Multi-award winning family group The Hoppers have been sharing their music with audiences around the world for more than sixty-nine years. Their remarkable ministry has taken them from presidential religious inaugural ceremonies and the stage of Carnegie Hall to beloved singing conventions and church platforms across the country.
Throughout their distinguished career, they have performed extensively across the United States as well as internationally in Israel, Europe and Africa. Their signature blend of rich family harmonies and thoughtfully chosen repertoire has cultivated a legacy of musical excellence that continues to be embraced by pastors, promoters and audiences alike.
Known as America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music, The Hoppers remain cherished performers on the Gaither Homecoming videos and tours. Their recordings consistently reach the top of both the Billboard and Singing News Radio Charts, further affirming their enduring influence and beloved place within gospel music.
The Hoppers are comprised today of Dean Hopper, his wife Kim, and their eldest daughter Karlye. From the rural-farm town of Madison, NC in 1957 to touching countless lives around the world, The Hoppers continue forward with their calling of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ in song.
The Hoppers Today
Dean Hopper
Lead vocalist Dean Hopper is the oldest son of Claude and Connie. This talented vocalist originally served as the group’s drummer before moving to the front line in 1981. Over the years Dean had become recognized as one of the industry’s most popular vocalist and received numerous industry award nominations for Favorite Lead Vocalist. Dean received the prestigious honor of being named one of the Outstanding Young Men of America. Dean has enjoyed over two decades on the road with his family, singing and traveling across the country. In 1989 Dean released the solo recording titled Solo But Never Alone, which featured many fellow recording artists including The Nelons, soloist Janet Paschal and the late Kenny Hinson. Dean also serves on the board of directors for the North Carolina Gospel Music Hall Of Fame, Singing in the sun, Gatlinburg Gathering and the Great Western SG Fan Festival. In Jan.2001 Mike and Dean opened (The Farm) recording studio located only a few miles from The Hoppers office it is a full service recording-mastering-and digital editing facility.
Dean earned his business degree from Oakland City University. He graduated in May 2003.
Lead
Kim Hopper
One of the country’s most dynamic voices is that of Kim Hopper. As a small child, Kim first began singing with her brothers as a part of the talented musical family, The Greenes. Kim sang with her family for ten years before marrying Dean in November of 1988. The following year Kim joined The Hoppers. Kim and Dean have 2 beautiful girls, Karlye Jade, born in October of 1994 and Lexus Jazz born January 2005. They make their home in Summerfield, NC. Kim has enjoyed many industry and fan awards, as her anointed vocal talent is respected by fans and industry peers alike.
She released her first solo recording in June 2003 entitled Imagine, followed by I Just Wanted You To Know in 2008 and Softly & Tenderly in 2021.
Soprano
AltoKarlye Hopper
Karlye is Dean & Kim’s oldest daughter, and the granddaughter of Claude and Connie. Although immersed in Gospel music since birth, it was never on Karlye’s heart to follow in her parent’s, and grandparent’s, footsteps as an artist. However, what initially began as a favor from a loving granddaughter to help Connie when health prevented her from traveling, soon proved to be a calling to take the family’s music into a new era. As part of the next generation of The Hoppers, Karlye brings youthful energy and heartfelt passion to the stage each and every night. Her authentic spirit captures the attention of audiences, connecting with them with a depth and sincerity that can only be a reflection of a life that is a testament to God’s goodness and grace.
In 1957, Claude Hopper began singing with his brothers in Madison, NC. The next year, Connie joined as their piano player, and the group became known as the Hopper Brothers and Connie. In 1961, Claude and Connie married, and thus began the legacy of America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music.