The Hoppers thrilled crowd with their powerful melodies
By Susan Mires
Contributing Writer
November 1, 2005
SPRINGFIELD – Those attending the Missouri Baptist Convention’s annual meeting were treated to one of Southern Gospel’s most influential groups.
In a perfect blend of harmony, The Hoppers sang at two sessions during the meeting in Springfield.
“We love the music,” Connie Hopper said in an interview after their performance. “It’s the means to the end.”
The Hoppers ultimate goal is to use their music to minister to people, she said, both to encourage and bring them to salvation.
The smooth and sweet vocals on songs such as That’s Him moved the audience, while The Hoppers’ enthusiastic rendition of Shouting Time brought the convention to its feet and some, including John Marshall, pastor, Second Baptist Church, Springfield, dancing down the aisles.
“Music is just something that speaks to hearts,” said Connie Hopper, the group’s cornerstone who recently celebrated her 65th birthday.
The group has been serving up family-style music for 48 years, since Claude Hopper and his brothers formed the group. When Claude Hopper got married, the name was amended to The Hopper Brothers and Connie. The family has been in the music business full time since 1970. Today, their sons Dean and Mike and daughter-in-law Kim are part of the group.
When their sons were young, they couldn’t bring them along when they were on the road, so it’s nice at this point in their lives to travel together, Connie Hopper said.
“We all have the same purpose of heart,” she said.
The Hoppers were named Southern Gospel’s favorite mixed group every year from 1997 to 2003 and have won numerous other awards.
Connie Hopper has shared with fans her bout with cancer and God’s healing. Daughter-in-law Kim Hopper told the Missouri audience that about a year ago, her father died unexpectedly and a few weeks later, her daughter was born prematurely. She then sang the song Peace in the Midst of the Storm.
The Hoppers also sang their hit Jerusalem. Connie Hopper described the emotion of visiting the Holy Land, especially the site where the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. She reminded messengers that God has an eternal message for His children.
“I want you to cheer up and look up because the best is yet to come,” she said.