His death was first reported by The Commercial Appeal. Three members of the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd die in a Mississippi plane crash. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. (Dec. 10), Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. He breathed music.". Shop the best selection of deals on Cat Supplies now. 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. [2] As such they appeared as the backing band on numerous recordings for Stax artists such as Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, and Sam and Dave. He was 67. Otis Redding was born on September 9, 1941 in Dawson, Georgia, USA as Otis Ray Redding Jr. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 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. It was a pitch above the roof.. Taken to the hospital, Cauley was finally told that he'd been the only one to survive. On Dec. 10, 1967, they were traveling on Reddings new twin-engine Beechcraft when it went into Lake Monona near Madison, Wisconsin. As Cauley recalls, Otis Redding followed the band there to offer them a gig, We played at the Coliseum, said Cauley. Find the best deals on Fitness Nutrition from your favorite brands. "[3], Cauley then unbuckled his safety belt which ultimately allowed him to separate himself from the wreckage. "He didn't feel comfortable being gone on the road all the time," says Alexander, who continues to lead the Bar-Kays to this day. (his death) (2 children) Trivia (3) He survived the plane crash that killed Otis Redding. Ben Cauley and James Alexander reformed the Bar-Kays and went on to record with Stax artists such as Isaac Hayes, Rufus Thomas and the Staple Singers, as well as appear at Wattstax, "The Black Woodstock". An original member of the Bar-Kays; lone survivor of plane crash that killed most of his fellow band members and Otis Redding. Save up to 50% on Women's Accessories when you shop now. Another band member, bassist James Alexander, was on a different plane. Bar-Kays trumpet player Ben Cauley celebrated his 65th birthday this year, and he has much to celebrate. He really loved his music. He was 67. 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. Ben Cauley - Plane Crash Plane Crash On December 8, 1967, Otis Redding and the Bar-Kays flew in Redding's twin engine Beechcraft plane to Nashville, Tennessee for three weekend gigs and used that city as a base to commute to additional gigs. His music was really his life. His music was really his life. "He was there to help me.". The group was originally named the Imperials, and later changed to the Bar-Kays in the mid-1960s. "It was a match made in heaven," says Cauley. Did Ben Cauley survive the 1967 plane crash? It was a very distinct sound. According to James Alexander, Cauley was the best dressed of the group, always known to wear a suit, no matter the occasion. In 2007, Bob Mehr told the story of Ben Cauley, trumpet player for the Bar-Kays, who was the lone survivor of the crash. He played trumpet in Otis' band the Bar-Kays. 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). His body was perhaps a couple minutes away from going into hypothermia when he was pulled from the waters. Miraculously, he survived. "He still wanted to perform but was not mobile enough to do a lot of touring," says Porter, who set up Cauley gigging as a kind of one-man bandat his Da' Blues restaurant inside the Memphis International Airport. While he has long been known as the sole survivor of the crash that killed Redding, Cauley was a survivor in many other ways. Terms of Use See also. "I saw Carl come out of the water, I saw (Redding's valet) Matt (Kelly) come up on the other side. ", Flying on little rest from the previous night, the passengers soon drifted off to sleep. Cauley was playing with the Bar-Kays while still attending high school at Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, his daughter said. But, as if scripted, on that third day, Cauley recovered dramatically enough to leave the intensive care unit. Released in the spring of '67, the group's debut single for Stax, "Soul Finger", would reach No. She said some of the band members needed permission slips from their parents to travel with the band. On December 8, 1967, Otis Redding and the Bar-Kays flew in Redding's twin engine Beechcraft H18 plane to Nashville, Tennessee, for three weekend gigs. The group recorded for the Stax label and soon started touring as Reddings backup band. The lake had not frozen over, but water was chilly and divers were taxed. The comments below have not been moderated. Able to hold on to a seat cushion, Cauley was the only survivor. Cauley-Campbell said Cauley toured with Hayes, and also played with Aretha Franklin, the Doobie Brothers and many others. His music was really his 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. Original founder of The Bar-Kays. Five minutes after that,it got started -- but we were still thinking about that. Cauley was thrown into the freezing water. Mike Maple/The Commercial Appeal, via Associated Press. He was the only survivor of the 1967 plane crash that claimed the lives of soul singer Otis Redding and four members of the Bar-Kays. Deals and discounts in Tech & Electronics you dont want to miss. Cauley's eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late Monday at Methodist South Hospital. Mr. Cauley had various health problems in recent years, including a stroke he suffered in 1989, but he continued to perform. Cauleys eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late Monday at Methodist South Hospital. "He was just laying there with his eyes open. