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This photograph is of the original Hopper Brothers and Connie in the late-1960s. Connie Hopper is shown playing bass guitar while the quartet sings. The singing brothers include, left to right, Will, Steve, Claude and Monroe Hopper. —Photo courtesy of Claude and Connie Hopper.

Hoppers recognized by community at 49th Anniversary Celebration

EDEN, NC – It’s been said there’s no place like home, and this is certainly true for America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music. On Saturday, Nov. 25th, the Hoppers’ Annual Anniversary Celebration, celebrating 49 years of Christ-centered ministry, took place at Morehead Auditorium, in Eden, NC.

The Hoppers—Dean, Kim, Mike, Connie, and group founder and manager Claude Hopper—were joined by several special guests, including award-winning Southern Gospel trio, Greater Vision, saxophonist Dennis Sparks, speaker Walt Gretzky, father of NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, and noted humorist Wayne Hopper, brother of Claude Hopper.

The highlight of the exciting evening was when the original Hopper Brothers and Connie united on stage; brothers Steve, Will, Monroe, and Claude joined Connie, singing many of the inspiring songs from their beginnings in 1956. The musical veterans also debuted several new songs from an upcoming 50th anniversary commemorative album project. Several of the tunes featured Connie, including the first song she ever wrote and sang when she became a part of the group in 1957.

For an instant, time seemed to come to a standstill as the Hopper family’s tight harmonies thrilled and encouraged over 1600 in attendance. Topping off the evening, the Hoppers were honored with the presentation of a special proclamation from the Rockingham County, NC, Board of Commissioners, in recognition of their roots and their accomplishments over nearly a half-century of music ministry. The declaration was read publicly by Commissioner David Isley, who summed up the presentation with: “Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners, that the Hoppers be honored as they continue their legacy of Gospel music and begin the 50th Year Celebration of their ministry and service to the citizens of their home, Rockingham County, the state of North Carolina, the United States and across the globe.”

“Sometimes it seems the Hoppers are foreigners in their own community, due to the fact that they are away from home, touring, over 200 days a year,” said Dennis Sparks, booking manager for the legendary group, as well as performer. “The entire family, including the original Hopper brothers, was moved to tears by the county proclamation. They have often been recognized by the Gospel music industry, and have received many accolades, proclamations and recognitions across the nation and around the world. However, this was different: in many ways, this meant so much more to them because Rockingham County will always be home.”

“This was one of the greatest highlights of our career,” Claude said. “We are all so honored; it means more than we can express. We are so proud to be from Rockingham County, North Carolina. For nearly fifty years, we have attempted to uphold and faithfully represent our hometown throughout our many travels, while our primary focus has been to take the glorious Gospel message to the world, in song. What a privilege to do so. It’s Rockingham County people that initially supported and encouraged us, and have continued to do so. We are so grateful.”

Toward the close of the emotionally charged evening, as the stage lights faded, the Hopper family and their special guests took the time to mingle among the audience to personally thank everyone for their continued support and friendship. This time of fellowship quickly became a reunion of friends, neighbors, and family that was moving for everyone who participated.

For the next twelve months, as the Hoppers celebrate the countdown to their 50th anniversary, the original Hopper Brothers and Connie will perform for select dates, as the Hopper family continues to crisscross the nation with the 2007 Hopper Heritage Tour.

In another upcoming hometown recognition, the original Hopper Brothers & Connie have been chosen to be the grand marshals of the Annual Madison-Mayodan Jaycees’ Christmas Parade, on Dec. 16th, at 1 p.m. The event will begin on Main Street in Mayodan, and will end on Murphy Street in Madison.

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