From Left to Right: Jim Van Hook, Word Entertainment CEO; Dave Clark, General Manager of Canaan Records and Canaanland Publishing; Claude Hopper, Connie Hopper, Kim Hopper, Dean Hopper, and Mike Hopper

WORD ENTERTAINMENT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES THE RE-LAUNCH OF CANAAN RECORDS WITH GOSPEL MUSIC FAVORITE, THE HOPPERS, AS FIRST TO SIGN
PHOTO GALLERY / STORY

Word Entertainment Officially Announces Re-launch of Canaan Records With Gospel Music Favorite, The Hoppers, as First To Sign

NASHVILLE, TN – June 8, 2007 – On Tuesday, June 6th, Word Entertainment announced the re-launch of legendary Southern Gospel label, Canaan Records, at a sales conference that took place at the “W” in Franklin, TN. Word also took this opportunity to showcase their first group to sign, Southern Gospel music favorite, The Hoppers.

As a subsidiary of Word, Canaan Records began in 1965 as an outlet for Southern Gospel music. It included Southern Gospel greats such as The Happy Goodman Family, The Florida Boys, The Inspirations, The Nelons, and The Cathedrals. As of Tuesday, this legendary label is back in full swing with The Hoppers, who have been deemed “America’s favorite family of Gospel Music.” As Word seeks to connect Southern Gospel’s legendary past to it’s exciting future, no other group could fit the mold more perfectly.

This year, The Hoppers are celebrating their 50th year in the Southern Gospel music industry. Theirs is a past steeped in tradition where in the early years of “The Hopper Brothers and Connie,” they often performed with many renowned groups of the past. Now, with Claude, Connie, their sons Mike, Dean, and Dean’s wife Kim, this family has come full circle into the future of Southern Gospel music.

Their aptly named brand new album, The Ride, will be released under Canaan Records on September 4th, 2007. This record exemplifies the true spirit of Southern Gospel music, with its tight-knit harmonies and unwavering boldness to spread the message of the Gospel, while at the same time bringing a freshness that will speak to the hearts of future generations.

Dave Clark, a well-known figure in the Christian music industry as well as accomplished songwriter, has been selected by Word Entertainment CEO, Jim Van Hook, to take the reigns of this new venture. Dave is being quoted as saying, “As a young songwriter back in the 70’s, my first cuts were on the Canaan label and many of my songwriting heroes wrote for Canaanland music. Men like Marvin Norcross helped pave the way for many of us through the years. I realize with the legacy of the past there comes a responsibility for the future. That’s why the Hoppers are the perfect group to begin this next chapter. They represent all of the things that attracted me to gospel music so many years ago. Their commitment to quality, integrity, consistency, and a passion for ministry are just a few of the reasons they are still making a difference in their 50th year.”

Part of Dave’s responsibilities will also include overseeing the redevelopment of the Canaanland publishing imprint, which was one of the leading Southern Gospel publishers in the 70’s and 80’s.

Rhonda Thompson of Rhonda Thompson Promotions will play an integral part in the establishment of Canaan’s role in Southern Gospel’s presence on the radio waves. For over thirteen years, Rhonda’s career includes promoting over forty number one hits as well as being named “SGMA Radio Promoter Of The Year" for an unprecedented five years.

For more information you may visit www.thehoppers.com or direct correspondence to dave.clark@wordentertainment.com or call 615-687-6705.