This has been the 50 Year Celebration for the Hoppers. Give us a little history about where the Hoppers have been in the past 50 years.
Born and reared on a farm near Madison, N. C. the Hopper Brothers enjoyed a close relationship with their parents Mr. and Mrs. J A Hopper, their other 5 brothers and 3 sisters. They started singing as a quartet in l957, at first in their home church and for local revivals and family reunions. Connie joined the group as pianist in 1958. Claude was in college at this time and Steve was still in high school. They all came together for practice on Friday nights, had concerts Sat. nights and churches on Sunday’s. As their ability and popularity increased the concert dates took them up and down the east coast and occasionally as far west as Texas. Claude and Connie were married in l961. Claude finished his army duty and the quartet began recording albums, bought a bus and headed for Memphis, Tenn. where they entered and won the talent competition in l964. That opened many new areas for the group. We’ve had the opportunity to sing in many small churches to l00 people or less. We’ve also been privileged to sing in large churches to a congregation of 8000 or more. We’ve sung in every state in the U.S. except Montana. God has allowed us to sing in Ireland, London, Israel, and Canada. Dean and Kim have just returned from concerts in Germany, The Netherlands and Norway. A great highlight for our family was singing to 35 thousand excited gospel music lovers at the Georgia Dome with the Homecoming Friend’s. God has allowed us to witness miracles and has performed miracles in our lives. God has blessed our fifty years of music.
What is the most significant change that you have seen in Southern Gospel Music in the 50 years that the Hoppers have been singing?
Perhaps the greatest change is the diversity in the styles of music. Also the male quartet singing four-part harmony is still a standard, but mixed groups, trios, and soloist are now equally popular with audiences.
Who has been most influential in the direction of the Hoppers musically? How is a family quartet such as yours different from four guys getting together to sing as a male quartet?
Connie has always been involved with choosing and arranging songs. In the mid-seventies Roger Talley’s ability as pianist and arranger influenced our music greatly in a positive way. Shannon Childress was a great writer and arranger. Kim has a natural ability in singing and arranging that has had great influence on what we do. Dean and Mike are naturally more interested in the musical arrangement. Lari Goss listens to all of our suggestions, but his expertise in arranging and producing has been very influential in the direction of our music.
Our group sings the same four parts as a male quartet. We probably do more inversions in the harmony than the male quartet.
50 years is a long time to be singing and I imagine that the Hoppers have sang in just about sang in every predicament there is to sing in. What is the most peculiar situation the Hoppers have sang in? After all these years, is there still somewhere special that all of you really want to sing, but haven't made it there yet?
We were booked to sing for a special occasion at the Wal-Mart in Mena, Ark. The plan was, that we would sing in the huge parking lot on a stage that was constructed for that purpose. When we arrived the temperature was climbing. When it reached 105 they decided no one would stay outside on a tarmac in that kind of heat so they moved the concert inside. They stuck us in the ladies lingerie department. That was the only time we ever sang staring at ladies undergarments. If I remember correctly, there was as much laughing going on, as there was singing.
Starting plans for a new 50 years, what are the future plans for the Hoppers? Do you see any different direction that the group may be heading? How do you plan to carry on the tradition of the work of the Hoppers?
Future plans. We’ll continue singing and recording as the Lord opens doors. We are in to the fourth week of a new television program on TCT network. The door surprisingly opened for that avenue of ministry. We are excited about that. Claude has started a foundation to assist young talent who are interested in pursuing a career in gospel music. Dean and Kim’s oldest daughter, Karlye sings with the group occasionally. She recorded on our latest C.D. She has a beautiful voice and a natural singing ability. We feel like the music will continue.
If the Hoppers had to sing their last song tomorrow, what song would it be? If the Hoppers had to sing their last song today, what would each of you be doing to feed your family tomorrow? Do you guys have any other talents besides singing?
"Jerusalem"
Claude - Continue working with NQC—Raising cattle and farming.
Connie - Retire ha! Writing—Speaking
When people look back on the Hoppers after another 50 years of ministering, what do you think they will say has been the greatest accomplishment of the Hoppers?
We have enjoyed singing songs that were written long ago and I’m not necessarily talking about hymns. Songs that have made great impact two and three times in the last 40 to 50 years. ("Shouting Time") We have also enjoyed singing the new songs too. ("Jerusalem") I hope that our music will impact lives in some way, down the road like those before us. We would like for them to say that, we brought honor and glory to God.
Visit The Hoppers online at www..thehoppers.com
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 05/04/2008
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 4
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Does anyone know the name of the foundation that Claude Hopper was talking about?
The Hopper Heritage Foundation
I shall always remember some 37-38 years ago,the Hopper Brothers and Connie were singing at Alexander UMC in Bishop Virginia. My father accepted Jesus into his life that night as they sang "I Will Trade the Old Cross for a Crown." He lived his life for Jesus with all his heart and God called him home in 1984 in a mining accident and I'm sure he has his crown now.
i absolutly love to here yall singing aspeasaly kim! she has an amazing voice!! i wish i could be in the bell gaither concerts!:*)
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