Benjamin Orr's Friends and Family Tribute Compilation
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
- I'm so thankful for the people who were willing and able to share their memories for this project. Footage in this compilation includes contributions from close friend and fellow Clevelander David Spero, Grasshopper roadie Steve Dudas, childhood friend Diane Akins, Milkwood bandmate Jim Goodkind, ex-wife Judith Orr, bandmate and hunting buddy Kevin McCarty, bass player Brad Hallen, and fiancee Julie Snider.
This video is likely being uploaded as a supplement for an article I wrote about The Cars. Because the purpose is to non-commercially educate and offer a critical assessment, it is being uploaded under the terms of Fair Use. No copyright infringement intended.
To read my Benjamin Orr blog visit here: sweetpurplejun...
My Elliot Easton blog is here: ellioteastonbl...
I also co-host a podcast all about The Cars! / @nightthoughtsthecarsp...
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I'm on Facebook, too; come find me!
Benjamin Orr page: / sweetpurplejune
Remembering Big People (Ben's last band) fan group: / 2505787479636429
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The Empty Hearts (Elliot's current band) fan group: / 1652365261749664
Rock on! ~ Donna
![[DRIP] ‘CLIK CLAK’ PREVIEW](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bcxkcOSbpac/mqdefault.jpg)
My husband and I were listening to the radio, driving home from the restaurant, and a really good song came on and I said..."The Cars! Oh, I love this song!" I turned up the sound. I believe it was...'Just what I needed'...For some reason I went to TH-cam and started watching everything I could find on The Cars. I was absolutely mesmerized by Ben's voice and face! Wow! Why didn't I recognize this person back then? I guess I was raising a family, so much going on then...So, anyway, it's 2023 and I'm binge watching and listening to this man's beautiful voice. Always liked the cars back then but never knew who that lead singer was and that he'd passed away. I feel sad. I hope I meet him in the next life and I can tell him that I really liked his music. From the videos he seemed very humble and nice person. 🌹
Welcome, Mary! Thank you for taking the time to share your story. I know exactly how you feel! If you get a chance, check out my blog; it's all about Benjamin and The Cars. There are some articles and quotes that I hope will paint even more of a picture of the kind of man he was. www.sweetpurplejune.wordpress.com
@@donnasweetpurplejune6335 It seems to be a common theme, huh? Very interesting how hidden from view he was to some of us.
He's every woman's dream man....
Likewise 😢
You took the word's out of my mind to paper.
This man was so severely under rated. The world missed this diamond. He deserved so much more from the public.
ЭТО ТОЧНО! 👌
He was not underrated. No one doubted his greatness and he was celebrated by many
I saw the Cars in Chicago in about 1980. I thought they were OK. My friend who went to the concert with me said, "They're great!" Looks like he was right. The only one of them I remember is Ric Ocasek because he seemed to be about 8 feet tall.
@@klausrain111 I saw the Cars in Arizona in 1979, Benjamin Orr just owned the stage. I can still remember how he beamed at the audience....every inch a rock star.
@@patricias5122Un privilegios haber visto esta gran banda en vivo mi grupo favorito saludos desde chile 🇨🇱 algún día visitaré su tumba de Benjamín orr que en paz descanse 😢
You better believe, NO ONE. NO ONE is going to allow THIS MAGNIFICENT MAN, to be forgotten. It's been 22+years since he had to go. Now you can see Ben. You can see all of the thousands after the fact, that still tune in, still seek, still watch, still listen. By the thousands, Mr. Orr. We applauded, cry, and stare in object amazement, your gifted talents, multi-instumentalist, Song writer, singer, humble man, fantastic performer. His legacy and DNA passed on to his only child: his beautiful son, his name sake: Benjamin Orr Jr. I am forever indebted to those, not unlike myself that keep the lamp burning for this phenomenal one in a trillion, thee irreplaceable, one and only: BENJAMIN ORR Sr. *Side note: selfishly, I only can hope to meet this man on the other side- simply and only to stand before him, and extend a THANK YOU, for the music, the loyalty, the dedication, And the forever BEN ORR voice and sound. Laurel
Beautifully said Laurel ❤
👏👏👏👏👌🇸🇮2023г.