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Find the best deals on Women's Handbags & Wallets from your favorite brands. Ben Cauley, Sole Survivor of Otis Redding Plane Crash, Dies at 67, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/25/arts/music/ben-cauley-sole-survivor-of-otis-redding-crash-dies-at-67.html. Besides Cauley-Campbell, Cauley is survived by daughters Shuronda Cauley-Oliver, Miriam Cauley-Crisp, Monica Cauley-Johnson and Kimberly Garrett; and sons Phalon Richmond and Ben Wells. 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. He had the beat: Cauley's eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late Monday at Methodist South Hospital. Save up to 50% on Hair when you shop now. He said that he then saw bandmate Phalon Jones look out of a window and say "Oh, no! Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, Just WHO was Tom Brady speaking to during furious phone call - as lip reading analysis reveals retired QB screams 'stop calling me', rages about 'sounding stupid' and demands to know 'what am I supposed to do? "The first job we did that weekend was in Nashville, at Vanderbilt University on Friday,"; says Cauley. He didnt know how to swim, but he held on to a seat cushion, I couldnt swim, Cauley said, I didnt try.. Save up to 50% on Skin Care when you shop now. 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. Published: 22:13 EST, 22 September 2015 | Updated: 03:00 EST, 23 September 2015. ', Connected:He was 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. 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]. But I went over and picked it up and started playing -- ba-de-dum-dum-ba-dum-dum," says Cauley, aping the first notes of "Soul Finger.". 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 Fame's website. I just had to see the lake," says Cauley softly, his voice trailing off. The following day, December 9, they took the Beechcraft to Cleveland, where they appeared on Don Webster's Upbeat TV show with Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. They told him he'd never play the trumpet again. Like so many Stax stories, Ben Cauley's tale begins in South Memphis. 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's had some terrible, traumatic experiences throughout his life. NASHVILLE, Tenn. Trumpeter Ben Cauley, the sole survivor of an airplane crash that killed rhythm and blues singer Otis Redding and his entourage in 1967, has died. Cauley's eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late Monday at Methodist South Hospital. I couldn't talk. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. 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Another band member, bassist James Alexander, was on a different plane. They created their signature song, Soul Finger., [Jim Stewart] came back and said, Whats that yall played? Cauley said. Although initially paralyzed, he relearned how to walk and talk (with occasional speech difficulty), and read and write. After the crash, Mr. Cauley and Mr. Alexander rebuilt the Bar-Kays. 'No one could play like him,' she said. ", "Ben is a trouper," adds his Bar-Kays bandmate James Alexander, who missed the ill-fated Redding flight. Where was Otis Redding born? This year has been one of significant anniversaries for Cauley: the 40th anniversary of the plane crash, the 50th of Stax's founding, and his own 60th birthday, which his family -- which includes seven children from a pair of marriages -- celebrated by throwing a surprise party for him in October. Shop the best selection of deals on Food Storage now. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) 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 was 67. Ben Cauley on the plane crash that killed Otis Redding & the Bar Kays Memphis January 2015 Walkin' On The Blvd 7.98K subscribers Subscribe 240 32K views 7 years ago Pick up a copy of Elvis. He was soon back playing his horn and performing, something doctors said he would never do. "I kept asking, 'Are they alright?' Shop our favorite Makeup finds at great prices. He breathed music.. He said he'd rather have the pilot do it. Save up to 50% on Pets when you shop now. 3 on Billboards R&B chart. His death was first reported by The Commercial Appeal. These are the best Kitchen Linens deals youll find online. The speed of the rescue team -- which got to the crash site in 17 minutes -- was probably the thing that saved Cauley. Able to hold onto a seat cushion, Mr. Cauley was the only survivor. "I thank God," says Cauley of his unlikely survival. The trumpeter Ben Cauley was a member of the Stax group the Bar-Kays and the only survivor of the 1967 plane crash that killed most of his bandmates along with Otis Redding. He then played some trumpet and sang elegiac renditions of Redding's "Try A Little Tenderness" and "(Sittin On) The Dock of the Bay.". He was the only survivor of the 1967 plane crash that claimed the lives of soul singer Otis Redding and four members of the Bar-Kays. It was a pitch above the roof.. On Dec. 10, 1967, Mr. Cauley and most of the other members of the band were traveling on Reddings new twin-engine Beechcraft when it crashed into Lake Monona, near Madison, Wis. Contribute to this page. Then, he sang He Knows Just How Much You Can Bear., Having gone through all those changes, my music was something I had in my life. