Orleans (band) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Orleans
Orleans singing the national anthem at Fenway Park in Boston in July 2006.
Background information
Origin	Woodstock, New York, U.S.
Genres	Pop rock, soft rock
Years active	1972–present
Labels	ABC Dunhill, Asylum, Infinity, MCA, Radio, Spectra, Fuel, Sunset Blvd.
Members	Lance Hoppen Tom Lane Lane Hoppen Brady Spencer "Fly" Amero
Past members	John Hall Larry Hoppen Wells Kelly Jerry Marotta Bob Leinbach R.A. Martin Charlie Shew Michael Mugrage Nick Parker Peter O'Brien Paul Branin Charlie Morgan Daniel "Chip" Martin

Orleans is an American pop rock band. It was formed in 1972 in Woodstock, New York. The original members were John Hall, Larry Hoppen, and Wells Kelly.

Later in 1972, Larry's younger brother, Lance Hoppen, joined as the bassist. Drummer Jerry Marotta joined in 1976. The band is famous for its hit songs. These include "Dance with Me" (a top 10 hit in 1975) and "Still the One" (a top 5 hit in 1976). Another popular song was "Love Takes Time" (a top 15 hit in 1979). The band's name comes from the music they played, which was inspired by artists from Louisiana.

The Band's Journey Through the Years

Starting the Band in the 1970s

Drummer Wells Kelly met John Hall in the late 1960s. John Hall was a busy musician who played for many different artists. Wells and John played together in a group called Thunderfrog. John Hall later released his first solo album in 1970.

In 1969, Wells joined the first version of King Harvest. This group later had a hit song called "Dancing in the Moonlight" in 1973. Wells' brother, Sherman Kelly, wrote this song.

John Hall and his wife, Johanna, became well-known because their song "Half Moon" was on Janis Joplin's album Pearl. John Hall had also toured with famous musicians like Taj Mahal. He decided to move to Woodstock, New York, to be closer to the music scene there.

Larry Hoppen grew up on Long Island. He moved to Ithaca, New York, for college. Larry was a founding member of a band called Boffalongo. Wells Kelly joined Boffalongo later.

After touring Europe, John Hall decided to start his own band in Woodstock. He called Wells Kelly in December 1971 and asked him to join. Wells agreed, but he wanted to play piano.

The first group included John Hall on guitar and Wells Kelly on electric piano. When other members left, Wells suggested Larry Hoppen. Larry joined, and the new group was named "Orleans" in January 1972. For months, they played as a trio.

Larry's 18-year-old brother, Lance Hoppen, joined Orleans in late 1972. He played bass, which allowed Larry to play more guitar and keyboards.

Orleans became popular by playing in clubs and colleges in the Northeastern United States. They met other rising stars like Bonnie Raitt and Hall & Oates. Rolling Stone magazine even called Orleans "the best unrecorded band in America."

They signed a contract with ABC Dunhill Records. Their first album, Orleans, was released in 1973. Their second album, Orleans II, was released in Europe in 1974. However, ABC Records did not release it in the US at first. They thought it didn't have any hit songs. This album actually had early versions of "Let There Be Music" and "Dance With Me."

After their later success, Orleans II was finally released in America in 1978. It was combined with their first album as a double LP called Before the Dance.

The band then signed with Asylum Records. Their song "Let There Be Music" became their first song to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1975.

Their next song, "Dance With Me," became a huge hit, reaching No. 6 on the pop charts. This made Orleans a well-known pop music band. While recording their next album, Waking and Dreaming, in 1976, Jerry Marotta joined as a second drummer. This allowed Wells Kelly to focus more on singing and playing keyboards.

"Still the One" was released in July 1976 and became another big hit, reaching No. 5. The band went on a long tour across the country. In 1977, this song was chosen as the theme song for the ABC television network. It has been used in many commercials and movie soundtracks since then.

Changes in the Band (Late 1970s and 1980s)

After "Still the One," the band faced some challenges. Guitarist and songwriter John Hall decided to leave the band in June 1977 to start a solo career. Jerry Marotta also left to join Hall & Oates.

The Hoppen brothers (Larry and Lance) and Wells Kelly decided to continue Orleans. They brought in new members: Robert Martin (vocals, keyboards, sax) and Bob Leinbach (vocals, keyboards, trombone). This new lineup signed with Infinity Records. Their album Forever (1979) produced the hit song "Love Takes Time," which reached No. 11.

In 1980, Infinity Records went out of business. MCA Records took over, but they did not promote Orleans' next album, also called Orleans. This album featured only the Hoppens and Wells Kelly as Orleans. However, past members, including John Hall, made guest appearances.

After this album, Dennis "Fly" Amero joined on guitars and vocals. Lane Hoppen, Larry and Lance's younger brother, joined on keyboards. Drummer Charlie Shew also joined. Charlie later replaced Wells Kelly when Wells moved to New York City in 1981.

Orleans then signed with Radio Records. They recorded their album One of a Kind in 1982. This album had a more "early 80s style" pop sound. Michael Mugrage replaced "Fly" Amero on guitar. Jerry Marotta briefly returned to play on the album, but Nicholas Parker became the drummer after its release. However, Radio Records also went out of business.

Without a record label, Orleans played in smaller clubs in the Northeast. Larry and Lance also formed a side group called Mood Ring for fun.

In 1984, while on tour in Bermuda, Larry lost his voice and had to take time off. At this point, Larry and Lance thought Orleans might be over.

Sadly, Wells Kelly passed away in October 1984 while on tour in England. His death brought John Hall and the Hoppen brothers back together. John and Larry decided to continue with Orleans.

In 1985, the reunited lineup (John Hall, Larry Hoppen, Lance Hoppen, and Bob Leinbach) recorded the album Grown Up Children. This album featured famous guest musicians.

