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Connie Hopper Inducted into SGMA Hall of Fame
The Hoppers receive Three Singing News Fan Awards

SGMA Hall of Fame Inductee Connie Hopper (L), and Claude Hopper (R) with
Dolly Parton, 2010 Recipient of the James D. Vaughan Impact Award.
Photo by Aaron Crisler / The Judy Nelon Group

NASHVILLE, TENN. (October 5, 2010) - Connie Hopper, beloved matriarch of The Hoppers, was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame at the SGMA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on September 29, 2010 at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN.

The celebrated first lady of America's Favorite Family of Gospel Music, noted for her vibrant faith, has received many outstanding accolades during her career, including the Singing News Favorite Alto of the Year award three times, and the Marvin Norcross award in recognition of her devotion to family, church and significant contributions to the gospel music industry.  For over 50 years Connie has been a member of the Hopper family singers, an accomplished musician, songwriter, and author of two books: The Peace That Passeth Understanding, a book of testimonies about her experience with cancer and Heart of The Matter, an inspiring devotional.

The Singing News Fan Awards were woven into the SGMA Hall of Fame ceremony with three more awards for The Hoppers; Kim Hopper, Favorite Female Artist of the Year and Favorite Soprano of the Year and The Hoppers were named Favorite Mixed Group of the Year with Claude Hopper accepting for his family.

Michael Hopper, Karlye Hopper, Claude Hopper, Connie Hopper

Karlye Hopper, daughter of Dean & Kim Hopper, graciously accepted twice for her mother Kim who was absent from the ceremony due to the death of her brother Tony Greene the day before. Karlye's uncle, Michael Hopper accompanied his niece to the stage where she spoke eloquently for her mother: "I'd like to accept this award on behalf of my mother who, due to the very sudden passing of her baby brother, couldn't be here today. She sends her extreme gratitude to each one of you for every prayer, you'll never know how much they all meant to us. And I suppose, considering the circumstances, it's assumed I have something slightly profound prepared. All I've really got is that we'd like to dedicate, not just this object, but this exact moment to: my mothers best friend, the love of my aunt's life, and my sweet baby cousins' daddy. We love you Tony."

Karlye Hopper accepts for her mother Kim Hopper

In addition, the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame also inducted: Danny Gaither, Sam Goodman, Bill Hefner, Little Jan Buckner-Goff, Arthur Smith and presented the prestigious James D. Vaughan Impact Award to Dolly Parton for her significant contributions to gospel music.

About The Hoppers:
The Hoppers maintain a heavy touring schedule, performing on the Gaither Homecoming stage, at the National Quartet Convention (over 60,000 attendees), the Great Western Gospel Music Fan Festival (8-9,000 attendees), at the Cove and at Singing in the Sun in addition to around 150 dates annually. The Gaither Gospel Series: Best of The Hoppers DVD debuted at #2 on Billboard’s video chart while the CD entered the Billboard Heatseeker chart at #4. Additionally, the CD entered the Nielsen SoundScan Southern Gospel chart at #1 and the Contemporary Christian chart at #10. Their brand new release, Something's Happening is available through EMI CMG Distribution at online outlets, including iTunes, and Amazon.com and wherever Christian Music is sold. New single, "Victory Shall Be Mine," has just been released to radio.

www.TheHoppers.com