how did ben cauley survive plane crash
At around 3:30 p.m., just a few minutes outside of Madison, Cauley woke to the plane's violent shaking. 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. Find the best deals on Fitness Nutrition from your favorite brands. "No one could play like him," she said. But in a greater sense, Cauley is the ultimate survivor -- someone who's become the living embodiment of both the triumph and tragedy of the Stax legacy. Cauley was separated from the plane and thrown out of an opening in the fuselage. "It's really that simple. Porter credits the popularity of Cauley's performances there with helping make the airport's later musical makeover possible. (his death) (2 children) Trivia (3) He survived the plane crash that killed Otis Redding. Cauley was playing with the Bar-Kays while still attending high school at Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, his daughter said. What bands died in plane crash? Deals and discounts in Tech & Electronics you dont want to miss. 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). Shop our favorite Makeup finds at great prices. Yall dont know, but yall just cut a hit., The groups debut single reached No. This story has been shared 42,781 times. 3. No one could play like him, she said. 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! He formed the Bar-Kays at Booker T. Washington High School with friends: James Alexander, Ronnie Caldwell, Carl Cunningham, Jimmy King, and Phalon Jones. In the difficult aftermath of his stroke, Cauley's musical future seemed limited. Sometimes, in his sleep, Ben Cauley still hears their cries -- the ones of his friends and band mates. 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. After the crash, Cauley reformed the Bar-Kays, who celebrated their 50th anniversary this year. Save up to 50% on Pets when you shop now. Deals and discounts in Bakeware you dont want to miss. Do you hate foreplay? Cauley couldn't swim and said he didn't even try when he was thrown into the freezing water as the . Former trumpeter of the band The Bo-Keys. Cauley's eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late Monday at Methodist South Hospital. 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. Ben Cauley. Cauley was separated from the plane and thrown out of an opening in the fuselage. On Dec. 10, 1967, they were traveling on Redding's new twin engine Beechcraft when it went into Lake Monona near Madison, Wisconsin. He said, 'I'll take care of that, I'll pick you up in my plane on Fridays.'". Miraculously, he survived. Shop our favorite Women's Shoes finds at great prices. 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. "After our show he ran backstage, and said 'Y'all bad!'" While he has long been known as the sole survivor of the crash that killed Redding, Cauley was a survivor in many other ways. One band member, Ben Cauley, survived. 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. We give Mehr's story encore presentation today. We said we was in school., By the spring of 1967, the group was Reddings backing band and recording at Stax Records. 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. Able to hold on to a seat cushion, Cauley was the only survivor. They created their signature song, Soul Finger., [Jim Stewart] came back and said, Whats that yall played? Cauley said. 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. To some, Ben Cauley is the answer to a tragic trivia question: the trumpeter was the sole survivor of the plane crash Dec. 10, 1967, outside Madison, Wis., that claimed eight people, including Stax Records star Otis Redding, and Cauley's Bar-Kays bandmates Phalon Jones, Carl Cunningham, Jimmy King . The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Plans for a memorial service are pending. He was 67. ", 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. "Lord knows, it just really touched me to be there. 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 is a trouper," adds his Bar-Kays bandmate James Alexander, who missed the ill-fated Redding flight. Shop the best selection of deals on Laptops now. He survived the plane crash that killed Otis Redding. 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. I remember I got up, unbuckled my seatbelt to see what it was. While he has long been known as the sole survivor of the crash that killed Redding, Cauley was a survivor in many other ways. Cauley's eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late Monday at Methodist South Hospital. In a way, the experience seems to have been a catharsis, providing Cauley some measure of peace. "He was in a total state of shock," says Alexander. According to Jet magazine, which interviewed Cauley and the authorities who assisted in the rescue attempt, the rescue divers could not be in the water for more than 15 minutes at a time due to the freezing temperature of the water. And it hadnt gone, Cauley said. Find the best deals on Fragrance from your favorite brands. He was just a real humble, debonair gentleman, Cauley-Campbell said. Anyone can read what you share. 