Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Dean Hopper Becomes a Student of Down Time

Dean Hopper and The Hoppers

The Hoppers develop a new normal following Dean Hopper’s recent health scare

The Hoppers don’t have time for jigsaw puzzles. However, time and patience are exactly what has been required as they’ve carefully pieced things back together as of late.

In early December, America’s favorite family of Gospel music was shaken when Dean Hopper suffered a pair of strokes over a two-day span.

“Any time you have a stroke, it comes out of nowhere,” Dean says. “I knew I was tired. I was stressed. I opened a new business last year. You’re heading into the holidays, so you have extra concerts because of Christmas. We did some work in the studio. We were trying to make all of that happen. I was tired … tired as much as anything. Evidently, I wasn’t getting enough solid sleep at night.”

The unexpected episode began with vertigo-like symptoms.

“We were in a country club doing a Christmas program for a guy, and his chef had made us dinner,” Dean recalls. “It was about 4:30 (p.m.) on Dec. 6. All of a sudden, the walls started moving. It was like the earth moving below you, and you can’t stop it. It lasted for about 60 seconds, and it quit. I went, sat up, sang and did the program. We had been on the road about a week at that point.

“We went home, and we were trying to get ready to go again. I was up in my office, and Karlye (Dean’s daughter) was with me. Things started moving. It was about a minute and a half. I just thought I was tired, so I went to bed early. The next morning, I had to see an orthopedic specialist to get an MRI on my knee (for a torn meniscus), and I got up with double vision. We did a concert that night. On the second portion (of the concert) that night, I had double vision for about eight minutes.”

That prompted Dean to seek medical counsel.

“I called a doctor friend in Savannah, Tenn., and she said it might be an aneurysm,” Dean explains. “I had already had a CT (computed tomography) scan, and it came back normal. (At the emergency room), I was laying in the bed, and I had a (similar) episode. He said, ‘You have had a stroke.’ My symptoms were double vision, headaches, and what I call vertigo-like symptoms.”

Those symptoms of dizziness and feeling like the world was spinning actually lasted until early January before they ceased.

Read more »

CLAUDE HOPPER UPDATE

CLAUDE HOPPER, GMA GOSPEL MUSIC HALL OF FAME MEMBER, SUFFERS SMALL STROKE

CLAUDE HOPPER UPDATE:
“Claude and Connie Hopper made the trip home from Kentucky yesterday afternoon, safe and sound. Dad was released with all of his motor skills and brain activity at 100%, AKA he is still Claude! He speaks in complete sentences, only struggling to form the final words. God has blessed us as this can be treated with some speech therapy. We are humbled by your support in prayer, and blessed beyond measure at the mildness of this incident.”

-Dean Hopper

The Dominion Agency Welcomes America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music, THE HOPPERS

Hoppers

Waynesville, NC (March 26, 2015) – The Dominion Agency is thrilled to welcome America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music, The Hoppers, to their fine roster of artists.

This multi-award winning family group has been singing to global audiences for 58 years with appearances ranging from presidential religious inaugural ceremonies and New York’s Carnegie Hall to singing conventions and church platforms. To begin working with such an outstanding group, with such a rich history in Gospel music, brings a new sense of excitement to the Dominion Agency.

President and CEO, Michael Davis, expresses, “I am so honored to be representing one of the most celebrated artists in the history of Gospel music, The Hoppers. With 58 years of ministry and still going strong, The Hoppers are thrilling and blessing audiences night after night. What a privilege to work with this Godly family for whom I have so much love and respect!”

“After 58 years of successful in-house representation, The Hoppers are excited to announce we are teaming with Michael Davis and The Dominion Agency,” states Dean Hopper. He continues, “This new relationship will allow us to reach many new audiences as we declare the Gospel through the unique sound our family is known for.”

To schedule The Hoppers for your church, concert, or ministry event call Michael Davis at 828-454-5900 or email him here: scheduling@thedominionagency.com.

To learn more about The Hoppers, visit TheHoppers.com.
Like them on Facebook HERE.
And, follow them on Twitter @hoppersmusic.

To learn more about the entire Dominion Agency roster of fine artists, visit thedominionagency.com.

Mailing Address:
PO Box 1277
Waynesville, NC 28786
Phone:
828-454-5900
828-454-5917
###

*Pictured: (l to r) Karlye, Connie, Mike, Claude, Kim, and Dean Hopper.

