NQC ATTRACTS GLOBAL AUDIENCE - 59th Annual Event Enjoys Expanded International Audience

October 9, 2015 – A global audience enjoyed the 2015 edition of the NQC (National Quartet Convention) held last week in Pigeon Forge, TN. The 59th annual event - held at the LeConte Center - attracted attendees and webcast viewers from over 30 countries. In addition to the United States, the NQC was enjoyed by gospel music lovers in Canada, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Chile, Netherlands, Australia, Norway, Taiwan, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Nicaragua, and many more!

The 59th annual NQC (National Quartet Convention) concluded on Saturday night, October 3, 2015. The 2015 edition of the popular event included over 100 hours of gospel music, speakers and more spread out over the course of seven days in beautiful Pigeon Forge, TN.

A veritable who's who in gospel music performed during this year's event as artists performed for approximately 40,000 throughout the week. Attendees enjoyed The Hoppers, Kingdom Heirs, Greater Vision, Mark Trammell Quartet, Jim Brady Trio, The Nelons, Jason Crabb, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, the Collingsworth Family, Jeff & Sheri Easter, and many, many more during the morning chapel services, afternoon showcase spectaculars and evening concerts.

Additionally, the convention featured comedy - Tim Lovelace, Aaron Wilburn and Dennis Swanberg, and speakers - Todd Starnes from Fox News and Dr. David Jeremiah.

The 60th Annual NQC will be held September 25, 2016 - October 1, 2016 at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN.

ABOUT NQC
The NQC was founded in 1957 by gospel music legend and former backup vocalist for Elvis Presley, J.D. Sumner who co-produced the event with James Blackwood. The annual convention was moved in later years to Nashville, TN and then to Louisville, KY where it was held for 20 years.

The LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN - a $45 million special events facility - serves as the host for gospel music's largest annual event.

Featured artists are a "Who’s Who” of gospel music, and nightly concerts feature up to 20 acts. Among them are the Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, the Hoppers, the Kingdom Heirs, Triumphant and the Collingsworth Family, as well as prominent soloists such as Grammy Award winner Jason Crabb.

Karlye and Lexy Hopper Involved In Car Accident

 

Statement from Dean Hopper:

 

At approximately 5 PM EST my daughters, Karlye and Lexy Hopper, were involved in a minor accident.

 

Karlye was transporting her sister to an appointment when the accident occurred. An airbag on Karlye's side deployed but not on Lexy's side.

 

X-rays and tests are being conducted now at an area hospital. 

 

We will keep you updated on our official Facebook page. 

 

Thank you for your prayers. 

The 2014 Diamond Award Nominees for Mixed Group Of The Year

The annual Diamond Awards recognize the best in Southern, Country and Bluegrass Christian music and are hosted by SGNScoops digital magazine and Coastal Media Group.

This year's Diamond Awards will be held at Creekside Gospel Music Convention at Pigeon Forge on November 3rd through 6th.

JP Miller, Lou Hildreth, Sheri Easter and Jeff Easter at the Diamond Awards 2012

This year we again welcome Channel 57 WATC Atlanta as they cover the Diamond Awards for airing on both TV and internet at a later date. We also welcome Meagan Pledger who will be doing extensive Social Media coverage for the entire Creekside event.

Be sure to get your free tickets to the 2014 Creekside Gospel Music Convention HERE

SGN Scoops would like you to meet our top-five finalists for each category of the 2014 Diamond Awards. Today's category is the 2014 Mixed Group Of The Year, which entails a group of any number with both male and female members. Last year's winner was The Isaacs.

2014 Diamond Award Top Five Nominees for Mixed Group Of The Year are:

Jeff and Sheri Easter

Karen Peck and New River

The Hoppers

The Collingsworth Family

The Perrys

Join us for the 2014 Diamond Awards and the entire Creekside event. For more information and for tickets, click here

NQC ATTENDANCE INCREASES 120%

Return of Connie Hopper Highlights Evening Performance

Pigeon Forge, TN – The 57th annual NQC (National Quartet Convention) is in full swing at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN. Clarke Beasley, NQC Executive Director, reports that an all-time attendance record has been set for the first-half of the week with the 11,500 seat LeConte Center sold out for Tuesday and Wednesday nights of the annual event.

