Profile Text
Birth Name: Benjamin Orzechowski
Date of Birth: September 8, 1947
Place of Birth: Lakewood, Ohio, U.S.
Date of Death: October 4, 2000
Place of Death: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Ethnicity: Polish, Rusyn
Benjamin Orr was an American musician. He was the co-lead vocalist and bassist, and a co-founder, of rock band the Cars. He sang lead vocals on their hit songs “Just What I Needed,” “Moving in Stereo,” “Let’s Go,” and “Drive.” He also released the successful solo single “Stay the Night.” Elliot Easton and Ric Ocasek were/are also members of The Cars.
He was the son of Alzbeta/Elizabeth “Betty” (Bemova/Benn/Ben) and Charles Orzechowski. His father was born in Kiev, now Ukraine, and was likely of Polish descent. His mother was from Slovakia, and is listed as being of Rusyn origin on documents.
Benjamin’s paternal grandfather was named Jakub/Jacob Orzechowski.
Benjamin’s maternal grandfather was named Jos Ben.
Benjamin’s maternal grandmother was named Mary/Marie Leska/Lesko.
Sources: Benjamin’s paternal grandfather, Jakub/Jacob Orzechowski, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
New York passenger list record of Benjamin’s mother – https://www.familysearch.org
New York passenger list record of Benjamin’s maternal grandmother, Mary/Marie (Leska/Lesko) Bemova – https://www.familysearch.org