❤We're all spirits having a human experience. Beautiful Ben is tuning into all of the feelings and emotions people are having about him. I can feel his strong spirit. I will always miss him and I feel very fortunate that I was able to see the Cars up in Chicago in 1979.❤
There never would have been The Cars without Ben. He was the backbone of that band and he is missed so much. A beautiful person inside and out. Rest in peace, Ben. ❤
Ben will Always be a Legend, His looks put most men to shame, and his talent was unmatched. I had so many fond memories listen to the CARS. RIP hope to meet you one day.
Ben will NEVER be forgotten! He was certainly a legend
We love and miss you, Mr Orr.✝️🕊️🌹💐🙏🎤🎸🏎️
My wife & I drove from Toronto to Philly in 85 for Live Aid. She wanted to see her favorite band, The Cars, especially Ben Orr, who she had a secret crush on :) I wanted to see Zeppelin again for the fourth time, so off we went. I think she got the best of that deal.
An amazing career with a sad ending. He left his fans a gift we will cherish forever.
Rip Ben Orr
In looking at his pictures, he looks like a kind man just by his smile. These testimonials back that up. Such a tragedy that we lost such a talented and kind soul to such an insidious disease. I am glad he was surrounded by love.
❤Benjamin Orr #BenjaminOrr : Forever Iconic, Legendary & Always Remembered/Cherished❣️
It was a Friday night 1978 watching the midnight special as a teenager seeing the cars for the first time I’m like what a great band wow, had tickets to see Styx in concert in Fresno Saturday night the next day Lo and behold The cars were the opening band what a freaking great ass show, I am 63 soon to be 64 and still listening to Benjamin Orr and the cars music, thank you guys you’re still with us Ben 🫵
He was the coolest bass player and singe for the cars I liked his songs so much.
Love Ben Orr and The Cars. He was a giant talent and a beautiful human being. Ben, you will NEVER be forgotten! I adore and miss you! Rest in peace beautiful Ben...
I remember in October of 2000 when I was visiting my family in my hometown(Ben's Too) of Cleveland Ohio watching the 6 o'clock News when they announced Ben's death my heart sank to my stomach I will never forget that evening in front of the TV............. 23 years ago. . Loved . . . "Moving In Stereo/All Mixed Up"
The Cars are part of the soundtrack of my life.
Growing up in the 70s & 80s The Cars were on the radio and Mtv. I miss those days.
RIP Ben
БОЖЕСТВЕННЫЙ ГОЛОС БЕНА БУДУТ СЛУШАТЬ ВЕКАМИ! ТАЛАНТ ЛЕГЕНДА!
НЕДООЦЕНИЛИ БЕНА!
ВЕЛИКИЙ МУЗЫКАНТ! 👌🇸🇮🇸🇮🇸🇮2023г. СПАСИБО БОЛЬШОЕ ЗА ИНФОРМАЦИЮ!
Ben Orr is still so loved & missed by his fans.
A man and a band ( Cars ) that shaped my youth . I always thought Ric sang all the vocals but became fascinated even more with that band after discovering Ben Orr was the voice behind the band. Drive was a song that hit me hard in the 80's but the self titled Cars album is forever my favorite. His tone and emotion echoed what I was feeling as a kid and continues to this day. He will never be lost or forgotten and thank god for his contribution to many peoples lives. Thank you for this personal glimpse and god bless. RIP Ben and Ric Ocasek . It was " magic " .
I like how he rolled up the jeans, like in the 50s and rolled up the t-shirt sleeves. My dad used to do that sometimes and he'd play 50s music and teach me how to dance like they did. I'm wishing more of their generation was still around. My dad gone in 08 and mom in 10. I loved the cars, too! I was born in 68, so I listened to them growing up!