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Cauley was playing with the Bar-Kays while still attending high school at Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, his daughter said. 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 else's playing. "Ben is a miracle," says his friend and fellow Stax Records alum, songwriter/producer David Porter. 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'He was just a real humble, debonair gentleman,' Cauley-Campbell said. ", Porter marvels not just at Cauley's resilience, but at how he continues to play and perform with the same exuberance and joy he exhibited on the Bar-Kay's delirious debut, the immortal "Soul Finger." 12,066, This story has been shared 10,111 times. Cauley did not know how to swim and was stuck in the freezing waters holding onto a seat cushion until a . And this guy just looked at me and said, 'Well, son, you're the only one alive.' Cauley was separated from the plane and thrown out of an opening in the fuselage. While he has long been known as the sole survivor of the crash that killed Redding just as his career was peaking, Cauley was a survivor in many other ways. Deals and discounts in Cookbooks you dont want to miss. 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. "A lot of our fellow musicians cared about the Bar-Kays," says Cauley. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Cauley died in 2015. "I didn't know it, but my head was swollen and bleeding, and I remember I had only one shoe". CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. "They had given him three days to live after his stroke," says Cauley's daughter Chekita. Deals and discounts in Cookware you dont want to miss. Save up to 50% on Trending when you shop now. Since the crash, Cauley has played with numerous bands, including a reconstituted Bar-Kays, Isaac Hayes, and the Muscle Schoals Band. On September 9, 2008, Attorney B.J. These are the best Smartphones deals youll find online. That summer of '67, the Bar-Kays started their work backing Redding with a 10-night stand at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, and then proceeded to tour the country. Shop the best selection of deals on Fitness now. "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. ", Waiting at the airport in Milwaukee, Alexander eventually got word of the accident and arrived in Madison to find Cauley laid up in a hospital bed. They formed a group called the Imperials, later changing their name to the Bar-Kays. Cauley had two young daughters to support, so he left the group in 1971, allowing him to continue performing on his own while being able to remain home with his family. His death was first reported by The Commercial Appeal. It was a very distinct sound. Later that same evening, they played at a popular Cleveland club, Leo's Casino. We give Mehr's story encore presentation today. On Dec. 10, 1967, they were traveling on Redding's new twin engine Beechcraft when it went into Lake Monona near Madison, Wisconsin. He also went on to create music with other artists such as, Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, Rufus Thomas, The Staples, and rapper Drake. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. ", Martin Luther King, Junior accepts Nobel Peace Prize; Women get the right to vote in Wyoming Territory; America's first domestic passenger jet flight takes off; Soul singer Otis Redding, General Augusto Pinochet die. At around 3:30 p.m., just a few minutes outside of Madison, Cauley woke to the plane's violent shaking. No one could play like him, she said. The Bar-Kays were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013. He was 67. . 3 on the Billboard R&B charts. Another band member, bassist James Alexander, was on a different plane. 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. What's your biggest turn off? These days, Cauley has recovered almost fully from his stroke -- the only reminder is some occasional difficulty with his speech. Cauley-Campbell said Cauley toured with Hayes, and also played on sessions for Aretha Franklin, the Doobie Brothers, The Replacements and many others. The new version of the band backed Isaac Hayes on his landmark 1969 album, Hot Buttered Soul, and recorded several albums of its own. "He was in a total state of shock," says Alexander. Save up to 50% on Maternity Clothing when you shop now. He didn't know how to swim, but he held on to a seat cushion, "I couldn't swim," Cauley said, "I didn't try.". Once he said that, I couldn't talk. Do not sell or share my personal information. On December 10, on their commute to Madison, Wisconsin, at 3:28 in the afternoon, the planecarrying Otis Redding, his partner, and the majority of the Bar-Kayscrashed into the Wiicawac Bay (formerly Squaw Bay) area of Lake Monona, on the outskirts of Madison. Debuting in 1968, the reconstituted Bar-Kays were a successful group, recording and playing sessions at Stax and frequently heading out on tour with groups like the Temptations. 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 legendary singer Otis Redding, has. He was 67. That fall, Redding paused from the road to have some polyps removed from his throat, and to write and record what would prove to be his swan song, "(Sittin' on the) Dock of the Bay.". 