The Hoppers, a nationally recognized family singing group that has appeared in dozens of Gaither videos, will present a dinner concert Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Gospel Barn of Bluffton. This event will feature a barbeque meal at 4 p.m., prior to the 6 p.m. concert.
The new Gospel Barn venue is at 429 E. Dustman Road.
The Hoppers were organized in 1957 by its founding member, Claude Hopper, who was joined by his brothers; Will, Steve, Paul, and Monroe.
The Hoppers’ memoir, “After All These Years,” tells the 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, N.C., 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. She saw Claude and glanced 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, as the light turned green, she found herself blurting out: “Uh-oh-okay!”
Through the years, the Hopper Brothers and Connie — now known simply 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.
In September 2011, the board of the Southern Gospel Music Guild recognized Claude and Connie’s significant contributions to the music industry business with the SGMG Lifetime Achievement Honor. In 1981, The Hoppers performed gospel music at the Religious Inaugural Celebration for President Ronald Reagan.
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 and a streak of No. 1 songs including “Milk and Honey,” “Here I Am,” “Anchor to the Power of the Cross,” and “Mention My Name.”
In addition to radio success, The Hoppers have received numerous accolades including Mixed Group of the Year from the Hearts Aflame Awards, Diamond Awards and Singing News fan awards.
Doors will open at 4 p.m. Saturday for the dinner concert.
For more information, call Jim at 651.269.2120, or please visit www.thegospelbarnofbluffton.com
