Singer/guitarist and founding member of the band Orleans, Larry Hoppen died Tuesday at the age of 61.  The announcement was made by his wife Patricia on Hoppen’s Facebook page, saying “For those who don’t already know, Larry passed away yesterday… For his fans, I am deeply sorry for YOUR loss. I know he will be missed.”

Larry Hoppen founded Orleans along with John Hall and in Woodstock, NY in 1972.  They had massive hits with their songs “Still the One” and “Dance With Me”.  Still performing with Orleans, Hoppen was scheduled to perform this Friday, July 27th in a concert sponsored by morning TV’s “Fox and Friends”.

Larry was involved in a number of HIV and anti-hunger charities, including the Queens Gallery soup kitchen near Woodstock. He is survived by his wife Patricia and their two daughters. The cause of death remains undisclosed.