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Monroe Hopper, Founding Member of The Hoppers, Passes Away

(May 18, 2013) Madison, NC – Monroe Hopper graduated to his heavenly home in the morning hours of Friday, May 17, 2013 at the age of 86. In 1957, Mr. Hopper was a founding member of The Hoppers in 1957, then known as The Hopper Brothers.

Mr. Hopper was born on December 26, 1926 in Rockingham County, NC. In addition to helping form the Hoppers, he was a US Navy Veteran and a pioneer leader in establishing the Hopper Heritage Foundation, which assists young men and women in pursuing their educational goals.

“Monroe was my best friend,” said brother Claude Hopper. “Anything I needed anything – on the farm, on the road, at the house – my first call was always to Monroe. He took care of things back home while The Hoppers were traveling. I will miss my brother, my best friend.”

Monroe made his last public appearance in mid-2012 as The Hoppers were inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame alongside Aretha Franklin, Dallas Holm, Ricky Skaggs, Rex Humbard, and Love Song.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Joyce Gurganious Hopper; children, Jimmy Hopper (Linda), David Hopper (special friend, Sandra), Sharon Hopper (Mike Gonet), Cathy Bell (Frank), Virginia “Ginger” Horn (Bill); brothers, Will R. Hopper (Peggy), Claude D. Hopper (Connie), B. Wayne Hopper (Shirley), Richard D. Hopper (Shirley), Steve D. Hopper (Pat); sisters, Virginia H. Steele, Octola H. Currin and Catherine H. Pearson; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Janie Hopper; mother-in-law, Colleen Gurganious; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jenny and Margaret Hopper, Clarence and Jean Barnes, Don and Kay Rouse, and many nephews and nieces.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, May 20, 2013, at Ellisboro Baptist Church with Reverend Darrell Brumfield officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors by the Rockingham County Honor Guard and the North Carolina National Guard.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:30 p.m., Sunday, May 19, 2013 at Colonial Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rockingham County, 2150 NC Highway 65, Reidsville, NC 27320; Ellisboro Baptist Church, c/o Nell Knight, 1734 Ellisboro Road, Madison, NC 27025; or The Hopper Heritage Foundation, 2811 Hwy 220, Madison, NC 27025.

THE HOPPERS “SOMETHING GOOD” TOUR DELIGHTS AUDIENCES

Nashville, TN – For over 55 years The Hoppers have been singing to audiences around the world and they show no signs of slowing down. This “favorite family of Gospel music” has been criss-crossing the globe since the first of the year performing classic songs and new material on the Something Good” tour in support of their newest release, Count Me In. The tour, filled with the distinct and celebrated family harmonies, began in Amsterdam and has now crossed the globe into the United States.

“It is exciting for our family to take this new music and intertwine it with some of the audience’s favorite songs through the years” shared Connie Hopper. “Looking into the faces of the audience each night as they hear something that encourages them is the reason we do what we do – night after night.”

The tour includes special stops at “Great Western Fan Festival” April 25 – 27 in Visalia, CA and “Singing In The Sun” April 16-20 in Myrtle Beach, SC.

In other news, The Hoppers are also honored to have received a total of 6 Singing News Fan Awards Nominations. The group and members were nominated in the following categories:

• Favorite Album: Count Me In
• Favorite Female Singer: Connie Hopper
• Favorite Female Singer: Kim Hopper
• Favorite Soprano: Kim Hopper
• Favorite Alto: Connie Hopper
• Favorite Mixed Group: The Hoppers

“It is an honor to see our family nominated for the hard work that everyone contributes,” comments Dean Hopper. “We are especially proud of the nomination for Favorite Album for Count Me In. This album is special to us.”

A full listing of tour dates is available at www.TheHoppers.com. For more information on the Singing News Fan Awards, visit www.SingingNews.com.

The Hoppers latest release, Count Me In, distributed exclusively through EMI CMG Distribution, is available at online outlets, including iTunes, Amazon.com and ChristianBook.com. It is also available in retail stores where Christian music is sold.

