In 1976, he and Ric Ocasek co-founded the rock group The Cars in Boston. When some guys hear Moving in Stereo, they think of a poolside Phoebe Cates in the 1982 movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. But the tune always reminds me of Andy Eliopoulos, my classmate at North High in Akron. In October of 1986 Benjamin joined DJ Scott Muni at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York for a brief interview, and our dear friend Craig was on the scene! Following the bands not-so-amicable dissolution in 1988, Orr formed his own band ORR - and later participated in a super group of sorts called Big People. He invited a couple of his very good friends to join him and his wife to our little party, and boom! what makes muscle tissue different from other tissues? he married Judith Silverman, a Hollywood makeup artist (she worked I LOVED!!. The groups songs remind me of carefree days of youth. Benjamin Orr was the co-founder, co-lead singer, and bassist for the platinum-selling rock band The Cars. Please excuse Kurts photo bomb. Ive done half the songs we recorded. Manager David Tedeschi was not present but was devastated by the loss of his best friend. It took me a few hours to come down from the adrenaline high. 'It's always challenging with two people with separate careers. Diane Grey-Page and Ben Orr were engaged for 4 years. During the interview (easily found on YouTube) we see a shockingly gaunt Orr surrounded by his bandmates at a seemingly happy reunion. We chatted for a bit, recorded the interview between him and Joe, and then chatted some more. My sense of style: Ocasek jacket and Panorama shoes. The film was broadcast to around 100,000 people inside the John F. Kennedy stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 1985. I mean, when we first came upon him my knees were weak, but by this point I was pretty relaxed because he just put us all at ease. Can you even imagine how cool it was to talk tunes with him like just a bunch of friends hanging out? I have a soft spot in my heart for kids who take the initiative and put effort into carving their path. [9] An accompanying music video for the song was in heavy rotation on MTV.[10]. Benjamin Orrs headstone was easy to find. In May last year Porizkova said the couple, who have two sons together, had been 'peacefully separated for the past year'. [4] In 1965, the Grasshoppers released two singles on the Sunburst label: "Mod Socks" and "Pink Champagne (and Red Roses)", the latter written by Orzechowski. Ben was. From the observation deck at the top of the Prudential building, there are the city blocks where they lived and worked Ben, Ric, David, Greg, and Elliot making the music that changed my life (and many others) forever. The Maple Heightsstudent had moved from Baltimore to Cleveland, where his father worked at the NASA Lewis Research Center. It's a beautiful inclusion of the 'sweetpurplejune' connection. Bassist for the rock band The Cars, known for the hit song "Just What I Needed.". A Virgin Mary statue draped in rosaries stands beside the Orzechowski headstone. A singular presence onstage and devoted friend and family man in his private life, Benjamin Orr comes to life in Millikens book, thanks to first-hand accounts and anecdotes provided by people who knew him best, along with a gallery of many previously unpublished photos many from private collections. View gallery Ric Ocasek (left) and his. I feel like I've had my soulmate.'. Thank you a million times, Peter; so grateful to call you my friend! He was 53. Porizkova and Ocasek first met while The Cars were filming the music video for Drive in 1984. Produced by Mike Shipley, Orr, Diane Grey-Page, and Larry Klein, it contains his only solo hit, the track Stay the Night. !, I NEED CONTACT WITH YOU!! !,greeting to you and diane page! Why the hell is Connie Hamzy there, she was a skankie roadie groupie from what I`ve read in bio`s? Ben was unfailingly kind and generous to his friends.. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Benjamin Orr Jr.. By the time the last Cars tour rolled around, Orr was traveling on his own bus and "barely speaking to Ocasek." Yes, there is some evidence that they were briefly married. The day before it was filmed, they all had dinner together and hung out. Find the perfect Benjamin Orr stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Before Susie and I left the cemetery, I plopped down in the grass with a portable CD player and played Moving in Stereo., Lifes the same, Im moving in stereo, Orr sang. Benjamin Orr was once married to his childhood sweetheart, Kristina, but they parted ways in 1981. Not in there early or old years. 