Palm Beach Pops Founder Bob Lappin Dies
W. Robert Lappin, founder, conductor and music director of the Palm Beach Pops, died on Monday, August 19 at the age of 78. He greatly contributed to South Florida’s cultural life for more than two decades, enriching lives with concerts of the Great American Songbook and bringing internationally known talent to local stages.
Bob Lappin was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised in Middletown, Connecticut, the only child of the late Emma and Al Lappin. A child prodigy on the piano, as a young adult he toured with his trio for Music Corporation of America. Later, as a successful entrepreneur he owned and operated Pepsi bottling companies in New England for more than 20 years, while concurrently owning and operating leading radio stations, including WMAS AM/FM in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was a member of YPO, Young President’s Organization, which greatly enriched his life.
Lappin eventually sold his businesses and returned to his life’s passion, music. With the support and encouragement of fellow Palm Beach residents, he founded the Palm Beach Pops in 1991. In December of 1992, the Palm Beach Pops performed their first concert at the Kravis Center to benefit the YWCA Harmony House. Bob also guest conducted with many orchestras across the country and Canada including Pittsburgh, San Diego, Seattle, Calgary and Edmonton, as well as for James Taylor at his orchestral Kravis Center concert. In 2006, he conducted and performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops.
Lappin brought world-renowned vocalists to perform with the Pops including Mel Torme, Lena Horne, Jack Jones, Vic Damone, Judy Collins, Kenny Rogers and Clint Holmes. In addition to conducting, Bob masterfully soloed on piano at every concert.
He was a passionate supporter of the arts and the community. In 2001, when the Boca Pops orchestra closed its doors without notice, Bob Lappin and Palm Beach Pops’ Board of Directors welcomed more than 3,000 Boca Pops subscribers by honoring their season tickets free of charge. The Palm Beach Pops performed concerts to benefit local not-for-profit organizations and touched the lives of nearly 90,000 underserved elementary school children through its Music and You Program.
When the orchestra’s season ended each year, Lappin would return to his native New England to enjoy his family and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Lappin is survived by his children, Lawrence, James, Lisa and Jonathan, eight grandchildren, cousin Ina Fine, and his beloved fiancée Gloria Puchon Briggs. The family will hold a private service and announce a public memorial service at a later date.