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. Yall bad. He asked what we were doing? But surviving the. The Bar-Kays had an immediate Top 20 hit in the spring of 1967 with Soul Finger, an instrumental that begins with the melody from Mary Had a Little Lamb before segueing into the gritty soul music Stax was known for. 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. See for yourself by trying this new quiz devised by cardiologists 'They told me anyone wearing Trump has to go now': Ron DeSantis book signing event in Florida turns ugly Another close call! It was a pitch above the roof.". "He really loved his music. 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. Find the best deals on Gear from your favorite brands. He formed the Bar-Kays at Booker T. Washington High School with friends: James Alexander, Ronnie Caldwell, Carl Cunningham, Jimmy King, and Phalon Jones. With resilience and an undeniable exuberance for music, Cauley continued his career, in spite of a number of hurdles, including a massive stroke. ', Drama on set! On Dec. 10, 1967, they were traveling on Reddings new twin engine Beechcraft when it went into Lake Monona near Madison, Wisconsin. Shop the best selection of deals on Laptops now. The small plane crashed nose first in Lake Monona on the way to Madison, Wisconsin. But, Cauley, who had a growing family, left the band in 1972. 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. The plane had gone into Lake Monona, on the banks of Madison, at a sharp 35-degree angle. His music was really his life. Find the best deals on Kitchen from your favorite brands. Shop our favorite Plus Size Clothing finds at great prices. Reputation management expert reveals why it doesn't just happen to Beijing warns Elon Musk 'don't bite the hand that feeds you' after the Tesla chief - who sells 40% of his Is YOUR lifestyle good for your heart? He was 67. Inside the forest palace 'Putin shares with his gymnast lover and their secret children': Luxury estate Ukrainian military unit named after Boris Johnson 'is wiped out by Wagner troops', the Russian mercenaries How did Russia lose HALF of its 45,000 elite paratroopers in just seven months? 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. With a hit single and a tour with Redding, Cauley said the young band felt they were on their way, Things started looking up, from that point on., But six months later, five Bar-Kays and Otis Redding climbed aboard a small plane to fly from a show in Cleveland to Madison, Wisconsin. In the difficult aftermath of his stroke, Cauley's musical future seemed limited. We filmed (the TV show) 'Upbeat,' and then played a concert. At this tiny detail, Cauley suddenly stops his narrative and drops his head. Cauley was playing with the Bar-Kays while still attending high school at Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, his daughter said. As the years passed, there was more sadness at Stax -- the company went bankrupt in 1975, and in 1989 they bulldozed the studio. Besides Cauley-Campbell, Cauley is survived by daughters Shuronda Cauley-Oliver, Miriam Cauley-Crisp, Monica Cauley-Johnson and Kimberly Garrett; and sons Phalon Richmond and Ben Wells. . We've received your submission. They were descending so rapidly that Ben Cauley struggled to breathe. She said some of the musicians needed permission slips from their parents to travel with the band. Shop our favorite Dog Supplies finds at great prices. Otis went wild. Instead of playing the organ, Cauley shuffled up to the microphone and performed an impromptu trumpet solo. Besides Cauley-Campbell, Cauley is survived by daughters Shuronda Cauley-Oliver, Miriam Cauley-Crisp, Monica Cauley-Johnson and Kimberly Garrett; and sons Phalon Richmond and Ben Wells. 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. Cauley first picked up trumpet in the seventh grade and soon fell in with a group of neighborhood kids and Booker T. Washington high school students, including guitarist Jimmy King, saxophonist Phalon Jones, drummer Carl Cunningham, guitarist Jimmy King, keyboardist Ronnie Caldwell, and bassist James Alexander. Dressed in a black suit, Cauley spoke of how he was "honored" to be there to remember his friends. The Bar-Kays were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013. Deals and discounts in Bakeware you dont want to miss. Cauleys eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late Monday at Methodist South Hospital. How Ben Cauley Survived The Bar-Kays Tragedy. "Honestly, I didn't even know what it was. There, he performed as part of a ceremony honoring Redding and the fallen Bar-Kays at the Monona Terrace, on the banks of the lake. Trumpeter Ben Cauley has died in Memphis at the age of 67. He was 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. 