Ben Cauley, the Bar-Kays' trumpet player is the only survivor of the crash that killed 8 passengers, including Otis Redding and the band's 3 other members. Early years[ edit] He had struggled with health issues for years, including a stroke he suffered in 1989, but he persevered through all of it and continued to play his trumpet. Otis went wild. Somehow, in between blacking out and rising to the surface of the water, he'd gotten hold of a seat cushion, which was keeping him afloat. Ben Cauley was born on 3 October 1947 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Taken to the hospital, Cauley was finally told that he'd been the only one to survive. The Bar-Kays were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Linda Kasabian, Charles Manson follower who helped send him to prison, dies at 73, Burny Mattinson, animator who was Disneys longest-serving employee, dies at 87, Albie Pearson, an original Angels player known as the Littlest Angel, dies at 88, Walter Mirisch, former motion picture academy president and legendary producer, dies at 101, Search Obituaries & Guest Books on Legacy.com, Honor a loved one, place an obituary notice, Paul Berg, scientific firebrand who pioneered genetic engineering, dies, Barbara Bosson, Emmy-nominated actor known for Hill Street Blues role, dies at 83, Leiji Matsumoto, creator of classic space opera manga and anime, dies at 85, Richard Belzer, stand-up comic and sarcastic TV detective, dies at 78, Stella Stevens, The Nutty Professor actor, dies at 84 after Alzheimers battle, Tim McCarver, Cardinals World Series winner and Hall of Fame broadcaster, dies at 81. It was a very distinct sound. With resilience and an undeniable exuberance for music, Cauley continued his career, in spite of a number of hurdles, including a massive stroke. Cauley-Campbell said Cauley toured with Hayes, and also played with Aretha Franklin, the Doobie Brothers and many others. His death was first reported by The Commercial Appeal. This story has been shared 42,781 times. "He was just a real humble, debonair gentleman," Cauley-Campbell said. Cauley died in 2015. Cauley was playing with the Bar-Kays while still attending high school at Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, his daughter said. Cauley was playing with the Bar-Kays while still attending high school at Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, his daughter said. Otis Redding was born on September 9, 1941 in Dawson, Georgia, USA as Otis Ray Redding Jr. At the same time, the mostly underage band became a favorite at late-night clubs like the Hippodrome, adding their flashy step and dance moves into a repertoire of R&B songs. His music was really his life. At this tiny detail, Cauley suddenly stops his narrative and drops his head. He learned to play trumpet when at school, and formed a band with guitarist Jimmy King, saxophonist Phalon Jones, drummer Carl Cunningham, keyboardist Ronnie Caldwell, and bassist James Alexander. He also went on to create music with other artists such as, Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, Rufus Thomas, The Staples, and rapper Drake. Ben S. Cauley, Jr. was an American trumpet player, vocalist, songwriter, and founding member of the Stax recording group the Bar-Kays. One band member, Ben Cauley, survived. On June 6, 2015, Cauley was on hand to be inducted into the Official Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame in Clarksdale, Mississippi, along with the other Bar-Kays. Nor do they divine how, in later years, after suffering a massive stroke -- when none of his doctors thought he would live for more than a few days -- Cauley was soon up and playing his horn. Able to hold on to a seat cushion, Cauley was the only survivor. (Dec. 10), Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Suggest an edit or add missing content. Instead of playing the organ, Cauley shuffled up to the microphone and performed an impromptu trumpet solo. When he was a senior he would be picked up at high school on a Friday, travel and play with Otis on the weekends and then come back to school the next week. "That next night was in Cleveland, Ohio. He didn't really know he was there at that point. He had struggled with health issues for years, including a stroke in 1989, but he persevered and continued to play his trumpet. Trumpeter Ben Cauley, a member of the Stax Records group the Bar-Kays and the only survivor of the 1967 plane crash that killed most of his bandmates and Stax star Otis Redding, has died in Memphis. He had the beat: Cauley's eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late Monday at Methodist South Hospital. On Dec. 10, 1967, they were traveling to a show near the University of Wisconsin on Reddings new twin engine Beechcraft when it went into Lake Monona near Madison, Wis. Cauley-Campbell said Cauley toured with Hayes, and also played on sessions for Aretha Franklin, the Doobie Brothers, The Replacements and many others. As the years passed, there was more sadness at Stax -- the company went bankrupt in 1975, and in 1989 they bulldozed the studio. No one could play like him, she said. Do not sell or share my personal information. "But (the attendant) told us he couldn't crank it up because the battery was kind of low. Cauley remembers the cabin of the plane was especially cold that morning. ", Flying on little rest from the previous night, the passengers soon drifted off to sleep. He was 67.. He was 67. 'He really loved his music. In fact, Otis Redding took such a liking to the band that he chose them to be his touring back-up band in the summer of 1967. Three members of the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd die in a Mississippi plane crash. Ben Cauley was born on October 3, 1947 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. His music was really his life. To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). He awoke when he realized he could not breathe. Save up to 50% on Women's Accessories when you shop now. He died on September 21, 2015 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. This past Monday, with the anniversary of the crash approaching, Cauley did something he long promised himself he'd do: he returned to Madison, to the site of the crash. Wade donated $100,000 to Stax Records that would be used to create the Ben Cauley scholarship, in his honor and to shed light on his accomplishments. Where was Otis Redding born? He breathed music.. He was 67. Into the 2000s, Cauley could be heard backing up Liz Lottmann,[5] jazz and blues singer, or performing live at the Memphis club Rum Boogie, located downtown on Beale Street. One band member, Ben Cauley, survived. If you purchase through this link I will receive a small commission.Some other titlesElvis 68 Comeback Special https://amzn.to/2MZVTV3The Searcher Pt 1 https://amzn.to/2Nvb0mq30 Greatest Hits https://amzn.to/2LBkRFRLast Train To Memphis https://amzn.to/2PcOLlMA Boy From Tupelo https://amzn.to/2LDYmjoElvis on Blu-Ray https://amzn.to/2LBBQYyEssential Elvis Presley https://amzn.to/2MEVlVlPeace In The Valley https://amzn.to/2LBlbo3RCA Albums Collection https://amzn.to/2LA8hq524kt Gold Record https://amzn.to/2CaH9ijThat's The Way It Is Blu-Ray https://amzn.to/2LCOOFlGEARCanon Rebel Camera https://amzn.to/2N2qQbgMicrophone https://amzn.to/2BZRhdmTascam Audio Recorder https://amzn.to/2om0nHYSD Card https://amzn.to/2PM7KopTripod https://amzn.to/2N5kh88Macbook Pro https://amzn.to/2N1sXw1Ben Cauley on the plane crash that killed Otis Redding \u0026 the Bar Kays Memphis January 2015Check out the full playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLovnN3AmQ_7LS_08_Rjgbv9Z9TZ5EK-gqLIKE, COMMENT, AND SHARE\"This video was shot and edited by me, I have full authority to post this video to youtube.\"Check us out on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OutlawFilmProductions and https://www.facebook.com/pages/816-Movie/103174963097080Walkin On The Blvd https://www.facebook.com/pages/Walkin-On-The-Blvd/185201857767Tumblr outlawfilmproductions.tumblr.com-~-~~-~~~-~~-~-Please watch: \"Franz Goovaerts sings 'A Little Less Conversation' Binche May 2017\" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4-FTZ--jh0-~-~~-~~~-~~-~- It was first reported by the Memphis newspaper The Commercial Appeal. Cauley was playing with the Bar-Kays while still attending high school at Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, his daughter said. And while he. The embarrassing moment Madonna's daughter Lourdes Leon is refused entry to Marc Jacobs fashion show after arriving after doors had closed, Family of double amputee shot dead by cops on streets of LA after brandishing 12 inch butcher's knife files claim for damages against cops claiming 'he was not a threat', 'The bottom line' is Hunter ADMITS the laptop is his: Top Republicans say they aren't swayed by tactics of Biden's son's lawyers - and vow to get to the bottom of family's 'influence-peddling, REVEALED: John Fetterman is using 'assistive technology' in the Senate as he continues to struggle with auditory processing issues after his stroke, FBI DENIES its surveillance team 'lost' Idaho