Claude Hopper

Claude Hopper (October 8-ish, 1937 - )

Biography

Claude Hopper was born at home in early October of 1937. No official record was made of his exact date of birth, but his first legal identification listed it as October 8.

Hopper began his singing career as the baritone singer for the original Hopper Brothers in 1957. Connie Shelton joined the group the following year. She and Claude were married in 1961. They have two sons, Dean Hopper and Michael Hopper, who also traveled with the group as musicians as well as singers starting during the 1980s.

In addition to appearing on stage, Claude Hopper was active behind the scenes in the Southern Gospel industry. He operated a music publishing company and served on the Board of Directors of the National Quartet Convention. He was a driving force behind the Great Western Fan Festival held annually in Fresno, California as well.

Hopper was also on the board of directors of First Bank in Mayodan, North Carolina. He was a founding member of the North Carolina Gospel Music Hall Of Fame.

Awards

SGMA Hall Of Fame (2014)