From Staff Reports
The Hoppers, a multi-award winning family group, will be in concert at 6 p.m. Saturday at Fellowship General Baptist Church, 3581 N. Westwood Blvd.
This will be their second appearance at the church in Poplar Bluff. Last year the Hoppers had a concert cancel when they were traveling between Michigan and Springfield, Mo. They called friends Kathy and Jim Sanders of Fisk, Mo., and wanted to visit with them. The Sanders arranged for them to perform locally. Since the Hoppers enjoyed their time in Poplar Bluff, they decided to add Fellowship General Baptist Church to their schedule this year.
The group has been singing to global audiences for more than 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," the Sanders said. "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, the group includes Claude and Connie, son, Dean, and his wife, Kim, and son, Mike Hopper, and granddaughter, Karlye, The Hoppers were formed in 1957 in the rural-farm town of Madison, N.C., and have grown continuously for decades, touching countless lives around the world, the Sanders said.
A cancer survivor, Connie has been honored with the 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.
"Group founder, Claude Hopper, is recognized as one of the nation's most influential businessmen," the Sanders said. He 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.
"He is heavily involved with music publishing and founded the Hopper Brothers & Connie Publishing," the Sanders said. "In 1990, Claude received special recognition from Sen. Jesse Helms and North Carolina Gov. 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, N.C. and founding member of the North Carolina Gospel Music Hall Of Fame."
A love offering will be taken. For more information, call 573-718-5655 or 573-718-5488.