I miss Ben Orr and your song. RIP Ben Orr💕🎸😓
Ben Orr ranks right up their with Don Henley, Bowie, Robert Plant, Chris Cornell and a few others as one of the greatest singers in rock history. Such a beautiful distinctive voice that got me thru tough times in the 80s. I wish I could have known him personally but to have the gift of his music he left us is enough for me. Thank you Benjamin Orr.
I want to know him personally. I did not.
Don’t forget Paul Rogers (Free, Bad Company). He also channeled a bit of Elvis and Roy Orbison. It’s almost sinful that no one approached him after The Cars to do another solo record or front another band. He would have fit beautifully into the dark wave of the late ‘80s.
Great comment I feel the same his voice is one of rock's greatest rarity!!! Truly a gift
Wish I would’ve known him i didn’t know he lived in Atlanta where i live ! I was a heavy metal kinda guy but my sister told me I should go see the Cars so I took my girl now wife i was blown away i didn’t realize how good they where and i thought they were new wave ish i was wrong they are ROCK AND ROLL I’ve loved them ever sense !
Ben ..that perfect voice..we miss! ! Handsome man and humble human being ...you will never be forgotten ..❤ Kisses to heaven from Argentina
I was, and still am reduced to tears, Benjamin was truly truly Blessed with not only gargantuan Talent, but a Beautiful circle of friends who eased his transition to peace.
How Lucky we are, to get a peak or 2 of his life, Loves, And friendships❤
A Huge Hug & THANK YOU to all of you who made this "Benjamin Orr remembrance" possible! Not only does Benjamin ROCK....
SO DO ALL OF YOU!!
"GOD BLESS YOU BENJAMIN" ❤
What an awesome tribute to Ben! Thank you all for your contributions! Donna thank you for putting this together. Julie, I said it once before and I’ll say it again. Ben was so blessed to spend his last year with you. He was loved unconditionally, and as sad as it was and still is, you filled his life with love and warmth. Thank you💔
Ok....I'm 64. and literally in tears after watching this tribute to Ben..Ugh....What a wonderful person he was according to all. To be blessed with a beautiful voice is one thing, but to be such a wonderful person ....is quite a tribute. RIP Benjamin Orr, until you may live again!
I’m also 64 and have been binging on everything Benjamin for the last week. Like you, The Cars were like a backdrop, always there and always enjoyed. Then TH-cam popped up a video of Moving in Stereo and I was completely blown away watching Benjamin sing . . . I don’t know why I never saw any videos of the band before and never had a chance to see them live. I didn’t know there was a second singer, but should have since I’m a voice teacher and singer myself. I think Ric’s and Ben’s timbres are similar, but their technique and skill much different. And, Ben has those awesome bellowing lows and crystal clear highs. Anyway, I digress. I’m right there with you. I even wrote something similar, in tears a few nights ago on a different video board. lol
So Sad, When Ben passed away I Couldn't Believe it, For me His voice WAS Unique, Still lives with US. Blessings to All from Boston, Mass.
And thanks to you, Ms Donna we get to know Mr Orr from his closest friends
A privilege to hear Julie 's memories x
Bless you, Donna, for all you do to keep Ben's light burning 😘
I’ve been a fan of Ben and The Cars since the late 70’s. You can tell he was the kind of person we all should strive to be.
One of the truly great singers rock music ever produced. His voice was unique, all his own. Warm, sexy and perfect for every song he sang. For me, his voice was not unlike Tommy Bolin's, not a belter just his own sound and like Tommy his sound was something special in a world of screaming front men. Too few realize that Mr. Orr was the voice of the Cars but then we know & so did Ric.
So Beautiful ! Benjamin is so Loved and Missed and will be forever in our Hearts! Legends never die!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Aaay my youth..RIP. Benjamin Orr..🙏🏼✝️💖✨🤘🏼😉🤘🏼🎶🎙️🎸🌻🦋
I remember Ben Orr his band the Cars were performing at the 1985 live aid show and Ben’s performance incredible his singing was as good as ever but he took his talented bass playing to another level
google and watch the performance he stole the show that day his good looks and all!