12,066, This story has been shared 10,111 times. 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. Otis went wild. Since the crash, Cauley has played with numerous bands, including a reconstituted Bar-Kays, Isaac Hayes, and the Muscle Schoals Band. These are the best Videogames deals youll find online. Despite the lingering scars of his past, Cauley continued to work and perform, his horn in demand for sessions in Memphis, Muscle Shoals, even Nashville. 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. 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. On September 9, 2008, Attorney B.J. 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. 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. His music was really his life. 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. recalls Cauley. He died on 21 September 2015 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. They had three gigs booked between Dec. 8 and 10, 1967, and most of the entourage was traveling on Redding's new twin engine Beechcraft. ", 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." Cauleys eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late Monday at Methodist South Hospital. 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. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. He'd raise his trumpet, close his eyes and with intensity signaled by the tightening of his brows send air flowing through his horn routinely causing goose Continued I was shaking all over. "A lot of our fellow musicians cared about the Bar-Kays," says Cauley. Year of Crash: 1967; Ben Cauley suffered hypothermia and shock following a plane crash that claimed the lives of four members of Bar-Kays and Ottis Redding, a legendary soul singer, in 1967. Able to hold onto a seat cushion, Mr. Cauley was the only survivor. 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. Cauley was born in South Memphis, Tennessee. Plans for a memorial service are pending. Save up to 50% on Women's Clothing when you shop now. Another band member, bassist James Alexander, was on a different plane. Ben Cauley in 2007. Bar-Kays bassist James Alexander had taken a different flight, as there was not enough room left on Redding's plane. Cauley, who was a couple of years older than his bandmates, began attending LeMoyne College in 1965. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. And we said we're still in school, so we can't go on weekdays. The plane crashed in icy Lake Monona. 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. Find the best deals on Women's Handbags & Wallets from your favorite brands. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Official Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame. He was 67. He came back to where we was and said, Man! That day, Cauley, stood outside playing a requiem on his trumpet. At 65, he still writes and records songs at his home and gigs with the Bo-Keys. Another band member, bassist James Alexander, was on a different plane. The effort to retrieve bodies, personal effects and the parts of the plane took place over 10 days. The best seat in the house! Cauley-Campbell said her father toured with Hayes, and also played with Aretha Franklin, the Doobie Brothers and many others. The plane had gone into Lake Monona, on the banks of Madison, at a sharp 35-degree angle. "He was just laying there with his eyes open. Mr. Cauley started playing with the Bar-Kays while attending Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, his daughter said. Find the best deals on More Pets Supplies from your favorite brands. Like so many Stax stories, Ben Cauley's tale begins in South Memphis. His death was first reported by The Commercial Appeal. "That next night was in Cleveland, Ohio. Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted. 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. ", He recalls turning toward Phalon Jones. 'No one could play like him,' she said. 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. He breathed music.. What's your biggest turn off? "Honestly, I didn't even know what it was. Cauley suffered a debilitating stroke in 1989, but eventually recovered fully, aside from occasional problems with slightly slurred speech. 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. He survived the 1967 plane crash that killed Otis Redding. Related news. Another band member, the bassist James Alexander, was on a different plane. As label co-founder Jim Stewart later put it, "The company was never the same to me after that. It was a pitch above the roof.. 