Bio: With humble beginnings as rural farm-boys, The Hoppers were organized in 1957 by founding member and owner Claude Hopper along with brothers; Will, Steve, Paul, and Monroe.
The Hoppers memoir, After All These Years, tells the heartwarming story of how the group later came to be known as The Hopper Brothers and Connie. In the summer of 1958, Claude Hopper took a lunch break from his part-time job at the A & P Grocery store in Madison, NC, taking a walk to the corner. Connie Shelton was driving in the little downtown section of Madison and drove up to the light at the corner, saw Claude, and glanced over his way. “It was my big chance to ask her to play piano for us!” says Claude. Smiling from the corner, Claude motioned for Connie to roll her window down and hollered: “Hey, Connie! My brothers and I are singing together in a gospel quartet. Would you be interested in playing for us?” Connie answered, “I’ll have to think about it.” Then, the light turned green and she found herself blurting out: “Uh-oh-okay!”
Over the years, the Hopper Brothers and Connie (now known as The Hoppers) welcomed and mentored many musicians and singers who have gone on to their acclaimed service in Christian music. Connie and Claude’s two sons, Dean and Michael, joined the group full-time as lead vocalist and drummer/vocalist and business leaders in the industry. 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.
The Hoppers have traveled the world spreading the Gospel while performing favorites like “Jerusalem,” “Yes I Am,” “Shoutin’ Time,” “Yaweh,” “I’ve Come Too Far” and many others. 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.
Testimonials:
What a wonderful gospel music group! – Jean Gunn
Wonderful, spirit-filled group. – John Godfrey, Rome, Georgia
My favorite group. I kid my husband and tell him that when I grow up I’m going to sing just like Kim Hopper! – Linda Fiorita