Connect with the Hoppers
Web: www.TheHoppers.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TheHoppersOfficial
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/HoppersMusic

Tracy Stuffle Benefit Announced for March 19, 2013

NASHVILLE, TN (February 28, 2013) – Today, Joseph Habedank, lead vocalist for The Perrys, in partnership with Christ Church in Nashville, TN, announced a benefit concert for Tracy Stuffle, who recently suffered a massive stroke. The evening, dubbed “We Need Each Other: A Benefit for Tracy Stuffle” will take place on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, 6:00 PM (doors open at 5 PM) at Christ Church in Nashville, TN and will feature a lineup of stellar musical artists.

Tracy Stuffle – beloved bass vocalist and group owner/manager of the Perrys – has been in critical condition at a Nashville area hospital since suffering a massive stroke on January 21, 2013 while driving his vehicle in downtown Nashville, TN. All proceeds from this concert will go toward medical expenses for Tracy Stuffle.

Joining hosts Jason Crabb and Joseph Habedank will be the Oak Ridge Boys, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Dailey & Vincent, The Hoppers, Mark Lowry, the Collingsworth Family, the Booth Brothers, The Isaacs, Gold City, The Bowlings, Karen Peck & New River and a special appearance by The Perrys.

“Tracy & Libbi Stuffle hired me when I was 17 years old. They gave me a chance when no one else would,” states Habedank. “For over 10 years, they have invested into my life and considering I have practically grown up on their bus, they’re like family to me. When this tragic event happened, I immediately called upon the friends of Tracy & Libbi to begin organizing this evening. I am asking everyone who loves Tracy & Libbi to support this evening.”

For more information and to purchase tickets for this evening, vist TracyStuffleBenefit.com. Tickets may also be purchased at Christ Church in Nashville, TN or College Heights Baptist Church in Gallatin, TN.

2013 Absolutely Gospel Music Award Nominees Announced

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – (January 21, 2013) – The administrators and staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com are proud to announce the nominees for the 2013 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. As in years past, the nominees were chosen by the staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com and select media representatives. Starting on February 1, 2013, the fans will get a chance to vote for their favorites in certain categories.

“We are so excited about this year’s awards program,” mentioned Deon Unthank, President/CEO of AbsolutelyGospel.com. “Our site has seen such tremendous growth over the last two years, and we cannot wait to produce another awards show. Each year, things just get bigger and better, and this year’s show will be no different!”

Chris D. Unthank, Editor-In-Chief of AbsolutelyGospel.com said, “We applaud our staff and those other media representatives who voted for thinking outside of the box this year and really embracing what our awards program is all about. These nominations really represent the best of last year, and we can tell that our staff and the other voters really took this year’s nominations process seriously.”

As far as nominations go, Southern Gospel favorites The Perrys landed a stellar nine nominations this year, more than any other artist. The group earned nods for Song of the Year and Traditional Song of the Year (for “Blue Skies Coming”), Album of the Year and Traditional Album of the Year (for Through the Night), Mixed Group of the Year, and Special Event Project of the Year (for the Celebrate Me Home DVD release). In addition, reigning Female Vocalist of the Year Libbi Stuffle earned her third consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year nomination. Speaking of consecutive nominations, The Perrys’ lead vocalist/songwriter Joseph Habedank claimed his fifth consecutive nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year and sixth nod for Songwriter of the Year (Artist) (after winning the award in 2011).

Last year’s big winner The Isaacs and reigning Female Group of the Year Sisters followed behind The Perrys with an impressive eight nominations each. Sisters earned their very first nod for 2013
Pacesetter, the awards’ most prestigious honor, this year. The Isaacs’ Ben Isaacs also landed a 2013 Pacesetter nomination for his production work in 2012.

Following behind those artists was Karen Peck & New River with seven nods. In addition, Karen Peck’s solo record How You Walk the Miles earned an Album of the Year mention. Brian Free & Assurance, Mark Trammell Quartet, and the Booth Brothers all landed six nominations. Three artists received five nominations – Tribute Quartet, Collingsworth Family, and Jeff & Sheri Easter.

Triumphant Quartet and Three Bridges both earned four nominations, while several artists received triple mentions, including The Talleys, Canton Junction, Gaither Vocal Band, The Hoppers, Michael English, and The Nelons. Soul’d Out Quartet, Greater Vision, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Beyond the Ashes, the Bowling Family, The Browders, The Williamsons, and Guy Penrod were each nominated for two awards. Read more »

The Hoppers – GMA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony — Sunday December 23 7:00PM est.

