Died On This Date (July 24, 2012) Larry Hoppen / Co-Founder Of Orleans
themusicsover Larry Hoppen
1951 – July 24, 2012
Larry Hoppen was the founding guitarist and singer for Orleans, a popular soft rock band that formed in Woodstock, New York in 1972. The band is best remembered for their ’70s pop hits, “Still the One” and “Dance With Me.” As early as 1977, “Still the One” has been played on numerous television shows and films. Throughout their early years, Orleans were a popular opening act for the likes of Jackson Browne, Little Feat and Melissa Manchester. Hoppen was beloved by fans for his beautiful tenor voice, and was the only original member to stay with the group until his passing. Their last album with him was 2008’s Obscurities. Hoppen released two solo albums as well, HandMade and Looking For The Light. Larry Hoppen was 61 when he passed away on July 24, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released.
What You Should Own
Ramona Scott, known professionally as Ms. Melodie, was a rapper and MC who was part of her one-time husband, KRS-One’ s group, Boogie Down Productions. She remained with the outfit until their divorce in 1992. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Scott released her first 12″ record, “Hype According To Ms. Melodie” in 1988. She followed that up with her one and only album, the mostly KRS-One produced, Diva in 1989. The album featured the hits, “Live On Stage” and “Wake Up, Wake Up,” which cracked the top 20 of Billboard’s Rap Singles Chart. Both received significant video airplay on MTV and other outlets. On July 18, 2012, it was announced that Ramona Scott passed away earlier that day. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Danny American was the bassist for up-and-coming Arizona punk band, West End Crooks. Formed on the west side of Phoenix, the band was reportedly working on new material at the time of American’s passing. American was a well-liked member of the local music scene and was also in his third year at the Phoenix College of Law where he excelled in his classes. He was the recipient of two legal scholarships. Danny American was 32 when he died unexpectedly in his sleep. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Kitty Wells was actually one of a very few country music stars who were actually born in Music City. Wells launched her music career when she was around 17, at first singing on a local radio station with her sisters as the Deason Sisters. At 18, she married 
