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Benjamin Orr 1947 - 2000 
Benjamin Orzechowski, born on August 9, 1947, was a native Ohioan, born in Lakewood to Russian and Czechoslovakian parents. He was raised in Cleveland where he dropped out of high school, but started an early career in music as a member of a band called the Grasshoppers featured on the local TV show, "Upbeat". A fan of Elvis Presley, Benjamin had always loved performing since early childhood and went from singing for his parents' friends to being a local teen idol. |
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His parents had supported Benjamin's interest in music, both being singers themselves. He once stated, "I had total support from my parents, even when I was doing the pots-and-pans routine. I never got a Don't-do-that, especially when I got involved with music". He also said, "They gave me the most encouragement that anybody could possibly get. They got down on teachers who would grab my hair in the hallways because it was too long." As a beginning musician, Benjamin also learned to play several instruments including the keyboard, drums, bass and of course, the guitar. Unfortunately, the Grasshoppers broke up due to the draft. Luckily, Benjamin found his way out of it and returned to music. In any sense, Ben was unmistakably meant to be noticed. With his stunning good looks and natural talent as a performer and guitarist, it was said that Benjamin could have very well played Vaudeville had he been born fifty years ago. |
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Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr were the first to meet at a party in Columbus, Ohio and they began performing as a duo, covering rock 'n roll classics as well as performing their own material. The Cars formed in Boston in 1976 but their break was in 1977 and by 1978, their first single, "Just What I Needed" was released and immediately embraced by an audience who was ready for a change in music. Benjamin Orr sang lead along with Ric Ocasek. He was perfect to compliment Ric's songs once they met. Ben has the good looks and perfect voice of a singing idol. He added his own special touch to the Cars' sound. |
 Benjamin and Greg Hawkes |
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Benjamin Orr passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2000. He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer since April of this year. He died in his home in Atlanta just before midnight. The Cars gave us some of the best music of our time. It will never grow old and will always give us good times. Benjamin Orr made that possible. I, for one, will miss him deeply but he lives on in his music and in our hearts.
Thanks for taking the time to view this page. If you aren't familiar with The Cars music, please run to your local music store and experience the magic! 
 
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I would like to thank Kimberly Shriner from the ''Heartbeat City'' web site, Chris Leonti, and many others for helping with this page.
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