The Life and Legacy of Ben Cauley: From The Bar-Kays to Stax Records
Ben Cauley was a trumpet player and founder member of the R&B group, The Bar-Kays, which was formed in 1966 in Memphis, Tennessee. He is best known for his contributions to the legendary Stax Records sound, which produced some of the greatest soul music of all time. Despite a difficult start to his career, Cauley’s talent, determination, and passion for music enabled him to become a pioneering musician whose legacy lives on to this day. In this blog post, we explore the life and legacy of Ben Cauley, from The Bar-Kays to Stax Records.
1. Early Years and Formation of The Bar-Kays
Ben Cauley was born on October 3, 1947 in Memphis, Tennessee. He began playing the trumpet at the age of 10 and soon became a skilled musician. In 1966, he founded The Bar-Kays along with nineteen-year-old bassist James Alexander. They were discovered by Otis Redding, who was impressed with their talent and invited them to become his backing band. It was during this time that The Bar-Kays recorded their first album, “Soul Finger,” which became a hit.
2. Tragic Plane Crash
In 1967, tragedy struck when The Bar-Kays’ plane crashed, killing Otis Redding and several members of the band. Ben Cauley was the only survivor and suffered serious injuries. Despite this devastating setback, Cauley continued to play music and was determined to keep The Bar-Kays alive.
3. Collaboration with Stax Records
After the tragic plane crash, The Bar-Kays were signed to Stax Records and released a string of successful albums, including “Cold Blooded,” which reached number 8 on the Billboard R&B chart. Ben Cauley contributed to the Stax Records sound, playing with legends such as Isaac Hayes, Eddie Floyd, and Carla Thomas. He was also a member of The Memphis Horns, a horn section that performed on many Stax Records productions.
4. Legacy as a Pioneering Musician
Ben Cauley was a pioneering musician who contributed to the sound of Stax Records and helped shape the history of soul music. His trumpet playing was characterized by its bright and bold sound, which perfectly complemented the soulful vocals of the artists he played with. His legacy lives on through his music and the impact he had on the industry.
5. Awards and Accolades
Ben Cauley received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including induction into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2015. He was also honored with a brass note on the Beale Street Walk of Fame in Memphis, Tennessee.
6. Quotes from Ben Cauley
“Music is a universal language that everybody can understand and relate to.”
“I feel blessed to have been a part of the Stax Records family. It was a special time and a special place in music history.”
“I want to keep the legacy of soul music alive and inspire future generations of musicians.”
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who was Ben Cauley?
A: Ben Cauley was a trumpet player and founder member of the R&B group, The Bar-Kays.
Q: What was The Bar-Kays?
A: The Bar-Kays were a soul and funk group that formed in 1966 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Q: Who did Ben Cauley collaborate with?
A: Ben Cauley collaborated with legends such as Isaac Hayes, Eddie Floyd, and Carla Thomas.
Q: What was Stax Records?
A: Stax Records was a legendary record label that produced some of the greatest soul music of all time.
Q: What was Ben Cauley’s legacy?
A: Ben Cauley’s legacy was as a pioneering musician who contributed to the sound of Stax Records and helped shape the history of soul music.
Q: What awards did Ben Cauley receive?
A: Ben Cauley received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including induction into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
Q: What did Ben Cauley say about music?
A: Ben Cauley believed that music was a universal language that everybody could understand and relate to.
Conclusion
Ben Cauley was a trailblazing musician whose contributions to the Stax Records sound and the soul music industry were invaluable. Despite experiencing a tragic setback early in his career, he continued to play music and make a positive impact on the world through his talent and passion. Ben Cauley’s legacy lives on through his music and the inspiration he provides to musicians around the world.