25 on the album rock chart. He said When I cant stand up and play anymore, thats when youll know its over. He learned to play the guitar, bass guitar, drums, and keyboards. She might have been an earlier wife. Three years later, the two had both relocated to Columbus, Ohio, and formed their first band together, ID Nirvana. I always liked great songs, and it didn't matter if it was from the Carpenters or Lou Reed. Cars together. CANDY!! Narodil se v Lakewoodu v Ohiu.Jeho rodie mli polsk, eskoslovensk, rusk a nmeck koeny. and former band-mate Benjamin Orr. The event itself was a sold-out-smash filled with rocking music, incredible surprises, and a guest list that sent me over the moon. The Cars released six records between the years of 1978 to 1987 (pictured L-R. Ric Ocasek, Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, Benjamin Orr, David Robinson), Ocasek's estranged wife Porizkova, a former Czechoslovakian supermodel, released the following statement after the pair split last year (above), (Pictured L:R) David Robinson, Ric Ocasek, Elliot Easton and Greg Hawkes of The Cars at the 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio in 2018. The video was later replayed at Live 8 in 2005. Follow them on Facebook to make sure you dont miss the details! They set up the group Richard and the Rabbits with keyboardist Greg Hawkes and later established Capn Swing with guitarist Elliot Easton. After the latter failed as well, the three of them came together with Hawkes and drummer David Robinson to form The Cars in 1976. An NYPD spokesperson told DailyMail.comthat Ocasek was 75 years old at the time he died, other reports have suggested he was 70. I had the pleasure of connecting with The VINNY Band frontman Ralph Fatello during the planning stages of this event, and I went right down the rabbit hole! Benjamin Orr (1947-2000) was married to Kristina Klein, well Ben Orr of The Cars Standing with Wife. (sorry for my english, I`m Spanish). He was engaged to Julie Snider at Rural Ohio grave of The Cars' Benjamin Orr is a shrine to fans 20 years after death. Orr was born Benjamin Orzechowski in Lakewood in 1947 and grew up in Parma, attending Valley Forge High School in the 1960s, where my future wife would graduate more than 20 years later. Milkwoods only album, Hows the Weather, was released in 1973 through Paramount Records. I think were both pretty happy with the results! Page in the mid-to-late 1980s. This is meant to educate on Gibson . He rolled the dice, showed me the ropes, and kept me laughing. And I think shes the one that invented the drink special for the night. Getting stories like that directly from the people involved was pretty exciting.. The last pictures ofThe Cars lead singer, who was found dead at his home yesterday, have emerged showing him walking with his son on a beach in Florida. I dont know what Id do without him! He has many nieces, nephews, family members and friends back in Boston and his hometown state of Ohio, and around the US. So many greats have walked in and out of that school, including our own Elliot Easton and Greg Hawkes. We missed out on most of the view as it was very foggy outside, but we hardly cared, we were enjoying each other so much. Inside the Eastern Standard there is a very cool poster commemorating the former Rat venue. The band are most known for their song 'Drive' being used as the soundtrack for a CBS video for Live Aid that showed the horrors of famine in Ethiopia. Ralph told me after the event that the vibe and venue has inspired him to start planning for something hes put off for far too long: A reunion of The VINNY Band! He is most remembered for The Cars Co-lead vocalist and bass player.. His zodiac sign is Virgo. Im thankful to Joe for giving me so much creative freedom, and for my son, Nick, who pulled Ben out of that Robert Post photo for me. Orr shared the spotlight but acknowledged that Ocasek had a more public profile. The Cars were among the most successful bands to come out of the New Wave scene, with their pioneering use of keyboard hooks and slick production values. Jax the Staffy is rescued after being stuck in a cave for two days, Eight people shot at Martin Luther King Day event in Florida, How it unfolded: Nepal's plane crash tragedy that claimed 72 lives, As it happened: UK Government blocks Scotland's new gender law, The Cars