(March 25, 2016) Last September we said a sad goodbye to Ben Cauley, co-founder of the legendary Bar-Kays and sole survivor of the tragic 1967 plane crash that killed his bandmates and soul legend Otis Redding (bassist James Alexander missed the flight altogether). Trumpeter and singer Cauley, then 19 years old, blacked out during the crash and woke up to find himself in the cold water, but unable to help his dying bandmates. He went on to form a new version of the group before leaving in 1971.
(March 25, 2016) Last September we said a sad goodbye to Ben Cauley, co-founder of the legendary Bar-Kays and sole survivor of the tragic 1967 plane crash that killed his bandmates and soul legend Otis Redding (bassist James Alexander missed the flight altogether). Trumpeter and singer Cauley, then 19 years old, blacked out during the crash and woke up to find himself in the cold water, but unable to help his dying bandmates. He went on to form a new version of the group before leaving in 1971.
Though Cauley was slowed down by a 1989 stroke, he continued to perform around his hometown of Memphis. He befriended young singer and songwriter Crockett Hall and they talked about working together. Unfortunately, they were only able to finish recording one song together before Cauley’s death.
Crockett Hall is now releasing that song, and all proceeds from its sale will go to The Soulsville Foundation, which brings education and the opportunity to learn music instruments to middle and high school student.
Check out Crockett Hall and the late Ben Cauley, along with Stax saxman Tommy Lee Williams, on “I’ll Be True.” It is our newest SoulTracks First Listen.
Crockett Hall feat. Ben Cauley
and Tommy Lee Williams
“I'll Be True”