[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15024]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             THE HOPPERS--A NORTH CAROLINA MUSICAL TREASURE

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                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 2, 2013

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, October 5, 2013, the town of 
Madison, North Carolina, will unveil an historical marker to honor a 
legendary musical family known as The Hoppers. I am proud to say that 
The Hoppers live in the Sixth District of North Carolina, and that I 
have been invited to participate in the unveiling of this plaque.
  The Hoppers, known as Hopper Brothers and Connie until 1981, are 
musical legends and rightfully deserving of this honor. In the world of 
Gospel and Christian music, the Hoppers are at the forefront, not only 
for the quality of their music, but for their commitment to their 
faith. For more than half-a-century, this Rockingham County family has 
been spreading musical joy throughout the land.
  What was started in humble beginnings in 1957 by Claude Hopper and 
his brothers, Will, Steve, Paul, and Monroe, came to be known as Hopper 
Brothers and Connie, when Claude, taking a break from his part-time job 
at the A&P food store in Madison, spotted Connie Shelton driving 
through the small town and asked her to join his Gospel group on the 
spot. Now celebrating 50 years of marriage and music together, they 
have mentored many musicians and singers over the years. Their sons, 
Dean and Michael, later joined the group as lead vocalist and drummer/
vocalist.
  Kim Greene of The Greenes married Dean Hopper, and in 1989 she also 
joined The Hoppers as soprano. Soon, The Hoppers scored a string of 
number one Gospel hits including Here I Am, Milk and Honey, Mention My 
Name, Anchor to the Power of the Cross, Heavenly Sunrise, That's Him, 
and Yes I Am. In 1996, Mike Hopper married Denice, who became the 
group's pianist. In 1998, their version of Shoutin' Time became their 
biggest hit.
  Over the ensuing years, numerous awards and accolades came their way. 
They have been nominated and received just about every major award in 
the Gospel music industry. Known as America's Favorite Family of Gospel 
Music, The Hoppers are not just musicians, but business leaders in 
music publishing and concert promotions. Best of all, we can claim The 
Hoppers as North Carolina's own.
  On behalf of the citizens of the Sixth District of North Carolina, we 
congratulate The Hoppers on more than half-a-century of outstanding 
Gospel music. Best wishes to everyone gathered on Saturday, October 5, 
2013, as a plaque is unveiled in Madison to honor The Hoppers, a true 
North Carolina musical treasure.

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