The Hoppers: Past, Present and Future

By Craig Harris

The Hoppers are one of Gospel music’s best-loved families. They have been given awards and accolades and number-one songs for many years as audiences embraced their powerful harmonies. After 57 years, they are still going strong and pause for a moment to remember the past, live in the moment and look forward to the future during a conversation with SGN Scoops. Excitement abounds as each of the Hoppers speaks of their history, current happenings and possibilities in the years to come.

“I remember when we started; we’d have probably paid somebody to let us sing,” Connie Hopper laughs. “We went to a church one night and sang and got $12.73 in the offering plate.” Needless to say, much has changed since the Hoppers starting performing in 1957. They were then known as the Hopper Brothers and Connie. “In 1970, we quit our jobs and went on the road full time,” she remembers. “It was three of the brothers and me.”

Connie joined the group as the pianist and eventually married Claude Hopper. She began singing when Claude’s brother, Steve, left the group. “We have been so fortunate to support ourselves through the work God has called us to do, and none of that has been by accident, nor any of our own doings,” Claude explains. “Every day that we are blessed to travel is attributed to the support and prayers of each individual audience. We’re like a turtle sitting on a fencepost. You know he did not get there by himself.”

Connie wasn’t the only current group member to come on board as a musician. Claude and Connie’s son, Dean, signed on as the drummer at the age of seven. “The only thing I knew was that I wanted to play drums, and I would do anything I could to play music,” Dean points out. “I had a chance to play all these guys’ big (drum) kits – Mark Ellerbee (of the Oak Ridge Boys), Rick Goodman, Ronnie Sego and Billy Blackwood. That’s when the big bands were the big thing. Everybody had a four-piece band.”

Dean lived the dream. He vividly remembers flying home from Portland, Ore., by himself as an eight-year-old in order get back to school after the group was out on a lengthy road trip. “Dean would sit and watch Ricky Goodman and different ones play the drums,” says Connie. “He’s always been a good boy. He worked and helped his daddy on the farm, but he wanted to travel all the time. But we kept him in school.” Dean began correspondence school after ninth grade and has been on the road ever since. Dean adds, “I played drums for everybody, played on lots of records, and played on stage with everybody that would ask.” He later played the bass guitar and eventually moved into a more visible role as a vocalist when his uncle Will Hopper left the group.

“(Claude) really leaned on Roger Talley a lot. Roger was an incredible part of this ministry for 10 years. Roger said, ‘you need to go ahead and put Dean into that part.’ At that time, I would sing one every now and again.”

When Dean – who is seven years older than Michael – began playing the bass guitar, the door swung open for Michael. Roger Talley and Roger Fortner were also a part of the Hoppers’ band at the time.

“Coming in as a 13-year-old kid, I was fortunate that I arrived when everybody still had a band,” Michael noted. “Every weekend, we would go out, and I could stand on the side of the stage and watch people I respected. I’m thankful.” However, he admittedly didn’t have the same passion for it as quickly as Dean did.

“Michael was a different story,” Connie explaines. “Michael wanted to stay at home and ride his motorcycle and hang out with grandpa. After Dean went out on the road, that just left Michael at home. His guidance counselor called me and said, ‘Michael is smart, but he’s just not doing his schoolwork. I think that’s because you guys are gone.’ We put him in correspondence (school). He was 13 years old when he started.”

Claude and Michael Hopper

Michael adds, “I didn’t envision a whole lot at 13 other than my dirt bike and my grandfather. I just loved spending time with my dad’s dad. I spent a whole lot of time with him. He was my best friend. I’ve been blessed.”

Michael is now singing the bass part during the majority of most concerts. “It seems to be working,” Michael says. “They like us all up there as a family.”

The current Hopper brothers have assumed different and more extensive roles in the day-to-day responsibility of the group. “I am proud, very proud,” Claude emphasizes. “We never pushed them to be a part of this as boys. But now, seeing what they bring to the group and family as a whole, I don’t know how we ever did it without them. Both are very talented in their own right and in very different facets. Where one is weak, the other picks up the slack, and vice versa. They know how to pry the very best from Mother and I, which is a wonderful asset to me as both a co-worker and a dad. God knew what he was doing when he blessed us with them.”