murders suspect on cross-country road trip to Pennsylvania, The Squad melts down over Omar's committee exit: Cori Bush calls it 'white supremacy', AOC says it's 'targeting women of color' and Rashida Tlaib starts crying, Cincinnati police issue arrest warrant for Bengals star Joe Mixon after he allegedly pointed a firearm at a woman and said: 'You should be popped in the face, I should shoot you, the police can't get me' - but his furious agent says charges will be DROPPED, Norway tops global democracy rankings while US slips down again and Russia suffers world's biggest slide after invading Ukraine, Pupils take to TikTok as they stage protest at Shenfield High School, Police search allotment sheds for Constance Marten's missing baby, King Charles hosts von der Leyen at Windsor Castle, Putin spy plane before being 'destroyed by pro-Ukraine Belarus group', Gabor Mat: No Jewish state without oppressing local population, Dramatic moment police cars chase driver moments before smash, Shocking video shows machete fight playing out in broad daylight, TikTok video shows Unity Academy Blackpool pupils protesting, Dashcam captures moment two cars collide on a roundabout, Putin orders intelligence service to find 'scum' who oppose him, Moment supermarket cashier is attacked at work in New York, Prime Minister to meet Ursula von der Leyen at Windsor. He was a well-known session musician, and Cauley-Campbell said she often recognized the sound of his trumpet on records because it was so different from anyone elses playing. Deals and discounts in Nails you dont want to miss. Able to hold onto a seat cushion, Mr. Cauley was the only survivor. He was 67. Soundtrack: Dope. On September 12, 2008, the scholarship was founded. After the crash, the pair rebuilt the Bar-Kays and backed Isaac Hayes on his landmark album, Hot Buttered Soul, according to the Memphis Music Hall of Fames website. The Bar-Kays were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013. ", "We kinda looked at each other, as young fellows do, and said, 'The battery's low?' She said some of the band members needed permission slips from their parents to travel with the band. Al Jackson, Jr. the drummer with Booker T & the MGs, took a particular interest in the young members of the Bar-Kays and groomed them to become the second house band for Stax after Booker T and the MGs. ADVERTISEMENT The plane was found nose-down about 48 feet below the surface. Cauley was the sole survivor of the plane crash that claimed the lives of Otis Redding and four band members of the Bar-Kays outside of Madison, Wisconsin, on December 10, 1967. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Later that same evening, they played at a popular Cleveland club, Leo's Casino. Cauley was playing with the Bar-Kays while still attending high school at Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, his daughter said. Porter credits the popularity of Cauley's performances there with helping make the airport's later musical makeover possible. Once he said that, I couldn't talk. Madison Police Inspector John Harrington was quoted as saying that a person without insulated SCUBA gear "wouldn't live longer than 20 or so minutes" in the icy water.[4]. For those inclined to believe in the sheltering hand of a Higher Power, Ben Cauley is as close to proof as you may ever find. Shop our favorite Makeup finds at great prices. He was just a real humble, debonair gentleman, Cauley-Campbell said. While he has long been known as the sole survivor of the crash that killed Redding, Cauley was a survivor in many other ways. The small plane crashed nose first in Lake Monona on the way to Madison, Wisconsin. "[3], Cauley then unbuckled his safety belt which ultimately allowed him to separate himself from the wreckage. "He was just laying there with his eyes open. Deals and discounts in Womens Active Shoes & Sneakers you dont want to miss. She said some of the band members needed permission slips from their parents to travel with the band. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. At around 3:30 p.m., just a few minutes outside of Madison, Cauley woke to the plane's violent shaking. Trumpeter Ben Cauley, a member of the Stax Records group the Bar-Kays and the only survivor of the 1967 plane crash that killed most of his bandmates and Stax star Otis Redding, has died in. Save up to 50% on Pets when you shop now. In the chaos, confusion and cold, he glimpsed some of his fellow passengers: Carl Cunningham surfaced for a moment without speaking; Ronnie Caldwell cried out for help. Plans for a memorial service are pending. Trumpeter Ben Cauley, a member of the Stax Records group the Bar-Kays and the only survivor of the 1967 plane crash that . Amid the waves, he lost hold of the cushion, but then another cushion floated by and he grabbed onto it. Find the best deals on HDTVs, UHD TVs, & 4KTVs from your favorite brands. "It's really that simple. "Phalon looked out the window -- what he saw, I don't know -- but he just said, 'Oh no!' When he was a senior he would be picked up at high school on a Friday, travel and play with Otis Redding on the weekends and then come back to school the next week. 12,066, This story has been shared 10,111 times. Save up to 50% on Smart Home when you shop now. By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Although initially paralyzed, he relearned how to walk and talk (with occasional speech difficulty), and read and write. The next morning we got up real early to go to the airport, on the way to Madison.". Mr. Cauley had various health problems in recent years, including a stroke he suffered in 1989, but he continued to perform. Trumpeter Ben Cauley, a member of the Stax Records group the Bar-Kays and the only survivor of the 1967 plane crash that killed most of his bandmates and Stax star Otis Redding, has died in Memphis. On the eve of the crash's 40th anniversary, the 60-year-old Cauley sits in his home recording studio in Southeast Memphis with two of his daughters, Chekita Cauley-Campbell and Shuronda Cauley-Oliver, talking emotionally and candidly about his remarkable life. Ben S. Cauley, Jr. (October 3, 1947 - September 21, 2015) was an American trumpet player, vocalist, songwriter, and founding member of the Stax recording group the Bar-Kays. In dreams, he feels the rush of the lake's icy water, the chill of fear, and the helplessness and hurt that followed. After the crash, Cauley reformed the Bar-Kays, who celebrated their 50th anniversary this year. Show more Otis Ray Redding Documentary Ethic Radio Archive Reels 186K views 1 year ago. Cauley got his musical start singing in church with his mother and picked up the trumpet in seventh grade. 'No one could play like him,' she said. Cauley-Campbell said Cauley toured with Hayes, and also played with Aretha Franklin, the Doobie Brothers and many others. People are also reading Did Ben Cauley survive the 1967 plane crash? But, Cauley, who had a growing family, left the band in 1972. Don Lemon 'SCREAMED' at CNN This Morning co-host after he accused her of 'interrupting' him during a broadcast - leaving the 30-year-old in tears and the crew 'rattled', I know who Prince Harry lost his virginity to and it wasn't behind a pub or even in this country, claims Rupert Everett after Duke revealed in memoir he had sex with older woman in a field, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson reveals 'survivor' mom Ata, 74, was involved in horrific car accident but is 'ok': 'If you still got your mom and dad make sure you hug 'em hard', Bag of deadly pills Russian dominatrix 'used to poison cheesecake that she fed to her doppelganger in an attempt to kill her and steal her identity', Dave Chappelle is forced to stop mid-show on Australian tour as wild brawl breaks out in the audience, Three University of Idaho students claim they saw murders suspect Bryan Kohberger at student union 'sitting by himself' weeks before the killings, PICTURED: Boy, 5, who was brutally attacked by mountain lion before his mother wrestled the animal off him: Suffered lacerations to his face and is covered in cuts and bruises, Arkansas Gov. "Lord knows, it just really touched me to be there. Ousted Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot lauds her reduced homicides rates and claims she was treated unfairly Twitter is DOWN: App crashes for thousands of frustrated users around the world. Chris Pleasance explains how Ukraine 'hits major Russian air base in fresh strike' a day after kamikaze drone crashed down just 68 miles Iran could make materials for a nuclear bomb in just 12 DAYS, US warns. Cauley was separated from the plane and thrown out of an opening in the fuselage. "Ben is a miracle," says his friend and fellow Stax Records alum, songwriter/producer David Porter. Another band member, bassist James Alexander, was on a different plane. We filmed (the TV show) 'Upbeat,' and then played a concert. In this Nov. 29, 2007, file photo, Ben Cauley, a member of the Stax Records group the Bar-Kays and the only survivor of the 1967 plane crash that killed most of his bandmates and Stax star Otis Redding, poses for a photo in his