By Lisa Eichholzer-Walker

Ben Orr

In the realm of the classic rock world, Ben Orr is truly unique and special. Throughout my radio career, I've met and interviewed hundreds of members of classic rock bands with strong personalities. I've spoken to Van Halen, including Sammy in the "Van Hagar" days. I've interacted with many individual members of the "revolving door" that was Deep Purple and Rainbow over the years. The Police and Rush also come to mind when I think of bands that featured one or more "dominant" personalities.

While I enjoyed talking and meeting these legends, I often came away from the interview feeling that most of the lower profile members sometimes felt "jilted"... like they thought they deserved more recognition. In many cases, they seemed to resent the more prominent personalities in the group.

John Cafferty, Larry Hoppen, 'Tunes, Ben, Mike Reno

Most fans of The Cars will tell you that Ric Ocasek and Elliot Easton seemed to enjoy the spotlight more so then the other members. Yet, while Ben Orr was promoting his solo album, "The Lace," I'll never forget what he told me. He said it with a remarkable amount of sincerity that is rare, coming from a musician of his caliber. He claimed he never felt a need to "fight for a more prominent songwriting and increased vocal role in The Cars." He insisted "that would take away from the Cars being who they were. I'm real happy with Ric's writing. He's the leader and I have no problem with that."

BEN ORR - 'THE LACE'

Remember... he was promoting "The Lace." This was not only his first solo album but the first album full of songs that he co-wrote himself. Elektra Records offered him a deal after The Cars had been a playlist mainstay on Album Rock radio for many years! I remember how I felt when he said this. I wanted to immediately retort and say, "Ben! You were THE singer on so many songs that are among the most-played, best-loved on the radio! In the research that we have done, the Cars songs you sang are some of the best-testing (with the audience) songs that stations play." But, I had to bite my lip. A week before my interview with Ben, my Program Director had told me to keep all "opinions"... good or bad... out of future interviews. I always regretted the fact that I never got to tell Ben that his contribution to The Cars and classic rock was much more significant then he gave himself credit for.

It is characteristics like this that made Ben an endearing person to fans, friends and family. Although many have described him as "a humble guy" there is no denying the fact that his voice and songs have contributed to many of the songs that helped define the Classic Rock sound of the late 70s and early 80s.

Joe Lynn Turner

Voices of Classic Rock member Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow/Deep Purple) and I spoke on the phone 2 days after Ben passed away. Joe and Ben were labelmates in the mid-80s when Joe was also on Elektra with his "Rescue You" album. Joe and I spent several minutes reflecting on his career and persona. Joe said that he had worked with Ben while in Paris for a VCR concert. He described Ben as "a real gentleman." He went on to say that, "Even though he was not feeling his best he still smiled, laughed, got along great with everyone. He was a good guy, an inspiration. The way he acted and performed at that time was very... courageous."

Ken Sharp, contributing editor of the Friday Morning Quarterback---one of the most reputable radio and record trade magazines in the industry---had the opportunity to interview Ben Orr a few times. Ben's genteel ways made an impact on Ken who also called Ben "a true gentleman." Ken recalled, "I had the good fortune of interviewing Ben twice, once for his brilliant solo effort 'The Lace' (of which I am proud to have on CD, a true rarity) and once for the Cars' final CD, 'Door To Door.' Each time, Ben impressed with his infectious sense of humor, kindness and humility. Never afraid of speaking the truth, Ben spoke freely about his work." Sharp calls Ben, "One of rock's most versatile vocalists and an underrated bass player."

Ben added a distinctly "human" feel to The Cars' music. I remember the first time I heard "Drive" with Ben on vocals. It was emotionally compelling and despite it's modern "fully produced" sound was more "honest" lyrically and vocally then other songs in the same vein. But, what helps make it that way is Ben's vocal, which was about as sincere as it gets.

As for "Just What I Needed," I remember the first time I played that song on the radio. I was still a high school student, but, was allowed to attend college during my senior year in Poughkeepsie, NY. When my college radio show needed a "spark" I reached for this song by The Cars. It continued to give me energy throughout the years. I loved the way Ben delivered the vocals---modern, a bit "punky" in terms of expression but yet accessible to the average listener. The last time I checked, this song was still "top-ranked" as far as "high-testing" songs for album rock radio. If you do not know what I mean when I say "high testing," check back to this site in a couple days as I will have an article about radio "playlists" that will explain this term.

CANDY-O

Ben also sang on "Candy-O" and "Moving In Stereo. These continue to be "depth cuts' (as we radio people say) that give a classic rock station an injection of spunk without the tune-out factor.

Ben's work with The Cars was a relief for album rock radio in that stations that played his music were able to use the songs as a way to make their sound more "hip" or "cutting edge" without the risk of losing lots of listeners.

Friday Morning Quarterback's Ken Sharp sums it up by saying, "Ben Orr's contribution to the music world should not be undervalued. If Ric Ocasek was the mind of The Cars, Ben Orr was its driving, beating heart. His warm, full bodied, honey sweet voice added a distinctly human feel to The Cars shiny brand of brainy new wave pop/rock."

The thing that is so special about music is that as long as we have the technology to preserve it in a pristine form then the person who created it will have the potential to leave an indelible impression on us. Original paintings fade with time, artifacts often whither away due to environmental factors, but music lives on... in its recorded form and in spirit. Ben Orr has always been and always will be remembered as a significant contributor to the soundtrack of many people's lives, even if his own "humility" would not let him believe this while he was physically with us. Classic rock radio will always love you and miss you, Ben!