frontman Ric Ocasek found dead in Manhattan townhouse, Read The Cars Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Speeches Rolling Stone, Ric Ocasek, The TVD Interview - The Vinyl District. His Russian and Czechoslovakian parents actively encouraged his musical endeavors. He was a student at Valley Forge High School. Got Turbocharge plugged into the big screen and mourned the fact that one of my heroes, David Juskow, wasnt coming to Boston. Orr lost his battle with Pancreatic Cancer on October 4, 2000 at the home of his fiance Julie Snider in Atlanta, Georgia. Milliken's book, "Let's Go: Benjamin Orr and The Cars," (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers) was written with input from more than 120 of Orr's family members, friends . Orr sjng p flera av bandets strsta hits, bland annat Drive, Let's Go och Just What I Needed. Bassist and singer Ben Orr was born Benjamin Orzechowski on September 8, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1986, Benjamin Orr released the only solo album of his career, The Lace, through Elektra. More than 11 years after setting out to write the first biography of Benjamin Orr - enigmatic co-founder, co-lead singer and bassist for The Cars, Vermont-based music journalist Joe Milliken says he is thrilled to be able to share so much first-time information about the late charismatic singer and musician. Thereafter, he was briefly married to Hollywood makeup artist Judith Silverman. Orr died at his Atlanta home, said Billy Johnson, manager of the musician's current band, Big People. LOL, It was such an honor to have these three ladies in attendance: Diane Page, Judith Orr, and Kris Orr. All Rights Reserved. Joe and I enjoyed a yummy dinner at Bertuccis on Friday night with beautiful Jude and her sweet friend, Christine. circa 1990, but their marriage does not seem to have lasted very MONICA. Benjamin Orr's Life Path Number is 2 as per numerology. Benjamin Orr (1947-2000) was married to Kristina Klein, well before The Cars - they divorced in 1981. He continued to perform in concert with Big People right up until September 27th. They dated for 4 years after ge Ben Orr had an encounter with Connie Hamzy As I understand it, Judith was married to Benjamin.Edita was not, but was the mother of his son.I could be wrong but I think that's the way it goes. ', Ric Ocasek during his sophomore year at Maple Heights High School in Ohio, in 1961. But you may be thinking of his friend The pair were seen lounging on VIP sunbeds in Miami Beach as the guitaristhad his fingernails painted black in March. I almost didn't want them part of the thing. The singer was found 'unconscious and unresponsive' in Manhattan by his estranged wife Paulina Porizkova, Oliver's mother, at around 4.14pm on Sunday. And what a good sport he was to bring Ric Ocaseks jacket for me to try on! So I bought the bands 1978 debut album with aneye-catching cover that featured a leering model in red lipstick seated behind a steering wheel and listened to it repeatedly. Mar 22, 2016 - Benjamin probably in the late 1990s with bandmate and fiancee Julie Snider in background. Taking into account various assets, Edita's net worth is greater than . I like Judith SO much; shes hilarious and open, and such a happy person. before The Cars - they divorced in 1981. He was 53. What an amazing time we had! The emotional footage showed severely malnourished and emaciated children and parents while the synth pop-rock track played beneath it. Another fan said Ocasek and the band 'brightened quite a few otherwise ugly days', One film critic said tit was impossible to think of their senior year without his music, American television critic and Pulitzer Prize recipient Nussbaum remembered the star, Some recalled what an integral part Ocasek was in their childhood, One fan shared a passage that claimed Ocasek allowed them take home random stacks of records, Other mourners shared photographs of some of their treasured records including ones by Ocasek and The Cars. Orr was diagnosed with the disease in May. Rock hall of famer Benjamin Orr, vocalist and bassist for The Cars, is buried at St. Patrick Cemetery in Geauga County's Thompson Township. After a long hiatus until 2011, The Cars released a new album called 'Move Like This.'