Luico Hopper is an American musician who plays the bass, and an equestrian.
Early Life
Luico Hopper (pronounced "Lou-é-co") was born on September 5, 1952, in Bassett, Virginia, to a musical family. Hopper was first introduced to music at an early age by his father who was an accomplished self-taught musician. Hopper played his first instrument the clarinet throughout high school. He developed interest in the guitar around the age of twelve and taught himself to play after being inspired by his father's musicianship. He started playing the electric and acoustic bass during his freshman year in college. Hopper joined the Norfolk State College Jazz Ensemble and remained part of this group until graduating in 1974 with a B.A. in Sociology.
Professional Career
In 1976 at the advice of drummer Dannie Richmond,[1] Hopper moved to New York City to become a professional musician. In the late 70s, Hopper's career was established as a studio bassist recording on scores of radio and television commercials. During this time, Hopper also recorded and toured with a number of artists including Phyllis Hyman, Gato Barbieri, Roberta Flack, Gil Evans, Diana Ross, Earl Klugh, Jonathan Butler, Stephanie Mills, Johnny Gill, Gloria Lynne, Luther Vandross and Bryan Ferry.
Following nearly two decades of touring and performing around the world during the 70s and 80s Luico became increasingly sought after to perform on Broadway beginning with the hit musical "DreamGirls". In 1992, Hopper was the featured bassist in the Broadway hit, "Five Guys Named Moe". He later performed in other Broadway hits including "Bring In Da' Noise, Bring in Da' Funk" and "The Lion King",[2] "Shrek the Musical", "Priscilla Queen of the Desert", "Motown the Musical" and "Shuffle Along".[3]
During a period in the 90s, Luico held the bass chair in the band of "Saturday Night Live", and made television appearances on broadcasts such as "The Grammy Awards" and "The Essence Awards". On the March 16, 1995, episode of N.Y. Undercover, "It's a Man's Man's Man's World", Hopper was the featured bassist in a performance with James Brown, one of his childhood inspirations. In 1995, Hopper released his first solo album, "Lessons of Light" which featured his talent as a musician, composer and producer.[4] His next solo album, "Reflections" was released in 2001.[5] His latest album "Symbiotic Souls" was released on September 15, 2020.
Aside from playing the bass, Hopper is an avid equestrian. After decades of a successful professional music career, Hopper took a break to spend time fulfilling another childhood dream, riding and showing horses. Hopper shows and excels in the jumper arena traveling on the A circuit. Hopper is inspired by the symbiotic arts of music and riding.