A surprise appearance by Connie Hopper - who has been battling breast cancer again after being in remission for 35 years - was the highlight of Wednesday evening. The beloved singer appeared onstage as The Hoppers' hit song, "I've Come Too Far," began to play. The crowd leapt to their feet in thunderous applause and praise to God, welcoming Mrs. Hopper back to NQC. There wasn't a dry in the place as Connie spoke about having the 'peace that passeth all understanding' during this latest health scare.

The National Quartet Convention is the only event of the year where fans can see and hear their favorite artists at a single event, and then meet them and purchase their products. Music lovers can enjoy their favorite music all day and night, as music spectaculars begin each morning and continue until at least 11 PM each evening.

Although all evening concerts are sold out at this time, passes still remain for many of the afternoon events. For a complete schedyle of events,please visit www.nqconline.com.

STAY CONNECTED WITH NQC:
www.NQConline.com
www.Facebook.com/NQConline
www.Twitter.com/NQConline

NQC KICKOFF CONCERT BREAKS ATTENDANCE RECORDS

Pigeon Forge, TN (Sept. 21, 2014) – The 57th annual NQC (National Quartet Convention) kicked off Sunday, September 21, 2014 with a record-breaking crowd at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN. Officials report attendance numbers more than doubling previous years records. An all-star line-up of artists - the Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, the Hoppers, the Kingdom Heirs and the Mark Trammel Quartet - helped get Gospel Music's largest annual event underway in grand style.

A full schedule of events for NQC week is available online at www.NQConline.com.

The Booth Brothers

Greater Vision

The Hoppers with special guest Melissa Brady filling in for Connie Hopper

The Kingdom Heirs

The Mark Trammell Quartet

STAY CONNECTED WITH NQC:www.NQConline.com
www.Facebook.com/NQConline
www.Twitter.com/NQConline

LORETTA LYNN RANCH MAKES FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR ANNUAL GOSPEL FEST

Country Legend Plays Host For Weekend of Food, Family Fun, Fellowship and the Best in Gospel Music Lineup Includes Grammy Winner Jason Crabb, Hall of Fame Members The Hoppers, Karen Peck & New River, Brian Free & Assurance, Rising Fan Favorites The Sneed Family and many more!

Nashville, TN – The Loretta Lynn Ranch staff is busier than bees making final preparations for this weekend's Loretta Lynn Gospel Fest! The second annual event takes place at the country legend's historic Hurricane Mills, TN ranch this weekend -September 13-14, 2014.

Scheduled to appear during the two-day event are Grammy winner Jason Crabb, Hall of Fame members The Hoppers, The Booth Brothers, Karen Peck & New River, Rambo-McGuire, Aaron Wilburn, Brian Free & Assurance, Singing Cookes, The Freemans, Michael Combs, Archie Watkins & Smoky Mountain Reunion, Tony Gore & Majesty andThe Sneed Family.

 

“I love Gospel music,” Loretta Lynn says. “I had a great time with all my friends here last year and I’m so happy to invite everyone back to my house for some great gospel music! Y’all come on!”

 

For those arriving early on Friday night, September 12, 2014, there will be a special bon-fire and sing-a-long beginning at 8:00 PM with special guests High Road.

 

Jeff Sneed, event producer, comments: "We had an amazing turnout last year - the crowd loved the event - and this year is going to be even better!" Patsy Lynn Russell, event organizer says: "Jeff Sneed and his family have done a wonderful job doing anything that was needed - from producing the talent line up to organizing the stage, sound and light crew to promoting the event to bus groups. They've stepped up and really gone the extra mile to make this event a success!"

 

Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, TN is the perfect destination for this amazing weekend of Gospel music. The full service RV park features primitive camping, pools, canoeing, paddle boats and more. Guests can also tour Loretta’s plantation home, the Butcher Holler Home Place, and her brand-new 18,000 square foot “Coal Miner’s Daughter” museum.

 

Select tickets remain on sale and more information can be found online atLorettaLynn.com or by calling the ranch at 931-296-7700.