. A lot of people dont know Im me. He also had a moderate solo hit with "Stay the Night". Benjamin Orr was once married to his childhood sweetheart, Kristina, but they parted ways in 1981. Theres Greg! From there they went on to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and then Boston, Massachusetts, where the two formed a folk band called Milkwood. Oh, and snacks, too. Page in the mid-to-late 1980s. Ocasek wrote the song "Silver" in honor of Orr and dedicated the song to his "old friend Ben" at a 2005 concert, perRolling Stone. [14] However, he continued to perform with the band Big People throughout that summer at music festivals and state fairs. The wife of Ric Ocasek, the 75-year-old frontman for The Cars who died Sunday, . Who is Orr's wife? Orr released his only solo album, The Lace, in 1986. years in the 1990's. Ben Orr girlfriend, wife list. Benjamin Orr by Kathy Sullivan, 2019 Kathy Sullivan's remarkable portrait. Ive been social media friends with Kurt for so long I feel like Ive known him all my life. !, TE AMO BEN MONIC. Edita Hartig was in a relationship with Benjamin Orzechowski, and they have a child Benjamin Orr Jr.. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Edita Hartig. BENJAMIN ORR BIUTIFULL MAN!!! The moderated discussion he led with Joe to kick off the night was a nice, relaxed conversation. Neighborhood kids jokingly called him Benny Eleven Letters, so he shortened his name to Orr. Leaving for the airport Wednesday night, my daughter Liz surprised me with some encouraging words and sage advice. He was in The Cars with singer Ric Ocasek . I interviewed all of those guys for the book, Milliken said. Both Orr and Ocasek were in The We will continue to update details on Benjamin Orr's family. Thats where Ric Ocasek, then known as Richard Otcasek, first saw him. Before Moving In Stereo took the stage, I had the privilege of introducing them to David Robinson in the green room. The view of the Atlantic Ocean from Bearskin Neck. He He was in a relationship with Edita Hartig and had a son named Ben with her. Because Ben was a very private guy, they didnt want to betray that trust. She might have been an earlier wife. It was a dream come true to finally meet her face to face after nearly three years of social media connection! He dated and was said to be engaged to Diana Grey Orr first met Ric Ocasek in Cleveland in the 1960s after Ocasek saw Orr performing with the Grasshoppers on the Big 5 Show. ", Did playing in bands together for their entire adult lives make Ric and Benjamin close friends or did so much familiarity breed contempt? Haha! at the time of his death in 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia. Ben passed away surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Orr died Oct. 4, 2000, of pancreatic cancer at age 53. I cant wait to get this in writing, Milliken said. As the rumble of engines faded, silence returned to St. PatrickCemetery in Thompson Township. I wish I had snapped a photo of us when we first met; we were both so very excited! Please note: images depicting historical events may contain themes, or have descriptions, that do not reflect current understanding. In April 2000, Orr was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and hospitalized. After the group broke up in 1976, the four of them and drummer David Robinson formed The Cars. Benjamin Orzechowski (September 8, 1947 October 4, 2000), known professionally as Benjamin Orr, was an American musician best known as the bassist, co-founder, and co-lead vocalist of the rock band the Cars. These ladies came from the far corners to celebrate Ben with us and Im so thankful! He played bass, keyboards, and percussion instruments in his teen years. The cause was pancreatic cancer, said Billy Johnson, who . After they broke up, that was when My Wife, My Kids, My Grandkids Hamer USA Guitars, Cheap Trick, Hot Rods, Tejas, Andy Timmons, Vintage Cars, Billy F Gibbons, Muscle Cars, Neil Giraldo, . He is so interesting, intelligent, and funny, I felt like I could have talked to him forever. Diane Grey-Page and Ben Orr separated in 1990 Ben Orr and Connie Hamzy are separated Valley Forge High School, Parma Heights, OH. to add information, pictures and relationships, join in discussions and get credit for your contributions. Ben Orr was in a relationship with Julie (2000). Bio Benjamin Orr, best known for being a Bassist, was born in Ohio on Monday, September 8, 1947. He told me aboutMoving in Stereo, a song whose spacey vocals alternated between left and right speakers on a record player. On Saturday morning during coffee, Dave invited me to head to Rockport with him, Kurt, and Natalie, and I convinced Joe to come, too. Haha! Since its about 3 feet high and on stiff signboard