RIP Larry Hoppen of Orleans

Larry Hoppen, a founding member of the band Orleans, has passed away at the age of 61. Hoppen died on Tuesday in Florida. The cause of death is still under investigation.

The following was posted on Hoppen's official site:

The 'Voice'

of Orleans

and their hits

"Dance with Me" and

"Still the One"

To Larry's many fans around the globe, we are sad to inform you that he passed away on July 24, 2012. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Larry possessed immense talents, a deep sense of family and community and maintained a commitment to many charitable endeavors.

His life is proof that we can -- and will -- make a difference in the world.

RIP, Brother Larry.

The family released the following on his Facebook page:

Larry Hoppen, one of the founding members of the band Orleans, passed away on July 24th, 2012. Born on Long Island, New York, Hoppen was 61 years old.

Between 1969 and 1971, his Ithaca, NY- based band, Boffalongo, 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 Orleanswhich he did in early 1972. Larry's younger brother, Lance, joined the band 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".

Larry 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, the late great Chet Atkins, the late great Artie Traum, John Sebastian, Bela Fleck, Felix Cavaliere, Edgar Winter, Robbie Dupree, Spencer Davis, Rick Derringer, Mark Farner, John Ford Coley, Jimi Jamison, John Cafferty and many more notable artists.

Larry released 2 solo albums: "HandMade" and "Looking for the Light", the latter being a flagship fundraising vehicle for his 501(c)3 nonprofit Sunshine for HIV Kids.

Larry was still touring with Orleans, including brother Lance and youngest brother Lane, and was scheduled to appear on Fox TV's nationwide "Fox & Friends' All-American Concert Series" show this coming Friday, July 27th.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Smith Hoppen and his daughters, Claire and Maeve, as well as his bothers, Lance and Lane and his sister, Lynda.

The Family asks that since Larry passion was feeding hungry people, his friends and fans can honor his memory by making a contribution to their local food bank in his name.

Patricia Smith Hoppen and her daughters ask the media to please respect their privacy at this difficult time.

Hoppen's brother Lance released a short statement, saying "Words cannot express the depths of my sorrow."

His wife, Patricia, also issued a statement along with attorney George Gilbert and brother Lance:

The Family asks that since Larry passion was feeding hungry people, his friends and fans can honor his memory by making a contribution to their local food bank in his name.

via vintagevinylnews.com