richard theodore otcasek (march 23, 1944 – september 15, 2019), known as ric ocasek (), was an american singer-songwriter, musician, record producer and painter] he was best known as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and primary lyricist for the rock band the cars. his best known songs were "just what i needed", "my best friend's girl", "you might think" and "drive", the first and latter on which bandmate ben orr sang lead vocals. ocasek was born in baltimore, maryland and raised in cleveland, ohio.