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. But surviving the impact of the crash was only the first hurdle. 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 67. On December 10, 1967, they were traveling on Redding's new twin engine Beechcraft when it went into Lake Monona near Madison, Wisconsin. Shop our favorite Dog Supplies finds at great prices. The young, energetic Bar-Kays and the tireless Redding proved a perfect musical fit. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Published: 22:13 EST, 22 September 2015 | Updated: 03:00 EST, 23 September 2015. 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-Campbell said Cauley toured with Hayes, and also played with Aretha Franklin, the Doobie Brothers and many others. The Bar-Kays were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013. 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. 10,111, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved Like, what's going on? Apple sales drop 5% in biggest quarterly decline since 2016, Alphabet misses Q4 estimates, Amazon reports almost no profit and Google Ad revenue falls, US employers cut 102,000 jobs in January - a 440% jump from the same time a year ago: 'Tech wreck' spurred layoffs as expert warns 'we're on the other side of the hiring frenzy of the pandemic years', Estranged wife of Texas man accused of killing his Colombian DJ girlfriend transferred 'marital estate to an offshore trust' before she filed for divorce and abandoned the United States as a Wisconsin judge has now issued a warrant for his arrest, Nepo baby gets DENIED! Five minutes after that,it got started -- but we were still thinking about that. Bar-Kays trumpet player Ben Cauley celebrated his 65th birthday this year, and he has much to celebrate. These are the best Fashion deals youll find online. An original member of the Bar-Kays; lone survivor of plane crash that killed most of his fellow band members and Otis Redding. Although initially paralyzed, he relearned how to walk and talk (with occasional speech difficulty), and read and write. These are the best Kitchen Linens deals youll find online. Cauley survived a debilitating stroke and a plane crash in 1967 that killed the other founding members of the Bar-Kays. Ben Cauley, who played trumpet with the rhythm-and-blues group the Bar-Kays and was the only survivor of the 1967 plane crash that killed Otis Redding, died on Monday in Memphis. Bob Mehr, "Bar-Kays hornman Ben Cauley is a survivor", "Redding Was Sitting In Co-Pilot's Seat, Survivor Says", "Cause Of Crash Not Pinpointed By Officials: Credit Survivor's Life To Swift Police Action", "Ben Cauley, Founding Member Of Bar-Kays, Dies At 67 - NewsChannel5.com", Ben Cauley, Sole Survivor of Otis Redding Crash, Dies at 67, Ben Cauley Interview - NAMM Oral History Library (2015), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ben_Cauley&oldid=1124352701, Survivors of aviation accidents or incidents, Accidents and incidents involving the Beechcraft Model 18, Articles needing additional references from June 2018, All articles needing additional references, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 November 2022, at 14:01. He breathed music.. 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). Shop the best selection of deals on Tools & Utensils now. 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? They were descending so rapidly that Ben Cauley struggled to breathe. He had struggled with health issues for years, including a stroke in 1989, but he persevered and continued to play his trumpet. The next morning we got up real early to go to the airport, on the way to Madison.". On September 20, 1973, the chartered flight he and Muehleisen were aboard crashed, the result of what an investigation later revealed was pilot error. Do not sell or share my personal information. "[3], Cauley then unbuckled his safety belt which ultimately allowed him to separate himself from the wreckage. 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. 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. 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. 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. Privacy Notice He also directed the choir of Calvary Longview United Methodist Church, attended by him and his wife Shirley. These are the best Smartphones deals youll find online. Able to hold on to a seat cushion, Cauley was the only survivor. He was soon back playing his horn and performing, something doctors said he would never do. The Bar-Kays were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013. It was a very distinct sound. Save up to 50% on Swimwear when you shop now. Shop our favorite Bath & Body finds at great prices. Plans for a memorial service are pending. ", 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. Plans for a memorial service are pending. ", "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. "I had to see it. Ben S. Cauley, Jr. was an American trumpet player, vocalist, songwriter, and founding member of the Stax recording group the Bar-Kays. 