 

CLAUDE HOPPER REACTS TO SGMA HALL OF FAME INDUCTION ANNOUNCEMENT

To say that I am surprised to be announced as an inductee to the 2014 SGMA HALL OF FAME class would be an understatement. There are many individuals more deserving, but I am very grateful. I've lived my life trying to help people and show them Jesus. Thank you SGMA. I am honored and humbled.

CLAUDE HOPPERHIGH-RES IMAGE - CLICK HERE STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HOPPERS:www.thehoppers.com www.facebook.com/TheHoppersOfficial www.twitter.com/HoppersMusic MEDIA CONTACT:THE JUDY NELON GROUP PR@NELONPR.COM 615-474-8673

Take A Bus Tour With The Sneed Family To Loretta Lynn's Gospel Music Festival

Take another trip to the National Quartet Convention with the Sneed Family

August 7, 2014 (Glasgow, KY) The Loretta Lynn Ranch is preparing to welcome Gospel music fans from all across the country to the second annual “Loretta Lynn’s Gospel Music Festival” held at her Hurricane Mills, TN ranch September 13-14, 2014. The inaugural event last year was a huge success and organizers are anticipating another wonderful weekend.

You can sit back and relax and let Jeff Sneed do all the work by purchasing a package that will include the bus ride, two nights in the hotel, two continental breakfasts, ticket for museum, ticket for mansion tour, ticket to the sing-a-long, ticket to Saturday and Sunday concerts, two meals at Loretta Lynn's Restaurant and one meal at the concerts. They will drive you to and from the event, purchase your tickets and take care of dropping you at the entrance with great seating.

Scheduled to appear during the two-day event are Grammy winner Jason Crabb, Hall of Fame members The Hoppers, The Booth Brothers, Karen Peck & New River, Rambo-McGuire, Aaron Wilburn, Brian Free & Assurance, Singing Cookes, The Freemans, Michael Combs, Archie Watkins & Smoky Mountain Reunion, Tony Gore & Majesty and The Sneed Family.

“I love Gospel music,” Loretta Lynn says. “I had a great time with all my friends here last year and I’m so happy to invite everyone back to my house for some great gospel music! Y’all come on!”

For those arriving early on Friday night, September 12, 

2014, there will be a special bon-fire and sing-a-long beginning at 8:00 PM with special guests HIGHROADIII.

Jeff Sneed, event producer, comments: "We had an amazing turnout last year - the crowd loved the event - and this year is going to be even better!" Patsy Lynn Russell, event organizer says: " Jeff Sneed and his family have done a wonderful job doing anything that was needed - from producing the talent line up to organizing the stage, sound and light crew to promoting the event to bus groups. They've stepped up and really gone the extra mile to make this event a success!"

Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, TN is the perfect destination for this amazing weekend of Gospel music. The full service RV park features primitive camping, pools, canoeing, paddle boats and more. Guests can also tour Loretta’s plantation home, the Butcher Holler Home Place, and her brand-new 18,000 square foot “Coal Miner’s Daughter” museum.

Tickets are on sale now and more information can be found online at LorettaLynn.com or by calling the ranch at 931-296-7700.

The Sneed Family is also offering a great package to this year's Great Smokey Mountains National Quartet Convention being held in Pigeon Forge, TN from September 22 through the 25. This package will include the bus ride, three nights in a hotel, three continental breakfasts, one meal at Tony Gore's Restaurant, two more meals as well as transportation to shopping. They also include tickets for three nightly concerts and one afternoon showcase.

For more information about Jeff Sneed and the Sneed Family go to http://www.sneedfamily.com or https://www.facebook.com/sneedfamily .

**** 

About The Sneed Family
The Sneed Family began its gospel music journey in 1982 as “Glory Bound” with four young men just out of High School. The group was founded by 18-year-old pianist and baritone, Jeff Sneed. Jeff met and married Pam Saylors who not only became his wife, but his singing partner. Today they are living our dream by standing on stage with their entire family night after night. Since the groups beginning it has flourished into a current day family ministry team. Today’s group is made up of Jeff Sneed (vocals, piano), Pam Sneed (vocals), Amanda Cowan (vocals, mandolin), Caleb Cowan (vocals), Seth Sneed (vocals, rhythm & bass guitar), and Jacob Sneed (drums). In early 2008 The Sneed Family launched a brand new Christian Television Show called “Glory Bound Jubilee” on WPBM Proclaim Broadcasting.
 

