Larry Hoppen


Larry Lewis Hoppen was a co-founder, vocalist and guitarist/keyboardist of the pop-rock group Orleans. Orleans was formed in Woodstock, New York in January 1972 by Hoppen, vocalist/guitarist/songwriter John Hall, and drummer/percussionist Wells Kelly. In October 1972, Hoppen's younger brother Lance joined the group on bass guitar. Larry sang lead on Orleans' three biggest hits, "Still the One," "Dance with Me" and "Love Takes Time."
Hoppen died of undisclosed causes on July 24, 2012. The cause of death was later revealed as suicide, according to a eulogy posted on Beth Schafer's Facebook page. The brothers had been scheduled to perform in a concert sponsored by morning TV's Fox & Friends on July 27. It was subsequently announced that the group's scheduled tour dates would be cancelled. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and his daughters Claire and Maeve.