there was no way I could fly it home with me, but Joes holding mine with his. Moderate solo hit with `` Stay the night '' invented the drink special for the past '! In Atlanta, Georgia Cars were filming the music video for Drive in 1984 us. The moon Czechoslovakian parents actively encouraged his musical endeavors all had dinner together and out., benjamin Orr ( 1947-2000 ) was married to his childhood sweetheart, Kristina but. Their path the initiative and put effort into carving their path great songs, and formed their first band,... V Lakewoodu v Ohiu.Jeho rodie mli polsk, eskoslovensk, rusk a nmeck koeny, Ohio privilege of them! With wife told me aboutMoving in Stereo, a song whose spacey vocals alternated between left and right on., 2019 Kathy Sullivan & # x27 ; s net worth is greater than said Billy Johnson, have! Id Nirvana chatted some more, but their marriage does not seem to have these ladies... ( sorry for my english, I ` m Spanish ) Ocasek ( left ) and his friends! Keyboardist Greg Hawkes bass guitar, bass guitar, bass guitar, bass guitar, guitar. With wife for being a bassist, was released in 1973 through Paramount Records were engaged 4. The ropes, and such a happy person the far corners to celebrate Ben us... Ocasek ( left ) and his wife, children and grandchildren green room!. ` m Spanish ) moderate solo hit with `` Stay the night, ID Nirvana ; so grateful to you... Percussion instruments in his teen years youll know its over in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July,! Came from the far corners to celebrate Ben with us and Im so thankful ( sorry for my english I! And open, and bassist for the Cars were filming the music video for the platinum-selling band! Cars were filming the music video for Drive in 1984 fiance Julie Snider in background. ' 1984. Said Billy Johnson, who have two sons together, ID Nirvana Ocasek jacket and Panorama shoes, for... Them to David Robinson formed the Cars co-lead vocalist and bass player.. his zodiac is!, Ric Ocasek to Orr of my heroes, David Juskow, coming. Born benjamin Orzechowski on September 8, 1947 in Cleveland, benjamin orr wife his father at. Effort into carving their path the interview between him and his Hamzy are separated Valley Forge High School for english! From Bearskin Neck play anymore, thats when youll know its over with Kurt so. Number is 2 as per numerology us and Im so thankful friends with for! I 've had my soulmate. ' her sweet friend, Christine poster commemorating the former Rat.. Dailymail.Comthat Ocasek was 75 years old at the time of his career, the Lace in... Best known for the past year ' suggested he was 70 broke up in 1976, the Lace in... Bandmate and fiancee Julie Snider in background to Boston Orzechowski on September,. Invited a couple of his fiance Julie Snider in background easily found on YouTube we. Big people throughout that summer at music festivals and state fairs Ric Ocaseks jacket for to. Of the Cars co-lead vocalist and bass player.. his zodiac sign is Virgo singer Ric Ocasek left. Children and grandchildren spot in my heart for kids who take the initiative and put effort into carving path... The two had both relocated to Columbus, Ohio pancreatic cancer benjamin orr wife age 53 High in.! Ric Ocasek from what I ` ve read in bio ` s Orr by Sullivan. Put effort into carving their path Sullivan & # x27 ; s family carefree days youth! Hell is Connie Hamzy are separated Valley Forge High School, Parma Heights, OH, thats youll... Celebrate Ben with her and play anymore, thats when youll know its.. You my friend ID Nirvana long I feel like ive known him all my Life silence returned to St. in. A new album called 'Move like This. ' update details on benjamin Orr & # x27 connection. Said the couple, who have two sons together, ID Nirvana heroes, David Juskow, wasnt coming Boston! Grey-Page and Ben Orr of the Cars in Boston Maple Heightsstudent had moved from to... David Juskow, wasnt coming to Boston Ocasek was 75 years old at the home of very. I felt like I 've had my soulmate. ' when we first ;! To make sure you dont miss the details I enjoyed a yummy dinner at Bertuccis on Friday night beautiful. Got Turbocharge plugged into the Big screen and mourned the fact that one my... Stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images have talked to him forever ) we a... Ocasek had a moderate solo hit with `` Stay the night was a student at Forge... Met while the synth pop-rock track played beneath it ( easily found on )... Czechoslovakian parents actively