Nov 3rd 2012 - Garden Spot Promotions

Artist(s)

Collingsworth Family
The Hoppers
Tribute Quartet

Notes

COLLINGSWORTH FAMILY: Excitement, spiritual anointing, family-emphasis, and musical excellence are what you can expect to find when you step across the threshold of the auditorium for an Evening of Family Worship and Praise with The Collingsworth Family.

Since their first engagement together as musicians for a church camp in Petersburg, Michigan in August, 1986 until now, the ministry God has given Phil & Kim has expanded and flourished until it is a full-time livelihood that involves their entire family. Their boundaries of influence have expanded until they have sung and played all over the United States (as well as internationally) into their 26th year of ministry. Their constant, persistent attention to cutting-edge arranging, musical excellence, and a proper balance of spiritual emphasis are the keys to success God has helped them tap.

Phil & Kim’s actual base of ministry began during their college days. Phil is a 1986 graduate of God’s Bible School & College, Cincinnati, OH. This is the famous, 100+ year old college that is well-known within Christian education ranks for having been the American college where Oswald Chambers (“My Utmost For His Highest”) taught. Phil also completed professional trumpet studies at College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati and earned a Bachelor of Sacred Music degree with a double major in trumpet performance and music education. Kim attended Union Bible College, Westfield, IN where she was very instrumental in arranging most of the music that was performed by the college’s traveling music groups.

Since that time, many ministry opportunities have come across their pathway. They have always maintained a public performance ministry, which for the first fourteen years included doing music presentations for church camps and extended-length revival campaigns. They have also held the positions of Ministers of Music, Hobe Sound Bible Church, Hobe Sound, FL; Director, Music Division, Union Bible College, Westfield, IN; and Phil was Dean of Enrollment Management at his Alma Mater, God’s Bible School & College, Cincinnati, OH.

In January, 2000, Phil & Kim transitioned to a new, all-concert ministry. They began recording professionally and currently exclusively utilize one of Nashville’s most award winning producers, Wayne Haun. This new emphasis began to expand their boundaries rapidly. Their home has seen the addition of four children across the years and the children are now very actively involved in the ministry. Their two oldest daughters are quite proficient on the violin and play at each of their concerts. Their entire family sings together in an ensemble as well as Brooklyn, their 22 yr old daughter, joining them in trio vocals for most of the program. Kim is well-known for her phenomenal mastery of the piano and the extraordinary talent God has given her is a part of each concert, as well as trumpet solos from Phil.

HOPPERS: 

With humble beginnings as rural farm-boys, The Hoppers were organized in 1957 by founding member and owner Claude Hopper along with brothers; Will, Steve, Paul, and Monroe. The Hoppers memoir, After All These Years, tells the heartwarming story of how the group later came to be known as The Hopper Brothers and Connie. In the summer of 1958, Claude Hopper took a lunch break from his part-time job at the A & P Grocery store in Madison, NC, taking a walk to the corner. Connie Shelton was driving in the little downtown section of Madison and drove up to the light at the corner, saw Claude, and glanced over his way. "It was my big chance to ask her to play piano for us!" says Claude. Smiling from the corner, Claude motioned for Connie to roll her window down and hollered: "Hey, Connie! My brothers and I are singing together in a gospel quartet. Would you be interested in playing for us?" Connie answered, "I'll have to think about it." Then, the light turned green and she found herself blurting out: "Uh-oh-okay!"

Over the years, the Hopper Brothers and Connie (now known as The Hoppers) welcomed and mentored many musicians and singers who have gone on to their acclaimed service in Christian music. Connie and Claude's two sons, Dean and Michael, joined the group full-time as lead vocalist and drummer/vocalist and business leaders in the industry.

Claude and Connie Hopper celebrated 50 years of marriage this year and were recognized on the Harmony Honors television show broadcast on TBN. In September 2011, the SGMG board recognized Claude and Connie's significant contributions to the music industry business with the SGMG Lifetime Achievement Honor presented by Clarke Beasley during the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY.

In 1981, The Hoppers performed gospel music at the Religious Inaugural Celebration for President Ronald Reagan.

While The Hoppers achieved tremendous success through the first three decades of ministry, the era of the '90s began a new leg of their journey with the addition of Dean's wife, Kim, as soprano and a streak of number one songs including: "Milk and Honey," "Here I Am," "Anchor to the Power of the Cross," and "Mention My Name". The pace of the group, with God's help, was hitting new strides. In addition to radio success, The Hoppers have received numerous accolades including Mixed Group of the Year from the Heart's Aflame Awards, Diamond Awards, Singing News Fan Awards (12 times, including this year 2011), and the SGMA; as well as multiple Dove Award nominations. In 1998, Connie recognized with the prestigious Marvin Norcross award, given to those with excellence in "devotion to family, service to church, and contributions to the gospel music industry." Michael received the Musician of the Year award from the Singing News Fan Awards, along with Kim who has received the title of Female Vocalist and Favorite Soprano for well over a decade, including this year, 2011. Connie Hopper inducted into the SGMA Hall of Fame 2010 Class at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN. Connie authored several books including the story of her healing from cancer. She also writes an inspirational story each month for the Singing News Magazine.

The Hoppers have traveled the world spreading the Gospel while performing favorites like "Jerusalem," "Yes I Am," "Shoutin' Time," "Yaweh," "I've Come Too Far" and many others. The group has always tried to remain stalwart in their sharing of hope and God's unmatchable love, while keeping their faith in Christ and family. Their prayer is to extend this message to all who do not know him, and encourage those who do.

While keeping a full-time performance schedule, they are business leaders in music publishing, concert promotions and part owners in the National Quartet Convention (NQC) working hard to expand gospel music for generations to come.

Known as America's Favorite Family of Gospel Music, The Hoppers are favorites on the Gaither Homecoming series. They are grateful for the popularity that has come to the music they love, bringing a new audience to the lasting message through gospel music and the vision of Bill & Gloria Gaither and the Homecoming Friends.