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The Hoppers                        

               Thank you Hoppers for hosting the

                   2010 Benson State Singing Convention

                                       Saturday  Night

                                         

                                               GROUP BIOGRAPHY

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


 

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.

 

 

"God has blessed us with one of the oldest and largest gospel sings in the United States."

-Danny Mack Holland
President State Annual 
Singing Convention