Larry Hoppen was a talented musician who co-founded the pop-rock group Orleans in 1972. He sang lead vocals on some of the band’s biggest hits, such as “Still the One”, “Dance with Me” and “Love Takes Time”. He also released two solo albums and was involved in various musical projects throughout his career. However, behind his success and fame, he struggled with depression and eventually took his own life in 2012. What led him to this tragic decision and how did his family and fans cope with his loss? This article will explore the cause of death of Larry Hoppen and the legacy he left behind.
Early Life and Career
Larry Hoppen was born on January 12, 1951, in Long Island, New York. He came from a musical family and learned to play various instruments, such as piano, guitar, bass, trumpet and melodica. He started performing professionally at the age of 12 and joined several bands in his teens. He met John Hall, a guitarist and songwriter, in 1971 and they formed Orleans in Woodstock, New York, along with drummer Wells Kelly. The trio was later joined by Larry’s younger brother Lance on bass and Jerry Marotta on drums. Orleans was influenced by folk, rock, soul and jazz music and developed a distinctive sound that blended vocal harmonies and catchy melodies. They were once called “the best unrecorded band in America” by Rolling Stone magazine, according to Wikipedia.
Orleans released their debut album in 1973 and gained popularity with their second album, Let There Be Music, in 1975. The album featured the hit single “Dance with Me”, which reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The band’s breakthrough came with their fourth album, Walking and Dreaming, in 1976, which contained the smash hit “Still the One”. The song, written by John Hall and his then-wife Johanna, was a celebration of their marriage and became a classic love anthem. It peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was later used as the theme song for the ABC network. Larry Hoppen sang lead vocals on both “Dance with Me” and “Still the One”, showcasing his uplifting and soulful voice.
Personal Struggles and Suicide
Despite their commercial success, Orleans faced some challenges and changes in their lineup. John Hall left the band in 1977 to pursue a solo career and later entered politics. Wells Kelly died of a drug overdose in 1984. Larry Hoppen continued to lead the band with his brother Lance and other members, releasing more albums and touring extensively. He also embarked on a solo career, releasing HandMade in 1997 and Looking for the Light in 2005. The latter album was the flagship fundraising vehicle for his nonprofit organization, Sunshine for HIV Kids, which aimed to provide support and education for children affected by HIV/AIDS, according to Rolling Stone.
However, behind his musical achievements, Larry Hoppen suffered from depression for most of his life. He had a history of substance abuse and attempted suicide several times, according to IMDb. He was married three times and had four children. His third wife, Patricia, was also his manager and helped him cope with his mental health issues. She wrote on his official Facebook page that he was “a gentle, loving, kind, funny, brilliant, talented, generous, thoughtful, caring, compassionate, amazing human being” who was “tormented by a disease that many people do not understand and that is often stigmatized and judged harshly”, according to The Post-Star.
On July 24, 2012, Larry Hoppen ended his life at the age of 61. The cause of death was later revealed as suicide, according to a eulogy posted on Beth Schafer’s Facebook page. He was found dead in his home in Orlando, Florida, by his wife, who was away on a business trip. He left behind a note that expressed his love for his family and his apologies for his actions. He also requested that his organs be donated to save other lives, according to The Express-Times.
Legacy and Tribute
Larry Hoppen’s death shocked and saddened his family, friends, fans and fellow musicians. He was remembered as a talented and passionate artist who touched many lives with his music and his kindness. His brother Lance wrote on the band’s website that Larry was “the voice of Orleans, the face of Orleans, the heart and soul of Orleans” and that he was “irreplaceable”. He also thanked the fans for their support and prayers, according to Billboard.
Orleans canceled their scheduled tour dates following Larry’s death and later resumed performing with new members. They also released a tribute album, No More Than You Can Handle: A Tribute to Larry Hoppen, in 2013, featuring songs written or sung by Larry, as well as covers by other artists. The album’s title was inspired by a phrase that Larry often used to encourage himself and others, according to the band’s website.
Larry Hoppen’s music lives on in the hearts and minds of his fans and admirers. His songs have been covered by many artists, such as Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor and Aaron Neville. His voice has been heard on radio, TV, movies and commercials. His legacy has been honored by various awards and recognitions, such as the induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2014, according to Newsday. He is also survived by his children, who have followed his footsteps and pursued their own musical careers, according to The Post-Star.
Larry Hoppen was a remarkable musician who left a lasting mark on the world with his music and his spirit. He also battled with depression and ultimately succumbed to it. His story is a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support, as well as the value of life and love. He once said in an interview, “Music is the universal language. It transcends all boundaries, all cultures, all languages. It speaks to the heart and soul of every human being”, according to IMDb. His music will continue to speak to us and inspire us, as we remember him and celebrate his life.
