R.I.P. Ben Cauley.

For those that don't know, Cauley was the sole survivor of the plane crash that took the lives of the Bar-Kays and Otis Redding in 1967. He kept the group's spirit alive when he re-formed the Bar-Kays in the mid-70s. They would put out some of the best dance/disco/club jams in the coming years, though they would not have much mainstream success. Their work would be sampled on rap/hiphop hits (such as Coolio's 'County Line'). Check out their stuff on Youtube and streaming services, and you'll be blown away.

I regretfully missed out on seeing Ben Cauley play live last year when he made a surprise visit at Bonnaroo, when he played inside the movie tent with his horn section band. It is said he still 'had the funky vibe' up until his death.

Do I think the Bar-Kays are due for an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? YES! No reason why they shouldn't be in there. I could name several reasons.

Posted by Jason Voigt on Wednesday, 09/30/2015 @ 11:55am

You guys are missing a lot of great talent from the 60s and 70s they should've been inducted years ago when you have five or six platinum selling records that says it all

Posted by Brian Glasper on Wednesday, 09/16/2020 @ 08:02am

I'm a bit confused about the process. I grew up on Earth, Wind, and Fire. I only knew of the song Holy Ghost from Sat. morning skating. The best song I ever had the pleasure of skating to. I thought artist only just started to sample hits, but if there's a jazz, soul, funk group's that's been left out in the cold when it comes to induction into the Hall of Fame then I'm missing it. 2026 is a long time to wait.

Posted by cedric atkins on Friday, 05/7/2021 @ 02:17am

The Barkays deserves to be in the hall of fame. They were a powerful and talented group of young men. Their music is amazing and it's time to give them their DUE. That Memphis sound is like no other. Larry, Winston, James, and so many others has earned the right to become legends in the Hall of fame.

Posted by Maple Rice on Monday, 06/7/2021 @ 20:29pm

Essential Song: "Soul Finger" (1967)

Posted by Bookhouse on Thursday, 02/23/2023 @ 07:52am

Why they are not inducted as musicial excellence or sidemen? Pioneering funk band and decent backing group.

Definitely yes from me.

Posted by Kevi on Saturday, 04/6/2024 @ 13:36pm

The Bar-Kays set the standard of musical FUNK!! THEY SHOULD BE number one contender in the Rock and Roll HALL OF FAME!!!

Posted by Pamela McDaniel on Thursday, 09/12/2024 @ 17:41pm