“Fifty-five year veterans of Gospel music, The Hoppers, were recently inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall Of Fame.
Their inspiring evolution as a group and pressing impact on the genre speak for themselves, but the powerhouse performances and heart-gripping testimonies are what have aided in their recognition.
Please join us in congratulating and supporting The Hoppers as they continue spreading the love of Christ in the same manner as they have for more than half a century…
Our special guests will be Jason Crabb, The Talleys and Gene McDonald.
Join us for this very special online event Sunday December 23 at 7:00PM est on http://www.thehoppers.com/, the Hoppers youtube and facebook

December 2012 Edition Of SGNScoops Magazine

From the staff of SGNScoops Magazine, Merry Christmas! We pray the December edition warms your heart this holiday season. On the cover this month is the sensational Annie Moses Band. Also we highlight the latest happenings in the ministries of Gordon Mote, Cross Music Group, Soul’d Out Quartet, Randy and Sherri Miller, Kevin Mills, C S & K, and Micah Watkins. Rhonda Frye share the highlights of the recent Write About Jesus songwriter’s conference, Jennifer Campbell shares a recent Women of Faith experience and Rob Patz shares a media minute with Patricia Mathis. We urge you to give the gift of Gospel Music! Sandi Duncan Clark reviews the latest albums from the Littles, the Hoppers, The Easters, the Blackwood Brothers, and the Hinshaw Trio. Also included in this edition, Laurrette Willis encourages Christian Fitness during the holidays, John Mathis gives a word of encouragement and Lou Hildreth shares wonderful memories. For this special holiday issue, we’ve gathered many tasty recipes from our staff, readers and many artists. We urge you to put these recipes to the test! We’ve had a great 2012 at SGNScoops and are looking forward to great things in 2013. Remember, SGNScoops All Digital Magazine is absolutely free, so please share with your family, fans and friends! Merry Christmas!!

Download This Months Magazine Here

THE HOPPERS SHARE “GLAD TIDINGS” DURING SELECT CHRISTMAS TOUR DATES

Nashville, TN - Christmas is a time for family, and America’s favorite family of Gospel music, The Hoppers, is pleased to announce their “Glad Tidings Tour” is off to a great start. Sharing sounds of the season along with Hopper favorites, this limited tour run highlights the exquisite harmonies of this legendary family ministry.

Connie Hopper shared: “Many of our finest and most precious moments of life happen during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays when family and friends are gathered together. It’s our family’s pleasure to share this special time of year with our friends on the road.”

“We love to engage and include the audience in this special season – everyone seems to love it,” comments Dean Hopper. “We’ve been blessed to see capacity crowds these first few nights and it’s always encouraging to see friends come out to enjoy this season with us.”

The Hoppers – 2012 GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductees – maintain a heavy touring schedule, performing on the Gaither Homecoming video series, at the National Quartet Convention, at the Great Western Gospel Music Fan Festival, at the Cove and at Singing in the Sun in addition to around 150 solo dates annually.

The Hoppers latest release, Count Me In, distributed exclusively through EMI CMG Distribution, is available at online outlets, including iTunes, Amazon.com and ChristianBook.com. It is also available in retail stores where Christian music is sold.

THE HOPPERS “GLAD TIDINGS” TOUR  SELECT TOUR DATES:

Nov. 29  Short Gap, WV
Frankfort, WV  6 PM

Nov. 30  Franklin, NC
Smokey Mt. Ctr. Perf. Arts  7 PM

Dec. 1  Jackson, TN
Englewood BC  6:30 PM

Dec. 2  Lynchburg, VA
Tree Of Life Ministries 5 PM

Dec. 6  Lexington, NC
Edward C. Smith Civic Ctr.  7 PM

Dec. 7 Cataswba, NC
Olivet BC  7 PM

Dec. 8  Danville, VA
River Oak COG    6 PM

Dec 9  Huber Heights, OH
New Beginnings Church  6 PM

For more information on these dates and The Hoppers, visit:
www.TheHoppers.com
www.Facebook.com/TheHoppersOfficial
www.Twitter.com/HoppersMusic

Gospel Music Today On SGNScoops.com

Fans ‘Count On’ an All-new Dynamic Release from The Hoppers

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—October 22nd, 2012— One of Gospel music’s most awarded and acclaimed family groups The Hoppers have just completed an all-new studio recording entitled Count Me In (Spring Hill Music/Gaither Gospel Series®), scheduled to hit the streets on October 23rd.  Family members Kim, Dean, Connie, Claude and Michael Hopper joined hands with industry veteran producer Michael Sykes, along with co-production from Kim and Mike, to bring this collection of songs to life.

