Ohio Native Benjamin Orzechowski was born in Lakewood Ohio, today in 1947. Orzechowski, better know as Benjamin Orr, was the co-founder, bassist and sometimes lead vocalist for The Cars. Orr grew up in Lakewood and Parma Ohio, attending Valley Forge High School, and was in a local band called the Grasshoppers in the mid-60s. After a brieft stint in the US Army, Orr moved to Columbus and formed a musical relationship with fellow future-Car, Ric Ocasek. The two moved to Boston and after playing in several other bands, formed what we know as The Cars.

Although Ocasek is usually considered the vocalist for the Cars, Orr sang lead vocals on many of their earlier songs, including - Just What I Needed, Moving in Stereo, Bye Bye Love, Lets Go, and the later hit Drive, their highest charting single. After the Cars broke up he performed in ORR; The Voices of Classic Rock, with Mickey Thomas (Jefferson Starship) and John Cafferty; and Big People, with Pat Travers, Jeff Carlisi (.38 Special), Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent) and drummer Liberty DeVitto (who incidently was also born on 9/8). Sadly, Orr was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April of 2000 and died on October 3 at the age of 53, continuing to perform up until a week before his death.

I’m curious to hear if anyone here knew Ben growing up, or has any personal stories about him. Regardless, happy birthday to another home-state rocker.