Larry Hoppen, one of the founding members of the band
Orleans, passed away on July 24, 2012. Born in Long Island, NY, Hoppen was 61
years old.
Between 1969 and 1971, his Ithaca, NY – based band,
Buffalongo, made two LPs for United Artists. The second included the original
recording of “Dancin’ in the Moonlight,” later a hit by friends King Harvest.
Soon after Boffalongo disbanded in late 1971, Larry got a call from (former US
Congressman, D-NY, 19) John Hall, inviting him to come to Woodstock, NY to join
with the late Wells Kelly and John to form Orleans which he did in early 1972.
Larry’s younger brother, Lance, joined the band in the following fall. Tens of
millions know Larry’s uplifting tenor from the Orleans hits “Still The One,” “Dance
With Me” and “Love Takes Time.”
Hoppen also performed and/or recorded with Jackson Browne,
Bonnie Raitt, Livingston Taylor, Lulu, Graham Parker, Blues Traveler, Ricky
Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Michael Franks, Levon Helm, the late great Michael
Brecker, Chet Atkins, Artie Traum, John Sebastian, Bela Fleck, Felix Cavaliere,
Edgar Winter, Robbie Dupree, Spencer Davis, Rick Derringer, Mark Farner, John
Ford Coley and many more notable artists.
Larry released 3 solo albums: “Handmade, ““Looking For The
Light,” and most recently “One of the Lucky Ones.” Larry was still touring with
Orleans, including brother Lance and youngest brother Lane. Orleans was
scheduled to appear on Fox TV’s nationwide “Fox & Friends’ All American
Concert Series” show on Friday July 27th.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Smith Hoppen and his
daughters, Claire and Maeve, as well as his brothers, Lance and Lane and his
sister, Lynda. The family asks that since Larry’s passion was feeding the
hungry, his friends and fans can honor his memory by making a contribution to
their local food bank in his name. Spectra Records is saddened by the recent
loss of our dear friend Larry Hoppen. Larry was a great talent and has been a
fantastic addition to the Spectra Records family. He will be truly missed. Our
deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.
For more information, please contact:
info@spectrarecords.com
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