TALENT ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2012 GMA GOSPEL MUSIC HALL OF FAME

  TALENT ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2012 GMA GOSPEL MUSIC HALL OF FAME

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – August 3, 2012 – An unforgettable night of tributes and performances will be featured at the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 (7:00 PM CST) at Trinity Music City in Hendersonville, TN. Dailey & Vincent, Dottie Peoples, Gordon Mote, Greg Long, The Isaacs, Jamie Grace, Michael W. Smith and The Talleys are among the artists set to provide recognition to this years inductees: Aretha Franklin, The Hoppers, Rex Humbard, Ricky Skaggs and Love Song. Jason Crabb and Jaci Velasquez will host the evening’s festivities.

Jackie Patillo, Executive Director of the Gospel Music Association and President of the Gospel Music Foundation commented: “It is great to see our christian and gospel music communities come together to pay tribute to this years GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees. It is an honor to recognize our trailblazers and remind the world of the people God has used to spread the gospel through music.”

This year marks the 39th anniversary of the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame which was established in 1971, and has inducted more than 150 members since its inception. Previous inductees include Johnny Cash, DeGarmo & Key, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson, Amy Grant, the Statler Brothers, the Winans, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Andrae Crouch, Sandi Patty, Andrae Crouch & the Disciples, Vestal Goodman, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Shirley Caesar, The Oak Ridge Boys, the Blackwood Brothers, Petra, Bill Gaither, Gloria Gaither, the Happy Goodman Family, Larry Norman, George Beverly Shea, Albertina Walker, The Imperials, Pat Boone, Dottie Rambo, Evie, Larry Norman, Richard Smallwood, Jake Hess, The Lewis Family, Cliff Barrows, Thomas A. Dorsey, the Cathedral Quartet, the Fairfield Four, Billy Graham and The Jordanaires. The Gospel Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the historical development of gospel music and its impact on our culture by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting its collections for a global audience, as well as honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to gospel music. For a full list of GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Members click here.

ABOUT THE INDUCTEES:

ARETHA FRANKLIN
Although born in soul’s capitol city, Memphis. The Franklin family soon moved to Detroit, MI, where her father, Baptist minister Reverend C. L. Franklin, soon became one of the most revered public figures in black America. During her late preteens, Franklin was regularly singing solo numbers in her father’s New Bethel Baptist Church. She grew up with local and national celebrities visiting in her family home, including gospel greats Albertina Walker and her group The Caravans, Mahalia Jackson and Clara Ward, three women who played a pivotal role in her vocal development.

In 1972, she released the gospel album Amazing Grace. The album eventually became her biggest-selling release ever, selling over two million copies and becoming the best-selling gospel album of all time. In 1987 she again returned to her gospel roots with the album, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, which though it did not repeat the success of Amazing Grace despite a powerful rendition of “Oh Happy Day”, featuring Mavis Staples, but did reach the Top 10 of Billboard’s gospel chart.

Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All Time as well as the ninth greatest artist of all time. She has won 18 competitive Grammys and two honorary Grammys. She has 20 #1 singles on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart and two #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “Respect” (1967) and “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” (1987), Since 1961, she has scored a total of 45 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. She also has the most million-selling singles of any female artist. Between 1967 and 1982 she had 10 #1 R&B albums—more than any other female artist. In 1987, Aretha became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was the only featured singer at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.

DALLAS HOLM
Dallas has earned his influence in today’s Christian music throughout more than 40 years of writing, singing and ministry in some 4,000 concerts in every state in the USA as well as many countries abroad.  His 38 recordings have garnered gold records, multiple Dove awards, Grammy nominations, number one songs, and countless accolades.

Artists such as Steven Curtis Chapman, Twila Paris and Greg Long of Avalon all make reference to Holm’s significant impact on their lives and ministries.  Holm can be seen on several of the Bill Gaither Homecoming videos.  On one video Gaither introduces Dallas by saying, “This is one of the nicest guys in our entire industry.”  This broad appeal and respect by peers has undoubtedly been one of the reasons for Holm’s amazing longevity and relevance. They became the first Contemporary Christian band to receive an RIAA certified Gold Album for Dallas Holm and Praise LIVE.