Connie adds, “We never said, ‘this is what you’re going to do.’ At this point, if one of them were to say ‘this has been great, but I’m tired of this road,’ that would be fine with me. I thank God for them. They’re just great, and they’re talented.” Read more »

Gospel Music Today For July 28 On SGNScoops.com

Claude Hopper is the guest on Gospel Music Today for the week of July 27. Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates, the Feature Group is The Pacesetters Quartet, and Jean reviews a new recording by The Nehrkorns. An article about Ben Speer is the subject of this week’s Singing News Notes. The show includes a music video by The Bowling Family, exclusive video of Jericho Junction, recorded by Gospel Music Today’s cameras at the Ozark Gospel Music Convention, in Branson, MO, and a visit to the Gospel Music Today Archives for an exclusive concert video of The Weatherfords, at the Southern Gospel Worship Gathering, an The Assembly, in Broken Arrow, OK.

The show is on KWHB TV47 in Oklahoma every Sunday at 4:30 PM, and on Roku on FFE TV Monday at 8:00 PM and AllNations TV Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:30 PM. Check local TV schedule for Beaumont, TX, Tyler, TX. Atlanta, TX, and Morrilton, AR.

The current edition of Gospel Music Today is online now at the Gospel Music Today website, www.gospelmusictoday.com.

Gospel Music Today For June 16th On SGNScoops.com

Claude Hopper is the guest on Gospel Music Today for the week of June 15. Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates, the Feature Group is The Pacesetters Quartet, and Jean reviews a new recording by The Nehrkorns. An article about Ben Speer is the subject of this week’s Singing News Notes. The show includes exclusive video of Jericho Junction, recorded by Gospel Music Today’s cameras at the Ozark Gospel Music Convention, in Branson, MO, and a visit to the Gospel Music Today Archives for an exclusive concert video of Lily Fern Weatherford and The Weatherfords at the Southern Gospel Worship Gathering, in Broken Arrow, OK.

The show is on KWHB TV47 in Oklahoma every Sunday at 4:30 PM, and on Roku on FFE TV Monday at 8:00 PM and AllNations TV Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:30 PM. Check local TV schedule for Beaumont, TX, Tyler, TX. Atlanta, TX, and Morrilton, AR.
The current edition of Gospel Music Today is online now at the Gospel Music Today website, www.gospelmusictoday.com

THE ORIGINAL CLAUDE HOPPER RELEASES “CLAUDE’S CHOCO CANDY”

(Madison, NC) March 20, 2014 – The Hoppers’ Claude Hopper, Gospel Music Hall of Fame legend and industry icon, has announced the release of his new brand new line of chocolate candy – “Claude’s Choco Candy.”

As most gospel music fans know, Claude Hopper carried a candy called ClodHoppers for many years. The Hershey Corporation recently acquired that trademark and the candy is no longer available. Ever the entrepreneur, Claude began searching for a new candy and “Claude’s Choco Candy” was born.

Proceeds from candy sales go to benefit the Hopper Heritage Foundation. Claude Hopper has been a fierce advocate for education among the youth. Claude Hopper began the Hopper Heritage Foundation over fifty years ago to offer scholarships to the next generation of singers, ministers and business executives who desire to further their education and who share Christian values.

Claude Hopper says, “I believe that this great country needs our next generation to be as successful in their life as the last generation – not necessarily in wealth, but rich in value, ready to sow what they have learned into the ones that follow them.”

Through ongoing support, Claude Hopper and the Hopper Heritage Foundation continues to enrich the lives of countless individuals each year.

“Claude’s Choco Candy” is available at all Hoppers’ concerts and online at www.shopthehoppers.com.

For more information on the Hopper Heritage Foundation, visit www.HopperHeritageFoundation.org

For more information on The Hoppers, visit www.TheHoppers.com

The Hoppers: New Award Honors & Global Embrace by European Audiences Give Fall 2011 A Memorable Start

(Nashville, Tennessee) – October 2011 – Freshly back from sold-out European concerts throughout Ireland, Scotland and Holland, The Hoppers repacked their bags for Pigeon Forge, Tennessee – the home of both Dollywood and the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame.

With excitement still fresh in the wake of Connie Hopper’s induction last year into the SGMA Hall of Fame, this year’s trip to the 2011 Singing News Fan Awards in Pigeon Forge produced a stunning triple crown win for the family.

The Hoppers’ awards of 2011 included:
• Favorite Mixed Group – an honor The Hoppers have now garnered as a 12th time recipient.
• Favorite Female Vocalist – Kim’s 8th acceptance of this top honor.
• Favorite Soprano Female Vocalist – Kim’s 14th repeat honor in this category.