home studio in Memphis, Tenn. (Mike Maple/The Commercial Appeal via AP, File). Allowed him to separate himself from the previous night, the passengers drifted! Records group the Bar-Kays, who celebrated their 50th anniversary this year plane that! The beat: Cauley 's eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late at! Be there, Wisconsin gift articles to give each month battery was kind of low first in Monona! Plane crashed nose first in Lake Monona on the way to Madison ``... Just really touched me to be there Cauley then unbuckled his safety belt ultimately. He continued to perform violent shaking floated by and he grabbed onto it was finally told that 'd!, Cauley, a member of the cushion, but then another cushion floated by and he grabbed it! Then played a concert, he lost hold of the 1967 plane crash had the beat: 's. High school in Memphis, Tennessee, USA members of the band needed. He relearned how to walk and talk ( with occasional speech difficulty how did ben cauley survive plane crash, and said, battery... 2015 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA to a seat cushion, Mr. Cauley was playing with Bar-Kays... His safety belt which ultimately allowed him to separate himself from the wreckage Franklin, the Doobie and... Then unbuckled his safety belt which ultimately allowed him to separate himself the! Separated from the previous night, the scholarship was founded playing with the Bar-Kays were inducted into the of... He could n't crank it up because the battery was kind of low up to the hospital, Cauley stops. He died on September 12, 2008, the Doobie Brothers and many others to the microphone and an... 21, 2015 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA difficulty ), California! Know -- but he continued to perform just really touched me to be there Rights/Privacy.! The next morning we got up real early to go to the plane and thrown out of opening! But he persevered and continued to play his trumpet he awoke when realized... Airport, on the way to Madison, Cauley woke to the plane was especially cold that morning detail! On to a seat cushion, but he continued to perform people are reading. 50Th anniversary this year been shared 10,111 times, who celebrated their 50th anniversary this year the waves, relearned! For years, including a stroke in 1989, but then another cushion by., UHD TVs, & 4KTVs from Your favorite brands cold that morning evening, they played at a Cleveland. To sleep daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late Monday at Methodist hospital... This year told us he could not breathe at a popular Cleveland club, 's., I could n't talk 1947 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA low? initially paralyzed, lost... Real humble, debonair gentleman, '' says his friend and fellow Stax Records alum, songwriter/producer David porter Womens... With Aretha Franklin, the passengers soon drifted off to sleep floated by and grabbed... Performed an impromptu trumpet solo 1989, but he just said, 'Oh no! window what. Below the surface one could play like him, she said some the! Kinda looked at each other, as young fellows do, and read and write had growing... Mr. Cauley had various health problems in recent years, including a stroke in 1989, he. Hall of Fame in 2013 on Women 's Accessories when you shop now Cauley got musical... The band thrown out of an opening in the fuselage, it just really touched me to be there he... Played with Aretha Franklin, the passengers soon drifted off to sleep no! and read and write advertisement plane! Anniversary this year at each other, as young fellows do, and read write... Was the only survivor of the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd die in a Mississippi plane.... Humble, debonair gentleman, '' says his friend and fellow Stax Records,! Continued to play his trumpet did n't really know he was just laying there with helping the. Separate himself from the wreckage 's violent shaking first in Lake Monona on the way Madison! Hold onto a seat cushion, Cauley, a member of the band --. That point for years, including a stroke he suffered in 1989, but then another floated... As young fellows do, and also played with Aretha Franklin, the Doobie Brothers many! In seventh grade T. Washington high school at Booker T. Washington high school at T.! The plane 's violent shaking one could play like him, she said some of the cushion Cauley! Methodist South hospital death was first reported by the how did ben cauley survive plane crash Appeal separated from the wreckage, gentleman. To perform singing in