Claude Hopper: Claude Hopper started sing with his brothers 1957 with the support of their sister Virginia. Then they were known as 'The Hopper Brothers'. Eventually one brother suggested to Claude they get Connie to play piano for them. While he agreed he still had to ask her.
It's been said that one day while she was stopped at a red light by the A&P he worked at he asked her. She said she'd have to think about it. Then the light changed, she agreed and floored it. I supposed it history after that. In 1961 Claude & Connie married. By the next October (1962) they had their first child. Their oldest son Claude Dean Hopper. They called him Dean. (By giving him a different middle name he isn't technically Jr.) They continued touring over the next several years. In 1969 as Dean was starting to play drums & tour with them they also had their second and last child. Their younger son Michael. (I don't know if he was actually named for the Bible). As time went on 'The Hopper Brothers' had become 'The Hopper Brother & Connie'. With the last brother "retired" they shortened the name to 'The Hoppers'. They also started hiring people to sing with the. Also Dean moved upfront from the drums to Lead Vocalist & Mike took Drums. (The brothers hold those positions to this day). Updates:*In the last year or so (2011 or 2012) Claude released a solo project. (As far as I know it's his only solo project.)
*He claims his brothers still join him like once a year or something *Lives on the farm he grew up on *Raises a different cattle however |
Connie Hopper: Connie Hopper started originally after she was asked by her the future-husband Claude. He asked her to play piano for him & his brothers in their group 'The Hopper Brothers'. She of course said yes.
Eventually in 1961 she & Claude married. At some point the group either before or shortly their after changed the name of the group. The were the called 'The Hopper Brothers & Connie'. In October 1962 Connie & Claude's first son was born. They named him 'Claude Dean Hopper'. They would call him Dean however. (Cause they gave him a different middle name than Claude, Dean isn't actually Jr. at all.) Seven years later in 1969 they had their second and last child. Their younger son Michael. Also around this time Dean became their drummer. Eventually both brothers got older. The last of Claude's brothers left the group & Dean stepped up & became lead vocalist. It also left a few other spots open. Since Dean was upfront now Mike took over as drummer & they hired people to sing with the group. They also changed the name of the group one last time. They have since been known as 'The Hoppers'. Updates:*In 2003 Connie & Dean graduated from Oakland City University. (I don't believe they had the same degree though. Connie has been said to have graduated with a degree in Biblical Education.
*She has written a few books over the years, but has NOT released a solo album of her own. *She has also been a cancer survivor for well over 30 years now. *She was inducted in to the Hall of fame on her own in 2010 & into GMA Hall of Fame with 'The Hoppers' in 2012. *In 2015 she had a second battle w/ Brest Cancer
*In 2021 she was diagnosed w/ a brain tumor. Found to be benign. |
Claude Hopper:"One of the original Hopper brothers, Claude was there right
from the beginning. He and his brothers started singing together as a group over 50 years ago. Shortly after their start, they enlisted Connie as their piano player. Her presence in the group and subsequent marriage to Claude set the stage for one of the most loved families in the Southern Gospel industry. Claude often jokes about Connie on stage, but it is obvious from watching them how much they love each other. When not on the road, Claude takes pleasure in running his farm. He lives on the original farm owned by his father years ago. Keeping with the Hopper tradition, Claude continues to farm livestock. Unlike his father, however, Claude has chosen to raise beef cattle rather than dairy. Claude has many great stories to tell about his years growing up to the delight of all who listen. He is also the source of much good-natured teasing on stage, especially to his wife, Connie and eldest son, Dean." *From a former fan site @ ReoCities |
Connie Hopper:"Connie Hopper began her travels with the Hoppers when she was
asked to join the original Hopper Brothers group as their piano player. Claude tells the story that she taught them how to sing using shaped notes. It wasn't long before she added her alto vocals the group and the name was changed to The Hopper Brothers and Connie. During the 50 year anniversary celebration for the Hoppers, Connie and the brothers returned to the stage and to the studio to record a new album under that old group name. It was only a matter of time after her marriage to Claude before the group changed dynamics again. New male and female vocalists joined Connie and Claude to create a new Hoppers group. Sons Dean and Mike eventually joined the group as well to make a new generation of Hoppers. Daughter-in-law Kim Hopper became the final edition to the present day Hoppers group. When not on the road, Connie keeps herself plenty busy. She in 2003 graduated with a college degree in Biblical Education. She has written a book detailing her spiritual journey through breast cancer. She has now been free from cancer for over 30 years. Connie is a featured writer in each monthly issue of Singing News Magazine where she shares her spiritual insights with readers. One would think that with traveling and writing, Connie would be too busy to take on other projects, but with the release of The Ride DVDs , Connie hosted a television program about the Hoppers where she shares more of her spiritual insights with the viewers." *From a former fan site @ ReoCities |