​I had gotten an invite from Joe to join a Facebook Group about an upcoming book on the late Ben Orr. Knowing Ben from the 80's until his death, I jumped at the chance.... Joe asked me to interview him about the book. So, I hope you enjoy the interview and will check out the book in November. ​

Punk Globe: ​ Congratulations on the upcoming book on Ben Orr. How did you come about writing a book about Ben? Were you friends?

Joe: ​Thanks so much for this opportunity, Ginger. I have 20 years of experience as a published writer, but this is my first book. All my previous writing revolved around newspapers and magazines. Choosing to write about Ben Orr actually happened by chance, for an Orr/Cars fan had simply contacted me “out of the blue.” They had seen my social media profile stating I was a music journalist from Boston (The Cars home base), that I loved rock music and listed The Cars as a favorite. Therefore, she thought I was a good candidate and reached out to me about the idea of writing a biography specifically about Ben.

I wasn’t sure of the idea at first, but after researching Ben’s life, I found out that while growing up in Cleveland, he was a budding musician and a local “rock star” at 16, with his group, the Grasshoppers, appearing as a “house band” on the nationally syndicated television music show Upbeat. That is what hooked me, the fact that here was this whole other cool element to his early life that I had no idea about, and a few other Cars’ fans I asked didn’t know either.

Punk Globe: ​How long of a process has this book taken?

Joe: ​Believe it or not, this book was 11 years in the making. Writing is my passion, but I also have another full-time job and a family, so I was always working on the book in my “spare time.” Because Ben is no longer with us (he passed away in 2000), I had to rely on people who knew him to be his voice. I have interviewed over 100 people who knew Ben personally.

Punk Globe: ​ How many pages. what size and do you plan on having a lot photos?

Joe: ​The book will be somewhere between 250-300 pages and yes, there will be photos spanning Ben’s entire life. In fact, I have collected over 500 photos along the way, many of which are from interviewee’s personal collections and never before published or seen by the general public. We’re talkin’ many photos right out of folks’ personal photo albums!

Punk Globe: ​ Did you have to hire an agent to shop the book for you?

Joe: ​Even though this is my first book, I did not hire an agent but instead, a “self-publishing consultant” to help me with the process of reaching out to potential publishers. If I could not get a traditional publisher to bite my plan was to self-publish the book, but fortunately about six weeks into the searching process Rowman & Littlefield Publishers showed interest and we were able to strike a deal.

Punk Globe: ​ Will you include his early life in Cleveland and his early bands?

Joe: ​Yes, I talk about Ben’s early life in the book and how from a young age (he started as a drummer at age 11), he knew that he wanted to be a professional musician. I also talk about all his early bands, leading right up to first meeting Ric Ocasek.

Punk Globe: ​Who were you able to interview for the book?

Joe: ​As mentioned, I interviewed over 100 people who knew Orr personally. From family, childhood friends, and members of his early bands, to record executives, music journalist and rock photographers, studio engineers and everyone in between!

Punk Globe: ​ I recently saw a photo of Ben' s son. Were you able to speak with him?

Joe: ​I did speak to Orr’s son, Ben (not a Jr.), but he is a pretty private guy and not quoted in the book. However, I will say that he is appreciative of my efforts to preserve his father’s legacy.

Punk Globe: ​ How has your reception as an author been from people you have interviewed?

Joe: ​This is an especially good question because it played a big part in why the book took over a decade to complete. Orr was a very private man, and those who were close to him, were very protective of his privacy. In many cases, it took me a long time (sometimes years) to gain the trust of people before they would open up to me and even then, many would make me show them exactly what I was adding to the manuscript from them before they would sign off on it. It was a very long and involved process.

Punk Globe: I had a fling with Ben in the 80's which emerged into a long time friendship....​ He was a very kind caring guy... Were you able to correspond with Ric and the other members of The Cars?

Joe: ​I was able to speak to other members of The Cars, but you’ll have to check out the book to find out more about that... an author has to keep some secrets!

Punk Globe: ​ Do you have any Internet addresses that you would like to share with the readers?

Joe: ​I am currently working on an official “book website” with the publisher, but the book can be pre-ordered at the Rowman & Littlefield website (http://rowman.com). My public relations assistant, Donna Neale, and I have also created an “Orr Book Page” (https://www.facebook.com/BenOrrBook/) which features information, announcements, photos and updates about the book. You can also follow us on Twitter (@benorrbook). For any other inquiries, Donna and I can be reached at benorrbook@gmail.com.

Punk Globe: ​ Do you have release date for the book?

Joe: ​The book is due in November, just in time for the holiday season!

Punk Globe: ​What is on the horizon for you Joe?

Joe: ​I currently publish a music/arts-related website called Standing Room Only (http://www.standing-room-only.info/) which keeps me quite busy, however, I do have a “short list” of potential ideas for my second book. No decisions have been made yet, but I do know it will be music-related.

Punk Globe: ​ Any last words for Punk Globe readers?

Joe:I want the readers to know that although The Cars are prominent throughout the book, this is not a “Cars book,” but rather, a biography about the life of an adventurous, loyal, incredibly talented, hard-working musician who had but one goal since he was 11 years old, to be a professional musician in a national band.

Ben and Ric formed a partnership early on but as talented as they were, the duo endured many ups and downs and traveled many miles in pursuit of a record deal, proving that hard work and determination can carry you a long way towards fulfilling one’s dream. That journey recently culminated with The Cars’ induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (which I attended), ironically, in Orr’s hometown of Cleveland. The native-son coming home.