By late 1987, the band realized that Nashville was great for songwriting but not as good for Orleans as a band. They moved their activities back to Woodstock, New York. In 1989, Lance joined another band for a while, so Jim Curtin filled in on bass for Orleans. Peter O'Brien became the new drummer.

The 1990s and Beyond

Bassist and vocalist Lance Hoppen

In 1990, Orleans recorded a live album in Woodstock for their fans in Japan. This album, Orleans Live, was released in Japan in 1991. The band then traveled to Japan to perform.

In 1993, a single CD version, Orleans Live: Volume 1, was released. It was the first release on the band's own Major Records label.

Orleans recorded a new album called Analog Men for a Japanese label in 1994. They also played at Woodstock 94, a big music festival. Bob Leinbach rejoined the group for this show and made guest appearances throughout the 1990s.

In 1995, they toured as an acoustic trio (John, Larry, and Lance). A highlight was opening for famous bands like Fleetwood Mac and REO Speedwagon.

Another new album, Ride, was released in 1996. The song "I Am on Your Side" started to become popular, but the record label had problems and closed down. Orleans continued for a while but took another break in late 1997.

Orleans in March 2017

In the early 2000s, the band members worked on different projects. In 2001, nearly four years after their last show, Orleans (John Hall, Larry, Lance, Peter O'Brien, and Bob Leinbach) reunited for a concert. The band decided to stay together and keep performing. Charlie Morgan became the drummer in 2003, and Lane Hoppen rejoined on keyboards.

In 2005, Orleans released a studio album called Dancin' in the Moonlight. Dennis "Fly" Amero returned to replace John Hall on guitar. John Hall began a campaign for Congress in 2006.

In 2007, Orleans released a live DVD/CD, We're Still Havin' Fun. John Hall was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2006. He served for four years.

Orleans continued to write, record, and perform.

Orleans in the 2010s

The group performing at Levitt SteelStacks in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on May 23, 2015

On July 24, 2012, founding band member Larry Hoppen sadly passed away. The band was very sad, but Lance announced they would finish their planned shows. John Hall returned to the live lineup, and other former members joined for various shows.

In September 2012, a memorial gathering was held for Larry in Woodstock. Bob Leinbach sang "Forever," a song he wrote with Larry about friendship.

Orleans continued performing. In 2013, they were part of the "Sail Rock Tour," playing their own hits and backing other artists. The DVD The Last Band Standing and a compilation CD, No More Than You Can Handle: A 40 Year Musical Journey, were released. The title song was the last one Larry helped write and perform.

Orleans continued to tour the US. Charlie Morgan left in 2018, and Brady Spencer became the new drummer.

In July 2019, John Hall announced he was stepping back from performing. Daniel "Chip" Martin joined Orleans on guitar and vocals. However, John's break was temporary. He was about to return to touring in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic stopped everything.

Recent Years (2020s)

In 2020, the band released a video performance of "No More Than You Can Handle." They did this from their homes to remember Larry Hoppen and help those facing tough times.

In the summer of 2021, Orleans started performing in person again. Tom Lane joined as vocalist and guitarist, taking the place of "Fly" Amero.

In March 2022, the band toured as a quartet. John Hall retired from touring again. Soon after, "Fly" Amero rejoined, making them a quintet once more. Today, Lance Hoppen is the only original member still active in the band.

Band Members

Current

Bold means they were part of the "classic lineup."

• Lance Hoppen – bass, singing (1972–1989, 1990, 1991, 1994–1997, 2001–present)
• Lane Hoppen – keyboards, singing (1980–1984, 2003–present)
• Dennis "Fly" Amero – singing, guitar (1980–1982, 2006–2021, 2022–present)
• Brady Spencer – drums, singing (2018–present)
• Tom Lane – singing, guitar (2021–present)

Former

• John Hall – guitar, mandolin, keyboards, singing (1972–1977, 1985–1997, 2001–2006, 2012–2019, 2020–2022)
• Larry Hoppen – keyboards, guitar, bass, trumpet, melodica, singing (1972–1997, 2001–2012; his death)
• Wells Kelly – drums, keyboards, singing (1972–1981, died 1984)
• Jerry Marotta – drums (1976–1977, 1982)
• Bob Leinbach – keyboards, trombone, singing (1977–1980, 1985–1987, 1990, 1991, 1994, 2001–2003)
• Robert Martin – keyboards, sax, horns, singing (1977–1980)
• Charlie Shew – drums, singing (1981–1982)
• Nicholas Parker – drums (1982–1984)
• Michael Mugrage – guitar, singing (1982–1984)
• Glen Worf – bass (1985–1987)
• Paul Cook – drums (1985–1986)
• Tommy Wells – drums (1986–1987)
• Peter O'Brien – drums (1988–1997, 2001–2003)
• Charlie Morgan – drums (2003–2018)
• Jim Curtin – bass, singing (1989–1994)
• Paul Branin – saxophone, guitar (1990, 1991)
• Chip Martin – guitar, singing (2019–2020)

Band Member Timeline

Orleans Music: Albums and Songs

Studio Albums

Live Albums

• Live (1991)
• Live Volume 2 (1993)
• Still the One, Live (2002)
• We're Still Havin' Fun (2007)

Music Collections

• The ABC Collection (1976)
• Before the Dance (1978)
• Love Takes Time (1986)
• Dance with Me – The Best of Orleans (1997)
• No More Than You Can Handle: A 40 Year Musical Journey (2013)
• Playlist: The Very Best of Orleans (2017)
• No More Than You Can Handle: A 46-Year Journey (2018)
• Love Takes Time: 10 Authorized Hits by Orleans (2019)
• Work at Home with Orleans (2020)

Popular Songs on the Charts