THE HOPPERS
Multi-award winning family group The Hoppers have been singing to global audiences for over 55 years with appearances ranging from presidential religious inaugural ceremonies and New York’s Carnegie Hall to singing conventions and church platforms.  They have performed throughout the United States as well as in Israel, Europe and Africa. Their unique blend of harmonies and song choices have created a legacy of musical excellence embraced by leading pastors and event organizers. Known as America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music, they are favorites on the Gaither Homecoming videos and tours, and their recordings frequently land at the top of the BILLBOARD sales charts and The Singing News radio charts.

Comprised today of family members Claude & Connie, son Dean and his wife, Kim, and son Mike Hopper, The Hoppers were formed in 1957 in the rural-farm town of Madison, NC, and have grown continuously for decades, touching countless lives around the world. A cancer survivor, Connie has been honored with the prestigious Marvin Norcross Award, in addition to numerous industry and fan honors; and she has been inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Sons Dean and Mike have continued the family legacy with their musical talents and business abilities; and Kim, Dean’s wife, hails from her own nationally acclaimed musical family, The Greenes. She is noted for the excitement she brings to any live performance, and her unmistakable, rafter-ringing soprano vocals have taken The Hoppers to new heights for many years.

REX HUMBARD
In 1932, Rex Humbard did his first radio program on KTHS Radio, Hot Springs, Arkansas; at the age of 13. His father, Alpha Rex Emanuel Humbard, ran an orphanage and church in downtown Hot Springs. In the midst of the Great Depression, church attendance was poor and offerings for the orphanage suffered greatly. Rex did his radio program every week, singing, playing his guitar and telling the listeners about his father’s church. One year later the seats were full to capacity and the orphans had a new lease on life. From that time forward, Rex Humbard realized the power of the media and the importance of the “life changing” message contained in gospel music.

From 1945 through 1952 (during the war years), Rex and his wife, Maude Aimee, traveled to every section of the USA and Canada conducting tent crusade meetings. In each of these cities they purchased radio time and appeared daily singing gospel music and promoting the tent crusades. In 1949, Rex did his first TV show in Indianapolis, Indiana on the local CBS station. Once again, gospel music was the center piece of the program.

The Rex Humbard Ministry program ran from 1952 to 1985. In the early 1970’s, Time Magazine did a feature story on Rex Humbard and coined the phrase “tele-evangelist” to describe Rex. In 1999, Rex was named as “one of the 25 shapers of the 20th century” by US News and World Report because of his visionary use of the media to promote his message of hope, love and salvation. One of the most vital parts of his ministry was gospel music.

LOVE SONG
In the early 70′s, during the beginnings of what became known as the “Jesus Movement,” a group of young, longhaired, “hippie” musicians called LOVE SONG began to use their music to express their newfound faith in Jesus Christ. A mixture of rock and pop, LOVE SONG’s music was entirely new and unique for the Christian music world.

The music was fresh, sometimes radical, and yet truly inspirational for a generation of young people searching for truth. It helped blaze the path for what we know today as Contemporary Christian Music. They flourished amidst the swirl of national media attention from top record labels and interviews with magazines including ROLLING STONE. God used them in a powerful way to bring many people to Himself. “In a world of imitators, Love Song has been an originator, the first domino that started the others going”

RICKY SKAGGS
Fourteen-time Grammy Award winner and two-time Dove Awards winner, Ricky Skaggs, is affectionately known as one of bluegrass music’s most recognized ambassadors. Singing comes naturally to Skaggs, and singing Gospel songs even more so.  At the tender age of 3, he began by harmonizing with his mother as she sang Gospel songs.  He began to perform in his church, singing with his parents there.  His illustrious path to stardom has always included Gospel songs, as he loves to sing about Jesus and His love for all of us.

From there, Skaggs went on to put his own stamp on the mainstream country and bluegrass formats, resulting in twelve #1 hits, eight Country Music Association Awards and eight Academy of Country Music Awards. 1997 marked Ricky Skaggs’ triumphant return to bluegrass and the establishment of his own Skaggs Family Records label, which has gone on to break new sales records in the genre. Now in his 40th year as a professional musician, he continues to record and tour with his band Kentucky Thunder as one of music’s most sought after live performers.