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Celebrity Deathwatch: Benjamin Orr, "Cars" Bassist, 53

http://www.cnn.com/2000/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/04/obit.orr.ap/index.html

'Cars' bassist Benjamin Orr dies at 53

October 4, 2000
Web posted at: 10:11 PM EDT (0211 GMT)


ATLANTA (AP) -- Benjamin Orr, the bass player of the popular 1980s group The
Cars who also sang some of the band's most popular songs, died Tuesday of
pancreatic cancer. He was 53.

Orr died at his Atlanta home, said Billy Johnson, manager of the musician's
current band, Big People. Orr was diagnosed with the disease in May.

Orr, born Benjamin Orzechowski in Cleveland, formed The Cars in Boston in
1976 with fellow Ohio native Ric Ocasek.

Orr sang lead vocals on several of the band's hits, including "Drive" and
"Just What I Needed." After the band dissolved in 1986, Orr recorded a solo
album, "The Lace," which produced the hit, "Stay the Night."

Recently, Orr had toured with the band Orr, as well as The Voices of Classic
Rock and Atlanta-based group Big People. Orr remained active with the band
and had performed three shows last month in Alaska.

Big People will dedicate Friday's performance in Atlanta to Orr.

"They've decided to go through with it and there will be some kind of
tribute to him," Johnson said.

Orr had also reunited with his former Cars mates for a documentary titled,
"The Cars Live." Rhino Home Video plans to release the production in
November with part of the proceeds going to the National Pancreas
Foundation.

Orr will be cremated this week after a private service in Atlanta. Johnson
said a public memorial service in Cleveland is being planned.

Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may
not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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