October 2005 ~ Featuring Mike Hopper
Having stage musicians in Southern Gospel Music is becoming a thing of the past for many groups. I have always been a fan of live bands. It just adds some extra energy to a concert. Being a pianist, I always love the opportunity to play with other musicians. This month, I want to share a little on a friend of mine that is one of the best drummers on the road today! I'm talking about Mike Hopper, of the Hoppers.

Mike Hopper was born on September 5, 1969. He is the youngest son of Claude and Connie Hopper. Mike was saved in 1990 in Belington, WV. He lives in Madison, North Carolina, and is a member of Ellisboro Baptist Church. Some of his hobbies include motorcycles, jet ski's, flying, and vacationing in very out of the way places around the world. He is also getting into learning foreign languages. Mike collects computer and electronics manuals that he uses to sift through when looking for answers to those middle of the night questions that are racking his brain.

His biggest influences on the drums are Ronnie Tut, Bruce Droit, Larry Mullen Jr., Tracy Richardson, and Charlie Watts. Mike also confesses that his brother Dean is one of his influences on the drums, and says that he grew up watching Dean closer than he ever knew. Some of his biggest influences in life are his Grandpa Hopper, Uncle Charles, and his parents.

On the road, Mike drives the bus, sets up video and edits, finalizes, and renders footage for their Hopper Heritage Concert series. He says, "Basically, I pick up the slack wherever needed. Oh, and I set up and play drums."

His brother Dean played drums with the group before Mike started. Back in 1982, when Mike's uncle Will retired from singing with the family, Dean stepped up to take his place on the front line. The group needed a drummer, and the rest is history. Mike states, "We have a very large family, lots of uncles, aunts, and cousins. I enjoy those family gatherings when we sit around and they tell stories of my dad and his brothers growing up on a farm and having to walk to school up hill both ways in the snow. That's just for starters!" Mike has been playing drums for the Hoppers since 1983.

Back in 2003, when I was putting together the "Southern Gospel Players" project, it didn't take any thought to know that I wanted to have Mike play on several of the selections. He is simply one of the best musicians that I have ever heard. The readers of the Singing News magazine recently voted Mike as their Favorite Musician.

On the Hopper's website: www.thehoppers.com, you can learn more about Mike and the rest of the family. They are currently in the middle of their "Hoppers Heritage Tour." This group consists of some of the finest vocalists and musicians around. Dean Hopper along with his wife Kim sings lead and soprano, while Claude and Connie Hopper sing Bass and alto. Josh Simpson is the group's pianist. They record for Springhill Music, and Dean and Mike operate their own recording studio called "The Farm". Most everyone is familiar with the Hoppers, either from their many appearances on the Gaither Homecoming Series, or their numerous chart topping radio hits. However, after all these years, they manage to produce some of the best recordings and thrill audiences nationwide with their tight family harmony! Be sure to check their schedule and attend a Hoppers concert when they are in concert near you.

I would like to change subjects and thank all of the readers of the U.S. Gospel News for their support and for honoring the Dixie Echoes with three awards in the U.S. Gospel News/SGM Fan Fair Awards. The Dixie Echoes Band was presented with Favorite Band, Randy Shelnut won Favorite Lead vocalist, and my project titled "The Southern Gospel Players" was awarded Album of the Year. Again, I thank each of you. We are glad that ya'll considered and voted for us. Hope to see you all at a concert in your area soon!