YES ...I often see this moment with Ben and The Cars ...Ben was unique .
I loved The Cars. Saw them live in the late 70's. Ben's voice was amazing
Thanks to everyone who participated in this video, and to Donna for putting it together. I didn't think I'd be sitting in my living room crying on a Monday morning, yet here I am. I held it together pretty well until Julie started talking. Deeply touching. Thanks again.
Hey Benjamin..Your Cleveland Browns beat Pittsburgh today and got a playoff berth. First one since 2002 ! You'd be proud. You will never be forgotten.
That’s a nice sentiment to beautiful Ben, I’m from Pittsburgh and yes he will never be forgotten always in our hearts!
Still a fan. Rest easy Ben . Never take life for granted . Life is short.
Omg! What a great stories about Mr Orr coming from his most closest friends 😥😓. This great singer have touch so many people from all over the World, he did touched mine since last year when I found out about him trough his beautiful and unique voice, at time that I was listening the local radio station here in my little Hometown down in Mexico the local radio station was playing “ Drive” right after I heard the song I went to the internet to put a face on the person that it was singing ...and taraaaaa there he was a beautiful good looking Man named Benjamin Orr and the Cars😀😀 I got so sad and I got into some kind of a shock when that beautiful Man singer had passed away almost 19 years ago😩😩😢😢. Anyway thanks so much for sharing this tribute to him and yes I got tearful just listening to all stories about how he was adored specially about Julie who spent the last moments taking care of him...what a great Lady🙏🏼🙏🏼
So nice to hear about Ben from those Nearest and Dearest to Ben who trully loved him and especially from His last sweetheart who cared for him in his last week's an days,so missed Ben.
How beautiful a real tear jerker, What an honor to hear from Ben’s Beloved circle of friends. Julie is right Ben will Never be forgotten. And thank you Donna for the evident love you put in to this to share with us.
The greatest gift of life is love and friendship! 💝 What a sweet tribute from Benjamin’s loved ones,thank you so much to all of you...🙏🙏🙏
When I heard Ben was gone, it probably hit me the hardest so far of all my music heroes! Thank you for the love fest! And thank you Ben for all the musical bliss I experienced with your songs!
It's heart warming to see that 20 years later that Ben is still remembered as if it were yesterday. That says a lot about Ben and the people who loved him. Thank you for sharing this. I loved The Cars, Yes, Rick was good but Ben was by far the reason The Cars were so successful.. God bless. Your missed by all Benjamin Orr.
O
Thank you, Donna. What a beautiful, emotional and sincere tribute! God bless all who loved Ben. Julie was/is a special angel!
I'm so glad to know all these beautiful people loved and cared for you 💜
The Cars first two albums were flawless.
This guy was a true star a real musician...jeez his voice ... I remember the cars songs on the radio in 1978 I was 13. ill see you in the next life Ben.
Wow, an amazing tribute to a beautiful soul. It was powerful listening to the loving words from Benjamin's friends. He must have been a special man indeed. So sorry he had to go through that terrible illness. My aunt also passed from it 3 months ago. Thank you to everyone on the video who shared their memories of Ben.
I'm so sorry about the loss of your aunt. I know how awful it is. Sending you my best.
Thank you Donna.
Thank you Donna and thank you one and all involved for shedding some insight into the man we all held so dearly as a musician and so much more. He has touched so many of us in a way I think connects us as fans and friends. It is good to see you all and it truly we all sure appreciate you taking time to share some memories of Benjamin. I loved this and much love to you all. Big LIKE!
Ben is one of my favorite male singers so much talent, love listening to the car's miss him also R I P. Brother ❤
All time favorite band ,extremely talented and seemed so humble. Wish I could have met the man . Rest in paradise Benjamin
Benjamin’s songs with the Cars, were my favorites, heard Candy O just yesterday driving home. He was the Cars.
