personal favorite Cars album. It doesn't get played on the radio really, thus not worn out... it is an extremely underrated album. There's only two songs on the album that I don't particularly like. The rest, particularly "Go Away" are phenomenal.
~The Cars: http://www.amazon.com/The-Cars/dp/B000002GWB
Fantastic album, even if overplayed on the radio. Only 1 song on this album isn't that good. "All Mixed Up" and "Bye Bye Love" are the best tracks.
~Heartbeat City: http://www.amazon.com/Heartbeat-City-Cars/dp/B000002H1T/ref=pd_sim_m_2
Heartbeat City, here we come! Not a single song on this album that I don't like! "Drive", "Heartbeat City".. this album is epic!
~Candy-O: http://www.amazon.com/Candy-O-Cars/dp/B000002GWX/ref=pd_sim_m_1
This album? Quality over quantity. A few songs aren't that good, but the songs that ARE good are simply Incredible! "Candy-O", "Let's Go", "It's All I Can Do", "Dangerous Type ".
The Lace-Benjamin Orr: http://www.amazon.com/Lace-Ben-Orr/dp/B00000DTIF
Wow, this is great work. Ben really shined, even without The Cars. The most obvious song I recommend is "Stay the Night ". Other songs I really recommend are "Hold On" "This Time Around", and especially "Skyline".
Albums I don't recommend:
Shake It Up: http://www.amazon.com/Shake-It-Up-Cars/dp/B000002GXD/ref=pd_sim_m_3 What to say about this album? "Since You're Gone", "Think It Over" and "Cruiser" are good. "Shake It Up" is not bad. Overall, pretty mediocre album. A cool album to have in your Cars collection, but not great for listening.
Panorama: http://www.amazon.com/Panorama-Cars/dp/B000002GX3
This album should have been "canned"-orama. There is not a single song that is gold from this album (sorry Benjamin). Cool to have in your Cars collection, I suppose... but not very listenable at all. "Running To You" is decent, though.
Bio and other information, courtesy of: http://benjaminorrthelegacy.wix.com/legacy
youtube.com
and other sources.
If I've posted something that has offended anyone from any of these sites, please contact me. No copyright infringement is intended with this page, I only made this as a tribute to one of my favorite artists. Take care, and have a wonderful day!
-Rori
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