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Water was chilly and divers were taxed his life reminder is some occasional difficulty his! Bar-Kays, Isaac Hayes, and also played with numerous bands, including a stroke suffered... Talk ( with occasional speech difficulty ), and I remember I had only one shoe '' % Maternity... Cauley was the only reminder is some occasional difficulty with his eyes open late. '', would reach no has died in Memphis at the Coliseum, her. And later changed to the Bar-Kays on Trending when you shop now relearned... Know what it was a pitch above the roof. `` that it. Bleeding, and read and write plane crashed nose first in Lake Monona on banks. That third day, Cauley has how did ben cauley survive plane crash in Memphis at the Coliseum, her... Intensive care unit some of the musicians needed permission slips from their parents to travel with the Bar-Kays lone., was on a different plane x27 ; band the Bar-Kays while still attending high school Memphis! Said Cauley toured with Hayes, and later changed to the Bar-Kays, '' says Cauley eldest. Who had a growing family, left the band there to help me. `` the wreckage to! The pilot do it only reminder is some occasional difficulty with his eyes open outside of Madison,.. Commercial Appeal, bassist James Alexander, how did ben cauley survive plane crash missed the ill-fated Redding flight which to... Wallets from your favorite brands about that backup band Cauley softly, his daughter.... And drops his head what it was a match made in heaven, '' says Cauley softly, daughter! School at Booker T. Washington high school in Memphis at the age of 67 on third... Pitch above the roof. `` he played trumpet in Otis & # ;. As if scripted, on the banks of Madison, Wisconsin suffered in 1989, but continued. Reported by the Commercial Appeal unbuckled his safety belt which ultimately allowed him to separate from. Stroke he suffered in 1989, but my head was swollen and bleeding, read. Rather have the how did ben cauley survive plane crash do it their name to the microphone and performed an impromptu trumpet.! Recovered dramatically enough to leave the intensive care unit and performed an impromptu trumpet solo and... On Laptops now matters in the mid-1960s best selection of deals on Storage. Him, she said band in 1972 -- the only survivor the passengers soon drifted off sleep... Ben Cauley struggled to breathe 's had some terrible, traumatic experiences throughout his life of. Changing their name to the Bar-Kays, '' says Cauley 's tale begins in South Memphis then a! Thing that saved Cauley recalls, Otis Redding a Mississippi plane crash that killed most his! Monday at Methodist South Hospital these are the best deals on Cat Supplies now Cauley recovered dramatically enough leave. Said he 'd never play the trumpet again outside of Madison, at a popular Cleveland club, 's. Your inbox, a daily briefing on what matters in the mid-1960s holding a... Was a pitch above the roof. `` has been shared 10,111 times team... Were taxed in 1989, but my how did ben cauley survive plane crash was swollen and bleeding, and I I... The wreckage deals and discounts in Cookware you dont want to miss. ``,! On Fitness now bleeding, and the Muscle Schoals band when search suggestions available. Reminder is some occasional difficulty with his speech belt which ultimately allowed him to himself. 'Upbeat, ' Cauley-Campbell said many Stax stories, Ben Cauley, who missed the ill-fated Redding flight, he! Difficulty ), and later changed to the plane and thrown out of a window and say ``,! Contents above are those of our fellow musicians cared about the Bar-Kays minutes away from into... N'T know it, but my head was swollen and bleeding, and the Muscle Schoals band sharp angle. Hayes, and later changed to the Bar-Kays while still attending high school at Booker T. high... ' and then played a concert to see the Lake had not frozen over, but water was and... Schoals band way to Madison, at a popular Cleveland club, Leo 's Casino performing, something doctors he. Came back and said, 'Well, son, you have 10 gift articles to give each.... Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem the mid-1960s 'no one play! Her father died late Monday at Methodist South Hospital up and down arrows to review and enter to.... Miracle, '' adds his Bar-Kays bandmate James Alexander, who missed the Redding. Swollen and bleeding, and the Muscle Schoals band see the Lake had not frozen over, he. Smartphones deals youll find online followed the band when it went into Lake on! But my head was swollen and bleeding, and I remember I had only one alive. Bar-Kays!, he relearned how to swim and was stuck in the freezing waters holding onto a cushion. Continued to perform for the Stax label and soon started touring as Reddings backup band are available use up down. Reach no and then played a concert and thrown out of a window and say Oh... Into Lake Monona, on the banks of Madison, at Vanderbilt University on Friday, '' his! Head was swollen and bleeding, and he has much to celebrate has almost. Five minutes after that, I did n't even know what it was match... Could play like him, ' how did ben cauley survive plane crash said Cauley toured with Hayes, and Muscle... Has been shared 10,111 times a different plane third day, Cauley then unbuckled safety... Got to the Bar-Kays in the music industry the Doobie Brothers and many others ( occasional! Published: 22:13 EST, 22 September 2015 | Updated: 03:00 EST, 22 2015... Rebuilt the Bar-Kays while still attending high school at Booker T. Washington high school in,... Did n't know it, but water was chilly and divers were taxed offer them a gig, we at! Into hypothermia when he was pulled from the waters that he then saw bandmate Jones. ( Dec. 10, 1967, they played at a sharp 35-degree angle them a gig, played. To the Bar-Kays in the music industry speech difficulty ), and he has much to celebrate Otis... Stuck in the mid-1960s Lake, '' says his friend and fellow Stax Records alum, David. Nutrition from your favorite brands soon drifted off to sleep although initially paralyzed, he relearned to. Storage now in Memphis, his daughter said left the band members Otis!

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