This was beautiful, I’m sure Ben loved it, I went to his grave this September and I’m glad I was able to pay my respects. Thank you for posting this and celebrating a wonderful man and artist.❤️
The brightest burn a little faster than the rest
OMG...Thanks everyone. Benji was a small but significant part of my life. The times I photographed him, Filmed him, and came to care about him. Benji you were always much more of the Dangerous Type. Claire misses you too(the cougar) . McCarty, you owe me $50 bucks
Beautiful tribute to Ben. Thank you all for sharing all the great Memories❤️🎸❤️
I’m so glad that this tribute of Ben showed up on my feed. I’ve always loved The Cars and it’s was nice to listen to such a lovely tribute about him from the people that knew and loved him. I’ve always felt that each member of The Cars were so talented in their own right and together they were just pure manic. Thank you for making this video as I traveled back to my youth for just a minute and I remembered. RIP Ben and Ric I’m sure you are rocking with the angels😇😇
In my post I meant pure magic not pure manic!🙄🤨😉😂
Thank you for a wonderful compilation. Especially enjoyed Julie Snyder’s memories.
Thank you so much for this Donna, how wonderful for all the fans, these friends still have so much love for Ben, Julie’s recollections are very special indeed ❤️
Thank you to all the wonderful friends and Ben champions who so generously shared their thoughts, memories and tributes. Thank you Donna for this gift.
Julie spoke and I hung on every word, every nuance as she so selflessly allowed us to be there a bit too
What an awesome tribute. I’m so grateful that this popped up on youtube. I am a huge Cars fan… have been since I was a kid. Like some of you, I thought Ocasek sang all of the songs back then except for Drive but later discovered that Benjamin Orr sang some of my favorites like Just What I Needed, Let’s Go, etc. I was blown away and even more intrigued by the band and the dynamics. I’m still in awe of his talent and his voice to this day. Thank God for giving us Benjamin Orr and The Cars. God Bless! -Matt 🙏🏼❤️🚗
wow, that was great Donna, thank you so much and many thanks to all who shared their stories of Ben. so wonderful to hear his closest friends and family tell of their treasured memories. the impact Ben made on people who were closest to him and all the fans, there is no possible way he will ever be forgotten!
Thank you for this beautiful tribute! All the comments were touching, especially Judith's and Julie's, but I lost it listening to Julie's memories. Thanks to everyone you spoke with for agreeing to share their thoughts with us.
It’s so good to know the guys were there with and for him until the very end. Ben left this world way too soon. From the stories I have heard he is probably looking at all of his friends family and fans , laughing and saying “I’m just Ben!”
When I first herd of the Cars Band, I was thruly Amaced they sounded so greate, for sure they were way ahead of their time, just by hearing them play and sing, I got hooked right of, Ben And Rick, they sure showed the true colors, so Beatiful so different, this guys were decades ahead of time, for music so good, so R.I.P. Ben. And Rick, they. Are Rocking in Heaven !!!!
Miss this dude and his voice and his bass.
Ben ... What a GIFTED SINGER.
Beautiful tribute video for Benjamin from some people that knew and loved him best. Thank you for sharing. RIP Benjamin. Much love and blessings to you and your loved ones. ❤❤
Class act. Great bass player, singer, songwriter, performer, and person.
Thank you for all the work you put into this weekend, Donna. And thank you to all the friends and family for sharing their words and memories. 👍👍
Totally priceless!! Thank you for this so much!!
Benjamin Orr cantor incrível, voz linda e músicas lindas e muito carismático também, músicas lindas de verdade.🇧🇷♥️ Benjamin Orr
Thanks!
One of my favorite songs is drive and I guess that means Benjamin was and is one of my favorite singers the man was definitely one of a kind just like that song, it's one of my favorite memories of growing up, it's funny how songs do that isn't it? R.I.P. BENJAMIN.
Thanks for putting this together, Donna. And thanks to all the friends and family who took the time to share their stories.
Thank You!!! He is still with us in this music.
This is a very cool tribute to a great singer, musician, and human being. May Benjamin's memory live on in our hearts and may he always be welcome in God's Kingdom. Thanks
One of the hardest problem's with getting old is You loose your friends and people you admire like Ben.