Claude and Connie Hopper were also this year honored in Louisville during the National Quartet Convention with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Honor by the Southern Gospel Music Guild. SGMG President Clarke Beasley noted at a reception of industry VIP and friends, “Claude and Connie Hopper are the ultimate examples of class and dignity. The impact they’ve had in Gospel Music and in the lives of countless numbers of people is immeasurable.”

Equally exciting as Singing News Fan Awards and new honors for the group was their encounter of the throngs of Southern Gospel fans throughout Europe who eagerly packed The Hoppers’ overseas concert schedules. Many were seeing them in person for the first time after years of following their legendary family history and music. The special blessing of their time with friends new and old who live an ocean away was not lost on group matriarch Connie: “It is amazing that whether we are singing to an audience of Irish, Scottish, or Dutch, the presence of the Lord unites us all. Though we were nearly 4,000 miles from home, we were made to feel ‘at home’ as these wonderful people throughout the Europe tour opened their hearts to us as if we were family.”
Added Dean: “There were so many spiritually overwhelming moments for us. We were touched by the warmth of the people and the love they have for God and the music we were raised on back home.”

Capping the thoughts on their European successes, Claude Hopper – known for his homespun stories and Southern gentleman dialect – might have summed it up ideally: “It’s a big feat for a farm boy to make his way across the ocean! It’s an even bigger feat for that same farm boy to tell his jokes and get such great laughs out of those gracious folks in Europe who might have some trouble deciphering this Carolina dialect. After 54 years and many miles, I got to experience time with people who once seemed eons away – and now have become familiar faces that we love and appreciate.”
The Hoppers are already planning return concerts in Europe, including adding appearances in Norway and Sweden. They are also scheduled to perform in concert in South Africa in 2012

TUNE-IN: JASON CRABB hosts HARMONY HONORS

The SGMG Harmony Honors were presented on Monday, July 18, 2011 at TBN Music City Auditorium.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (July 21, 2011) – The HARMONY HONORS were presented at TBN’s Music City Auditorium on Monday, July 18 with a night of exciting performances and special presentations to distinguished honorees CLAUDE AND CONNIE HOPPER and JEFF AND SHERI EASTER. The ninth annual event was presented by the Southern Gospel Music Guild and hosted by Grammy® Award-winning vocalist JASON CRABB. The evening featured an all star line-up of musical performances and appearances by THE BOWLING FAMILY, THE HOPPERS, JEFF & SHERI EASTER, KAREN PECK & NEW RIVER, KEVIN WILLIAMS, LEGACY FIVE, LES BEASLEY, THE MARTINS, THE NELONS, TRIUMPHANT QUARTET and SGMG PRESIDENT CLARKE BEASLEY.
Special Harmony Honor presentations were made to Claude and Connie Hopper, celebrating 50 years of marriage and music ministry, and Jeff and Sheri Easter, celebrating 25 years of marriage and music ministry. These special tributes were highlighted by video tributes from friends including BILL GAITHER, MARK LOWRY, and THE BOOTH BROTHERS.

SGMG Harmony Honors Special Presentation L-R: Jeff, Morgan & Sheri Easter, Clarke Beasley (SGMG President), Host Jason Crabb, Dean & Kim Hopper, Les Beasley (NQC President), Mike Hopper, Connie & Claude Hopper. Photo by Aaron Crisler/The Judy Nelon Group

SGMG President Clarke Beasley stated: “The entire SGMG (Southern Gospel Music Guild) was thrilled with the Harmony Honors presentation, and those who attended were really treated to an example of our music at its finest as the performances were strong and the production was first class. We felt it really made a strong statement about the level of talent with which our music is blessed, and we are eager for the response the telecast will receive.”
TBN will broadcast The Harmony Honors on FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2011 at 9 PM CST/10 PM EST.

Photo by Aaron Crisler/The Judy Nelon Group

Viewers are encouraged to email comments@tbn.org to thank them for airing the show.
For more information, visit www.SGMG.org.

Photo by Aaron Crisler/The Judy Nelon Group

Claude Hopper on Gospel Music Today

The guests on the current edition of Gospel Music Today are Claude Hopper of The Hoppers, David Ragan of The Inspirations, and songwriter Kyla Rowland. The Feature Group is 2_R-More. The latest Gospel Music Today webcast is online now at www.gospelmusictoday.com