– John Driskell Hopkins, founding member of the GRAMMY-winning Zac Brown Band performed “You Light Up My Life” by three-time GRAMMY winner Debby Boone for his friends and family at the age of 6 at a Christmas gathering in 1977. 45 years later, while recording his fourth Christmas album, Hopkins was gifted an original pressing of “You Light Up My Life” and though he could only dream of once singing with one of his greatest inspirations as a performer, Debby enthusiastically agreed to join him on the song “Snow”, once recorded by her mother in law, Rosemary Clooney.
“I had no idea the afternoon I got the call from Hop, what kind of blessing was entering my life,” shares Boone. “I just loved the idea that this talented and successful guy would want me to do a duet with him enough to fly me to Atlanta, and put me up. It went from recording the song to making a video as well. Every part of the experience was first rate from his beautiful, state-of-the-art studio to the band and the video crew. I was so impressed!”
Rolling Stone Country premiered the “SNOW” music video on Friday, and Time Life has partnered to release the song across all streaming platforms. Read and view the Rolling Stone premiere here and stream/download “SNOW” here.
“To know Hop is to love him,” Boone continues. “He exudes a gentle kindness that immediately made me relax so I could enjoy every second of recording. As I was leaving that afternoon he told me about his diagnosis and his plans to raise a lot of money for ALS research. However I can join forces and support him and his efforts, I am in.”
This season, though there is so much to celebrate, there is also much to cherish every day since Hopkins was diagnosed with ALS on December 21, 2021. Hopkins announced his diagnosis and the launch of Hop On A Cure Foundation, Inc. on May 30th, 2022. Hop On A Cure is committed to supporting research to prevent, reverse, and cure ALS while raising awareness, building a compassionate community, and unleashing the healing power of hope. ALS, which, only a few years ago, was thought of as an uncommon disease that affected 1 in 20,000 people, now is expected to affect 1 in 300 men, women, and children during their lifetime. There is an expected increase of 40% in ALS cases over the next decade.
For more information on John Driskell Hopkins and Hop On A Cure, visit johndriskellhopkins.com. For Debby Boone, visit debbyboone.com.