Thank you for keeping Ben alive for us Donna, what a wonderful relationship you had with Ben...you lucky girl!
Also the recorded message from Julie was so lovely, sad yet heartwarming. I'm so happy that Julie was there for him & that Ben was surrounded by such beautiful love. ❤😢❤
Glad you enjoyed the tribute. For the record, I never met Ben; I'm just a fan. 💞
Never again in music history will there be another singer as Talented and Beautiful as Ben♥️
RIP Ben. Gone, but not forgoten.
Nice tribute.
@@ashe984 yes the music is forever, peace
Thank you so much Donna!!
What A great story from Kevin. ....I loved this part
Ben is right up there with the all time greats, his voice is probably the best and when you combine it with his singing sense it is a rare set of God given skills , others like Elvis Presley, Lou graham, Gary Puckett among others are in this league - he in my opinion is the ultimate down boy frontman in rock but I would rather that the Lord has him in his choir- p.s. let us all give what we can to the cancer cure society's especially the children's , just imagine Jesus Elvis Ben and all of the rest of us sing the praises of salvation, ptl
Very nicely said and a wonderful tribute to Ben, I especially like “but I would rather that the Lord has him in his choir” ptl indeed.
Thank you so, so much Donna, everything about this celebration of Ben's life has been marvellous, including the other segments such as from his old band mate Joey, and it's down to your love and devotion to keeping his memory alive (must also mention Joe Milliken here). Such a privilege to hear these friends and loved-ones share their Benjamin with us. We know he was exquisitely beautiful and brilliantly talented, but this shows us so much more of the man. Choked-up as I write this, but not as much as listening to Julie's memories - she
and those Big People men were superb. From Patricia H. not William H.
Beautiful tribute again Donna. ♥️♥️
I still listen to the cars every Day ben Orr singing all mixed up and let’s go awesome I remember when new wave first came out and I have loved it ever since thanks Ben Orr
Sounds like he was a real cool guy. It’s great to hear all the stories about him.
As a Fan, Ben gave me so much beautiful music. It was always apparent to me, He had a beautiful heart and soul, he was humor loving, down to earth and kind to everyone. I remember praying for him so much and crying like a baby, when we lost him. We all Love Ben and Miss Him Greatly. God surely gave us a gift and sweet memories, through Benny's talent. This is a very nice, fitting and appropriate tribute to Ben. Even now, hearing Julie describe the end, it makes me cry. I hope Ben knew how much he was loved and admired, and still to this day.
Beautiful sentiment...
Thanks for the beautiful tribute!!!! Loved Benjamin wish I could have met him miss him lots Rip Benjamin💞💞💞
Enjoyed hearing from everyone on Ben 😊❤️
Thank you so much sharing, my daughters are 10 and 13 and he is such an inspiration for them. They practice and play his music for hours. Rip Ben
I don’t believe the issue was that Benjamin was under-rated. I think the issue was that he was little known. Ocasek was the face of the band. I never heard a DJ say “that was Ben Orr singing for the Cars.” I never knew he existed until a month ago and I feel quite ripped off. If I had seen them live I would have known there were two singers. I never bought one of their albums either, which would have been the other way. I never watched MTV, so I never saw him. So, I’m very sad he slipped by me all these years singing along with him on the radio. What a treasure he was and still is. I’m so glad to know about him and to have been able to deep dive into Benjamin Orr for the last month. Thanks for posting and thanks all for sharing your stories.
Precious. Priceless. Moving. Thank you all for sharing your personal experiences with Ben. Brought me to tears....but at the same time, I couldn't help but smile at the way Ben touched so many people's lives and how warmly and fondly he was remembered. A true American classic. Rock on, Ben. Rock on...
Hasta siempre Benjamín Orr
RIP . Tú música seguirá por siempre acompañando desde Chile 🇨🇱 un fans
What a fantastic tribute to one of my fave musicians ever! , just listen to what is said here - says it all...a beautiful human gone before his time.
Que homenagem maravilhosa Benjamin eternamente ❤