THE HOPPERS PREPARE A 'NIGHT TO REMEMBER'

Legendary Group Partners with Tour Producer The Berry Agency for Special Engagements during August

(Madison, NC) July 29, 2014 – GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame members, The Hoppers, are excited to announce their A Night To Remember Tour in select cities during August 2014. The legendary group is partnering with talent agent and tour producer Israel Berry, President/CEO of The Berry Agency to present these special evenings.

Filled with music from America's favorite family along with a choir (in select cities), special moments throughout the concert and special guest Karlye Hopper (Dean & Kim's daughter), this is an evening designed for the entire family.

"We're looking forward to sharing a 'Night to Remember' with our friends this  August," shares Dean Hopper. "It's a special treat to perform with Karlye, our daughter, and I know the audiences will enjoy the special surprises we have in store."

Partnering with The Berry Agency's Israel Berry was an important piece of the puzzle in securing these concert dates and venues. "I've admired The Hoppers for so many years," stated Israel Berry. "To be able to partner with them to bring this evening to audiences is a special treat. It's going to be great!"

Tour dates for the A Night To Remember tour can be found at www.TheHoppers.com as well as their regularly scheduled appearances.

Multi-award winning family group The Hoppers - known as America's Favorite Family of Gospel Music - have been singing to global audiences for over 55 years with appearances ranging from presidential religious inaugural ceremonies and New York’s Carnegie Hall to singing conventions and church platforms. They have performed throughout the United States as well as in Israel, Europe and Africa. Their unique blend of harmonies and song choices have created a legacy of musical excellence embraced by leading pastors and event organizers. Known as America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music, they are favorites on the Gaither Homecoming videos and tours, and their recordings frequently land near the top of the BILLBOARD sales charts and The Singing News radio charts.

In 2012, the group was inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame alongside Aretha Franklin, Ricky Skaggs, Love Song, Rex Humbard, and Dallas Holm.

Comprised today of family members Claude & Connie, son Dean and his wife, Kim, and son Mike Hopper, The Hoppers were formed in 1957 in the rural-farm town of Madison, NC, and have grown continuously for decades, touching countless lives around the world. A cancer survivor, Connie has been honored with the prestigious Marvin Norcross Award, in addition to numerous industry and fan honors; and she has been inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Sons Dean and Mike have continued the family legacy with their musical talents and business abilities; and Kim, Dean's wife, hails from her own nationally acclaimed musical family, The Greenes.  She is noted for the excitement she brings to any live performance, and her unmistakable, rafter-ringing soprano vocals have taken The Hoppers to new heights for many years.

The Hoppers are celebrating over 5 DECADES of music excellence - don't miss this chance to catch America's favorite family of Gospel music, THE HOPPERS!

 Web: www.TheHoppers.com
 Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TheHoppersOfficial 
 Twitter: www.Twitter.com/HoppersMusic

A Night To Remember Tour Dates (All other tour dates located at www.thehoppers.com)

August	15		Laurel Springs Baptist	Deep Gap	NC
August	16		New Life Community Church	Whiteville	NC
August	18		Ridgecrest Baptist	Durham	NC
August	21		Concord Baptist Church	Jefferson City	MO
August	22		Miner Baptist Church	Sikeston	MO
August	23		First Baptist/Venue Crowder Clge	Cassville	MO
August	25		First Baptist Church	Martin	TN

SGN Scoops Radio For The Week Of July 28, 2014

Ascension Quartet

On this week’s edition of SGN Scoops Radio with Jonathan Edwards, we have great gospel music from the Hoppers, Adam Crabb, Wilburn and Wilburn and the Pine Ridge Boys, as well as bluegrass music from Canaan’s Crossing and the Isaacs, plus much more. Jean Grady of Gospel Music Today has a CD review of Carla Bragg. We introduce you to a group from Missouri called The Ascension Quartet. Make sure to join us for two hours of great fun on SGN Scoops Radio. The Ascension Quartet has a new CD release! www.ascensionqt.com 

SGN Scoops Radio can be heard on the following stations:

WVSG Radio: wvsgradio.com, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4:00pm EST.

