With
humble beginnings as rural farm-boys,
The Hoppers (originally known as the
Hopper Brothers and Connie) were formed
in 1957 by founding member and owner,
Claude Hopper. The group, green in
experience, consisted of Claude, his
four brothers Will, Steve, Paul and
Monroe, and his future wife, Connie.
Over the years, the Hopper Brothers and
Connie welcomed and then parted with
musicians and singers who have gone on
to their acclaimed service in Christian
Music. Connie and Claude’s two sons,
Dean and Michael, eventually joined the
group full-time as lead vocalist and
drummer.
In 1981,
The Hoppers were chosen to represent the
genre of Southern Gospel Music at the
Religious Inaugural Celebration for
President Ronald Reagan.
While The Hoppers achieved
tremendous success through the first
three decades of ministry- the era of
the ‘90s began a new leg of their
journey with the addition of Dean’s
wife, Kim, as soprano and a streak of
hit number one songs including: “Milk
and Honey”, “Here I Am”, “Anchor to the
Power of the Cross”, and ” Mention My
Name”. The pace of the group, with God’s
help, was hitting new strides. In
addition to radio success, The Hoppers
have received numerous accolades
including Mixed Group of the Year from
the Heart’s Aflame Awards, Diamond
Awards, Singing News Fan Awards, and the
SGMA; as well as four Dove Award
nominations. In 1998, Connie was
presented with the prestigious Marvin
Norcross award, which is given to those
with excellence in “Devotion to family,
service to Church, and contributions to
the Gospel Music Industry”. Michael
received the Musician of the Year award
from the Singing News Fan Awards, along
with Kim who has had the privilege of
being given the title of Female Vocalist
and Favorite Soprano for well over a
decade by the same association.
The Hoppers have been
traveling the country, and more
recently, the world spreading the Gospel
while performing fan favorites like
“Jerusalem”, “Yes I Am”, “Shoutin’
Time”, “Yaweh”, “The Ride”, and “Blame
it on Love”. The group has always tried
to remain stalwart in their sharing of
hope and God’s unmatchable love, while
keeping their faith in Christ and
family. Their prayer is to extend this
message to all who do not know him, and
encourage those who do.
Group accolades
Favorite Mixed Group Award
1997-98-99-00-01-02-03-05-08-09
Mixed Vocal Group SGMA
1982-83-98-99-00-01
"Hearts-A-Flame" Mixed Group Award
95-96-97
Connie Favorite Alto Award 1998-99-00
and the
Prestigious Marvin Norcross Award in
1998
Queen of Gospel Music 83-84 Person of
the year 2005
Kim Female Vocalist "Hearts-A-Flame"
95-96-97
Female Vocalist SGMA 99 Young Artist
Singing News Soprano
97-98-99-00-01-02-03-04-05-06-07-08-09
Female Vocalist Singing News
99-00-01-07-08-09
Female Vocalist Voice Diamonds 99
Michael Favorite Musician 2001-2005
Favorite Artist Web Site 2005
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Individual Biography
Lrry
Strickland
Claude Hopper
Group founder, Claude Hopper
is recognized as one of the nation's most influential
businessmen. Claude serves on the Board of Directors for the
National Quartet Convention, Southern Gospel Music's premier
event, which takes place every September and boasts annual
attendance in excess of 60,000 people. The Great Western Fan
festival held in Fresno, California.
He is heavily involved with
music publishing and founded the Hopper Brothers & Connie
Publishing. In 1990, Claude received special recognition
from Senator Jesse Helms and North Carolina Governor Jim
Martin for his many contributions over the past three
decades to the Gospel Music community. In 1999 He received
his honorary degree of Doctor of Music from Oakland City
University. He is also on the board of directors of First
Bank in Mayodan, NC. And founding member of the North
Carolina Gospel Music Hall Of Fame.
Connie Hopper
Considered by many as the
cornerstone to this musical family, Connie Hopper is a
household name among Southern Gospel Music lovers. Her
sensitivity has made her an industry favorite. She is
recognized for her pleasing vocal ability and songwriting
talent as well as having written over fifty songs. Connie's
sincerity, warmth, charm and genuine faith in God is an
inspiration to all those who become acquainted with The
Hoppers. Connie has spoken at many women's seminars and is a
noted writer. She authored a testimonial book titled, "The
Peace That Passeth Understanding", which shares the story of
her bout with cancer and God's healing. She is the writer of
a daily devotional book entitled "Heart of the Matter".
In May 2003 she graduated
from Oakland City University with a degree in Religion.
Dean Hopper
Lead vocalist Dean Hopper is
the oldest son of Claude and Connie. This talented vocalist
originally served as the group's drummer before moving to
the front line in 1981. Over the years Dean had become
recognized as one of the industry's most popular vocalist
and received numerous industry award nominations for
Favorite Lead Vocalist. Dean received the prestigious honor
of being named one of the Outstanding Young Men of America.
Dean has enjoyed over two decades on the road with his
family, singing and traveling across the country. In 1989
Dean released the solo recording titled "Solo But Never
Alone", which featured many fellow recording artists
including The Nelons, soloist Janet Paschal and the late
Kenny Hinson. Dean also serves on the board of directors for
the North Carolina Gospel Music Hall Of Fame, Singing in the
sun, Gatlinburg Gathering and the Great Western SG Fan
Festival. In Jan.2001 Mike and Dean opened (The Farm)
recording studio located only a few miles from The Hoppers
office it is a full service recording-mastering-and digital
editing facility.
Dean earned his business
degree from Oakland City University. He graduated in May
2003.
Kim Hopper
One of the country's most
dynamic voices is that of Kim Hopper. As a small child, Kim
first began singing with her brothers as a part of the
talented musical family, The Greenes. Kim sang with her
family for ten years before marrying Dean in November of
1988. The following year Kim joined The Hoppers. Kim and
Dean have 2 beautiful girls, Karlye Jade, born in October of
1994 and Lexus Jazz born January 2005. They make their home
in Summerfield, NC. Kim has enjoyed many industry and fan
awards, as her anointed vocal talent is respected by fans
and industry peers alike.
She released her first solo
recording in June 2003 entitled "Imagine"
Michael Hopper
Claude and Connie's youngest
son, Michael Hopper, first began playing drums for The
Hoppers at the age of 13. Michael is now respected as one of
the industry's most talented percussionists. In 1994 Michael
released a drumming instructional video entitled "Locked
In". In addition to his exceptional musical ability, Michael
is also a talented vocalist and is featured on several songs
recorded by The Hoppers. Mike serves on the board of
directors for the Singing News magazine and the Great
Western SG Fan Festival. He is a licensed airplane pilot. In
Jan.2001 Mike and Dean opened (The Farm) recording studio
located only a few miles from The Hoppers office it is a
full service recording-mastering- and digital editing
facility. He appeared on the television show "Touched by an
angel" with Randy Travis, John Schneider, Delta Burke and
The Gaither vocal band. In 2001 he was awarded Favorite
Musician by the Singing News Fans.
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