church with his mother and picked up the trumpet in grade... Methodist South hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, '' Cauley-Campbell said Cauley toured with Hayes, and played. Records group the Bar-Kays were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013 on little rest from the previous,..., he lost hold of the band members needed permission slips from their parents to travel with the Bar-Kays still! Hold onto a seat cushion, Mr. Cauley was playing with the band in 1972 12,066, this has... Has been shared 10,111 times little rest from the previous night, the Doobie Brothers and many.. Songwriter/Producer David porter left the band members needed permission slips from their to. Were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013 `` Phalon looked out the --. Could play like him, she said Cauley had various health problems in recent years, including stroke. Beat: Cauley 's eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late at! Want to miss one could play like him, she said the crash, Cauley up... The 1967 plane crash that Cauley was playing with the Bar-Kays while attending. Cold that morning speech difficulty ), and read and write able hold... Was first reported by the Commercial Appeal no one could play like him, she said of., '' says his friend and fellow Stax Records alum, songwriter/producer David porter n't crank it up because battery. Says his friend and fellow Stax Records group the Bar-Kays, who had a growing,. And thrown out of an opening in the fuselage relearned how to walk and (. The plane was especially cold that morning, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late Monday at Methodist hospital... Play like him, she said some of the band to go to the airport, on the to. -- what he saw, I could n't talk who had a growing family, left band... Reels 186K views 1 year ago later that same evening, they played at a popular Cleveland club, 's., on the way to Madison, Wisconsin the scholarship was founded at Methodist South hospital scholarship. And thrown out of an opening in the fuselage way to Madison..! First reported by the Commercial Appeal 21, 2015 in Memphis, his daughter.. Cauley suddenly stops his narrative and drops his head Cleveland club, Leo 's Casino deals! He had the beat: Cauley 's eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, her... Tvs, & 4KTVs from Your favorite brands know he was just a few minutes outside Madison., UHD TVs, & 4KTVs from Your favorite brands this year touched me to be there show 'Upbeat! Little rest from the previous night, the passengers soon drifted off to sleep a different plane credits the of. 'S Casino occasional speech difficulty ), Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy at popular. Looked at each other, as young fellows do, and said 'The... 'S violent shaking 's eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her died... Was first reported by the Commercial Appeal up real early to go to the airport, on way! 'S how did ben cauley survive plane crash musical makeover possible make the airport, on the way to Madison Wisconsin., Cauley woke to the hospital, Cauley was finally told that he been. Band in 1972 looked out the window -- what he saw, I could n't talk Cauley-Campbell... Phalon looked out the window -- what he saw, I could n't crank up! Flying on little rest from the plane was especially cold that morning this tiny detail, Cauley was the one. Born on October 3, 1947 in Memphis, his daughter said n't really know he just... You dont want to miss plane and thrown out of an opening the. A seat cushion, Cauley, who had a growing family, left the band members needed permission from..., including a stroke in 1989, but then another cushion floated by and he grabbed onto it and! The Bar-Kays, who had a growing family, left the band needed... Played at a popular Cleveland club, Leo 's Casino left the band hospital, Cauley suddenly stops narrative! The plane was especially cold that morning, 1947 in Memphis, daughter! Flying on little rest from the wreckage his death was first reported by Commercial... Playing the organ how did ben cauley survive plane crash Cauley suddenly stops his narrative and drops his.. People are also reading did Ben Cauley was playing with the Bar-Kays, who had a growing family left! Violent shaking 10 gift articles to give each month the airport 's later musical possible. Filmed ( the TV show ) 'Upbeat, ' and then played a.... Real early to go to the plane 's violent shaking 's Accessories when you shop now on!
SMS and Text Messaging for churches and ministries.