The Cars

The Cars

The Cars formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1976. Fronted by singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, bassist and vocalist Benjamin Orr, lead guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes, and drummer David Robinson. Combining elements of new wave, rock, and pop, The Cars quickly became one of the most influential and successful bands during this time. Their music was characterized by catchy hooks, sleek production, and a blend of synthesizers and guitar-driven rock.

The band released their self-titled debut album, The Cars, in 1978, which became an instant success, featuring hit songs such as “Just What I Needed,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” and “Good Times Roll.” Produced by Roy Thomas Baker, the album showcased the band’s polished yet edgy sound, which resonated with both rock and pop audiences. Their follow-up albums, including Candy-O (1979) and Panorama (1980), continued their success, further cementing their reputation as pioneers of the new wave movement.

The Cars reached the height of their popularity with Heartbeat City in 1984, an album that produced several major hits, including “Drive,” “You Might Think,” and “Magic.” The album’s innovative music videos, particularly for “You Might Think,” which won the first-ever MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year. During this time The Cars became one of the biggest bands in the world, selling millions of albums and filling arenas with their energetic live performances.

After the release of Door to Door in 1987, the band went on hiatus during which time Ric Ocasek and the other members pursued solo projects. In 2011, the surviving members reunited for the album Move Like This, which received critical acclaim and marked a return to their signature sound.

The Cars’ legacy was officially recognized when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their music continues to influence new generations of artists, and their blend of rock, new wave, and pop remains a staple of classic rock radio. With timeless hits and a unique style, The Cars remain one of the most iconic bands of their era, remembered for their contributions to both rock music and the evolution of music video culture.