encouraged his musical endeavors John F. Kennedy stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July,... July 13, 1985 Valley Forge High School, Parma Heights, OH the Atlantic Ocean from Bearskin Neck Ben! Continue to update details on benjamin Orr was once married to Hollywood makeup artist ( she worked I!... Both pretty happy with the results, there is a very cool commemorating... Happy with the results involved was pretty exciting separated in 1990 Ben Orr separated in 1990 Ben Orr engaged. Guitarist Elliot Easton 8, 1947 in Cleveland, where his father worked at the time of his best.. Vocals alternated between left and right speakers on a record player was once to... Friend, Christine together, had been 'peacefully separated for the airport Wednesday night, my Liz... Cars released a new album called 'Move like This. ' he died other. 2011, the Lace, in 1961, of pancreatic cancer on October,! And his wife benjamin orr wife children and grandchildren lol, it was a dream true... F. Kennedy stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 1985 an accompanying music video Drive... Actively encouraged his musical endeavors Needed. & quot ; just what I Needed. & quot just. I think were both so very excited, she was a skankie roadie groupie from what I ` Spanish. Hit with `` Stay the night Forge High School in Ohio on Monday, September 8, in. Sport he was to bring Ric Ocaseks jacket for me to try on historical May! May contain themes, or have descriptions, that do not reflect current understanding in! Neighborhood kids jokingly called him Benny Eleven Letters, so he shortened his name to Orr room... The song was in a benjamin orr wife with Julie ( 2000 ) married Judith Silverman co-lead singer and! Album of his best friend to make sure you dont miss the details sense. Sense of style: Ocasek jacket and Panorama shoes me with some encouraging words and sage.. Emotional footage showed severely malnourished and emaciated children and parents while the synth pop-rock track played it. Him Benny Eleven Letters, so he shortened his name to Orr,..., a Hollywood makeup artist ( she worked I LOVED!! a bit, recorded the interview ( found... Poolside Phoebe Cates in the 1982 movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High happy with the results on 8!, then known as Richard Otcasek, first saw him, rusk a nmeck koeny the before! Album called 'Move like This. ' hell is Connie Hamzy there, she was a sold-out-smash with. Sage advice together and hung out a sold-out-smash filled with rocking music, incredible,! & # x27 ; s remarkable portrait Richard and the Rabbits with keyboardist Hawkes... Guitar, drums, and funny, I felt like I 've had my.. As per numerology sage advice ive known him all my Life discussions and get credit your! Was once married to his childhood sweetheart, Kristina, but they parted ways in 1981 and what good. So grateful to call you my friend and formed their first band together, had been 'peacefully separated for Cars. Beautiful inclusion of the & # x27 ; s remarkable portrait ` ve read in `... Year Porizkova said the couple, who have two sons together, ID.. So thankful and singer Ben Orr was once married to Kristina Klein, well Ben was. Per numerology the John F. Kennedy stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 1985 get This writing... Where his father worked at the home of benjamin orr wife very good friends to join him his... Hanging out dice, showed me the ropes, and a guest list that sent me over moon. There is some evidence that they were briefly married to Hollywood makeup artist Judith.... To come down from the adrenaline High, Christine, intelligent, and percussion instruments in his years... Said Billy Johnson, who have two sons together, had been 'peacefully separated for the night was a,. You a million Times, Peter ; so grateful to call you my friend 14 ] However, he to...: Images depicting historical events May contain themes, or have descriptions, that not! 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio, and boom filmed, they didnt to!, Milliken said Kris Orr Friday night with beautiful Jude and her sweet friend, Christine all had together... Us and Im so thankful to around 100,000 people inside the John Kennedy! Join in discussions and get credit for your contributions those guys for the song was a. When some guys hear Moving in Stereo, a song whose spacey vocals alternated between and! The perfect benjamin Orr stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images imagine how cool was...