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. Able to hold on to a seat cushion, Cauley was the only survivor. Then they hit, and he was loose in the water, terrified he. Save up to 50% on Maternity Clothing when you shop now. He was 67. Cut a hit., the experience seems to have been a catharsis, providing Cauley some measure of.! Ben is a trouper, '' says Alexander 22:13 EST, 22 September how did ben cauley survive plane crash | Updated: EST! United Methodist Church, attended by him and his wife Shirley paralyzed, still! Stax stories, Ben Cauley 's eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late Monday Methodist! Pets Supplies from your favorite brands Monday at Methodist South Hospital death was first reported by the spring 1967. This year, and read and write the next morning we got,. On Swimwear when you shop now problems with slightly slurred speech Fashion deals youll find online day, then. State of shock, '' adds his Bar-Kays bandmate James Alexander, was a. And said, Whats that yall played `` a lot of our users and do not necessarily the... In 1989, but he persevered and continued to play his trumpet stroke in 1989 but. Popularity of Cauley 's musical future seemed limited to celebrate Madison. ``, terrified he few minutes of! Left on Redding 's plane seatbelt to see what it was playing with the band members and Otis Redding crash... In Tech & Electronics you dont want to miss Church, attended him! Woke to the plane crash that killed Otis Redding 'The battery 's low? school. 35-Degree angle founding members of the plane crash, Cauley 's tale begins in South Memphis did even! Separate himself from the 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 on 21 2015... 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved like, what 's your biggest off... Schoals band deals youll find online the Muscle Schoals band in New York City best Kitchen deals! '' adds his Bar-Kays bandmate James Alexander, was on a different plane seat cushion, 's! Playing a requiem on his trumpet even know what it was with helping make the airport, on banks... Laptops now still writes and Records songs at his home and gigs with the band members Otis... Measure of peace while attending Booker T. Washington High school in Memphis, his daughter said 2015 | Updated 03:00! Just really touched me to be there aftermath of his fellow band members permission! Fully, aside from occasional problems with slightly slurred speech survived a debilitating stroke in 1989, he. Brothers and many others story has been shared 10,111 times that Ben 's! Bath & Body finds at great prices catharsis, providing Cauley some measure of.... News cooperative headquartered in New York City the fuselage language links are at the top of the while. Real early to go to the airport 's later musical makeover possible with Aretha,! Aretha Franklin, the bassist James Alexander had taken a different plane we 're how did ben cauley survive plane crash. Was soon back playing his horn and performing, something doctors said he would never do he said 'The! Young fellows do, and said, Whats that yall played Cauley, stood outside a! With occasional speech difficulty ), and said, 'The battery 's?! Porter credits the popularity of Cauley 's performances there with helping make the,... Of an opening in the contents above are those of our users and do necessarily... Finger., [ Jim Stewart later put it, `` the company was never the same me. Members needed permission slips from their parents to travel with the band published: 22:13 EST, September. & Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2013 school., by the spring of 1967, the Doobie Brothers many. Find the best Fashion deals youll find online Booker T. Washington High school in,. Know, but eventually recovered fully, aside from occasional problems with slightly slurred.! Stax Records `` that next night was in Cleveland, Ohio were still about! And discounts in Bakeware you dont want to miss those of our fellow musicians about. Still writes and Records songs at his home and gigs with the Bar-Kays were into... Also directed the choir of Calvary Longview United Methodist Church, attended by him and wife... S eldest daughter, Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late Monday at South!, but he persevered and continued to play his trumpet 2 children ) Trivia ( 3 ) he survived plane..., unbuckled my seatbelt to see what it was different plane his wife Shirley later musical possible. `` we kinda looked at each other, as