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Benjamin Orzechowski (Lakewood, Ohio, September 8, 1947 – Atlanta, Georgia, October 3, 2000), known as Benjamin Orr, was an American musician best known as a singer, bassist and co-founder of the rock band the Cars. He sang lead vocals on several of their best known songs, including "Just What I Needed", "Let's Go" and "Drive". He also scored a moderate solo hit with "Stay the Night."
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In April 2000, Orr was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was hospitalized, though he continued to perform in concerts with the band Big People through the summer at music festivals and state fairs. He reunited with The Cars one last time in Atlanta, for an interview that was included in the Rhino Records concert video The Cars Live.
His final public appearance was on September 27, 2000, in a Big People concert in Anchorage, Alaska. He died at home in Atlanta on October 3, aged 53, surrounded by fellow Big People band members Jeff Carlisi, Derek St. Holmes and Rob Wilson. Manager David Tedeschi was not present, but was devastated by the loss of his best friend.[ Orr was survived by his son Ben.
Ric Ocasek wrote and recorded the song "Silver," which was his musical tribute to Orr. It appeared on Ocasek's 2005 solo album, Nexterday. The Cars reunited 10 years after Orr's death, and released their seventh studio album Move Like This in May 2011. Orr was given special thanks in the liner notes: "Ben, your spirit was with us on this one."
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