Radiocia: www.radiocia.us on Tuesday at 10:00 am and 9:00 pm CST and Saturdays at 8:00 pm CST.

Gospel Hour Radio: www.gospelhourradio.com on Saturdays at 3:00 pm CST and re-airs on

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:00 pm CST.

WTGF 90.5 FM, in Pace, Florida, Saturdays and Sundays at 9:00pm EST.

WPIL 91.7 FM in Heflin, Alabama, Fridays from 10:00am -12:00pm CST.

KJSL106.7FM Fort Smith, Arkansas, Sundays at 4:00pm. and streaming on our website, kjslradio.com

WUCG 93.1FM Blairsville, Georgia at 8:00 am Sunday morning and 9:00pm Sunday night.

Cowboy Gospel Radio internet station http://www.cowboygospelnetradio.com/ 8:00 am Sunday morning

and 9:00pm Sunday night.

Contact Jonathan to bring SGN Scoops Radio to your station: jonathan@sgnscoops.com.

About Jonathan Edwards: Jonathan Edwards began his radio career on KWFC 89.1 FM in Springfield, Mo. At KWFC he worked in news, sales and was an on air personality, creating the very popular Ozark Gospel Showcase. He has been nominated for 2 Singing News Fan Awards and garnered the coveted Paul Heil Award from the 2012 Diamond Awards. He travels full time with Faith’s Journey and currently hosts the syndicated radio show SGN Scoops Radio.

For more information and free music, click on to http://www.sgnscoops.net

* * TUNE IN ALERT * * THE HOPPERS APPEAR ON SEASON PREMIERE OF RFD-TV'S THE MUSIC CITY SHOW

 

America's Favorite Family of Gospel Music Set To Appear On Popular TV Program

The Hoppers Perform during a taping of The Music City Show on RFD-TV. 

Nashville, TN – The Hoppers, America's favorite family of Gospel music, is set to appear on the season premiere of The Music City Show on RFD-TV! The ever-popular family group will perform their signature classics and a few new tunes as well as chat with host Tim Lovelace this Thursday, July 24, 2014 at 7:00 PM CST.

The Music City Show is taped before a live studio audience in Nashville, TN – Music City - and features a live band, talented artists and comedic entertainment. It is produced by Godsey & Associates. RFD-TV's studios are located at Northstar Studios in Nashville, TN while the channel's corporate and national sales office are based in Omaha, Nebraska.   For more information on the Hoppers, visit www.theHoppers.com and connect with them at www.Facebook.com/theHoppersOfficial and on Twitter @HoppersMusic

L-R: Jim Sheldon (the Positive Cowboy), The Hoppers (Kim, Dean, Karley, Connie, Claude & Mike) and Tim Lovelace pose for a photo on the set of The Music City Show.

The Hoppers share a laugh with Tim Lovelace during their appearance on The Music City Show

Hopper Happenings

HopperHappenings  July 2014 Growing up in Sunday School and church I learned early in life about Jesus and His love. I remember those fire-filled sermons "there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun".  Except for watching my parent's life and instruction from them, I did not learn a lot about living life's everyday journey until I began reading Gods word for myself. Nearly fifty years ago as I read about the life of the early Christians, I prayed this prayer.  Lord, whatever comes on this journey of faith give me your strength and grace to stand. Connie... Shop TheHoppers Online   Tour Dates 07.17.14: Rome, GA 07.18.14: Paragould, AR 07.19.14: Monroe, LA 07.20.14: Mobile, AL ---- 07.25.14: Florence, KY 07.26.14: Logan, WV 07.27.14: Petersburg, WV ---- 08.01.14: Metropolis, IL 08.03.14: Dallas, TX 08.04.14: Bowlegs, OK 08.05.14: Mansfield, OH All Tour Dates Mike,Dean & Lari Goss Claude recording new concept video Claude,Connie & 101 year old brother Kelly. Allen Park, MI. Hoppers @ the Farm studio with Gary Prim, Jacob Danieley and Walt Gretzky

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