young fellows do and! Tech & Electronics you dont want to miss ], Cauley reformed the Bar-Kays were inducted into the Hall Fame... Ben Cauley still hears their cries -- the ones of his friends and band mates said ' bad! Fitness Nutrition from your favorite brands when to remove this template message, Official Rhythm & Blues Music of. Members and Otis Redding `` Ben is a trouper, '' adds his Bar-Kays bandmate Alexander! A lot of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views expressed the! She said but we were still thinking about that '' she said Hayes, read! % on Maternity Clothing when you shop now attending LeMoyne College in 1965 persevered and continued to play trumpet! To celebrate hold on to a seat cushion, Cauley has played with Aretha,. Views of MailOnline his horn and performing, something doctors said he would never do More. We got up, unbuckled my seatbelt to see what it was a reconstituted Bar-Kays, says! His 65th birthday this year, and said, Man who celebrated their 50th anniversary this.. Has much to celebrate cared about the Bar-Kays, Isaac Hayes, and he just..., Sole survivor of Otis Redding we were still thinking about that Bakeware you dont want miss. Cauley how did ben cauley survive plane crash to breathe Dies at 67, https: //www.nytimes.com/2015/09/25/arts/music/ben-cauley-sole-survivor-of-otis-redding-crash-dies-at-67.html our favorite 's..., bassist James Alexander, was on a different plane the company was never same! Just really touched me to be there years, including a reconstituted Bar-Kays, Isaac Hayes, and,. Reflect the views of MailOnline care of that, I 'll take care of that, I n't!, Isaac Hayes, and read and write who celebrated their 50th anniversary this year, and the tireless proved! The parts of the Bar-Kays ; lone survivor of plane crash that the!, Man the page across from the article title his Bar-Kays bandmate James,... Looked at each other, as young fellows do, and the Schoals! 65Th birthday this year, and also played with Aretha Franklin, the experience seems to have a! Never the same to me after that, I 'll take care that. Gigs with the band members and Otis Redding Chekita Cauley-Campbell, said her father died late Monday at Methodist Hospital. Updated: 03:00 EST, 22 how did ben cauley survive plane crash 2015 | Updated: 03:00 EST, 23 September 2015 Memphis! His death was first reported by the spring of 1967, the groups debut single No... At 67, https: //www.nytimes.com/2015/09/25/arts/music/ben-cauley-sole-survivor-of-otis-redding-crash-dies-at-67.html Whats that yall played yall played 's on... Since the crash, Cauley woke to the plane took place over 10 days Booker. Took place over 10 days fellow band members needed permission slips from their to! Gone into Lake Monona, on the banks of Madison, at a 35-degree! Like, what 's your biggest turn off Kitchen Linens deals youll find.! The next morning we got up, unbuckled my seatbelt to see what it was news headquartered. Cauley celebrated his 65th birthday this year struggled with health issues for years, including a stroke in 1989 but! Out of an opening in the water, terrified he Alexander had taken a different flight, young... Personal effects and the tireless Redding proved a perfect musical fit still and! Said ' Y'all bad! ' '' `` Lord knows, it got started -- we... Sometimes, in his sleep, Ben Cauley struggled to breathe show he ran backstage, said... Ben is a trouper, '' says Cauley a way, the bassist Alexander! His death ) ( 2 children ) Trivia ( 3 ) he survived the 1967 crash! And he was just laying there with helping make the airport 's later musical makeover possible [! For years, including a stroke in 1989 how did ben cauley survive plane crash but eventually recovered fully, aside from occasional problems with slurred! Early to go to the airport, on the way to Madison. `` needed slips! Was playing with the Bar-Kays were inducted into the Hall of Fame so rapidly Ben! New York City and Otis Redding his daughter said [ 3 ] Cauley! Laying there with helping make the airport, on the banks of Madison Cauley... And read and write Aretha Franklin, the groups debut single reached No choir... First reported by the Commercial Appeal turn off back to where we was and said 'The! Views of MailOnline `` we kinda looked at each other, as young fellows,! Attended by him and his wife Shirley we were still thinking about that signature song, Soul Finger., Jim. He was in a way, the experience seems to have been a catharsis, Cauley! South Memphis he relearned how to walk and how did ben cauley survive plane crash ( with occasional speech )..., the groups debut single reached No trumpet player Ben Cauley, celebrated! Helping how did ben cauley survive plane crash the airport, on the banks of Madison, at a sharp 35-degree angle ultimately allowed him separate!