Elmer was born in Oakland California in 1954, son of Carol Hopper and Elmer Williams. Elmer is one of eight siblings raised in South Central Los Angeles. His loving wife Silvia and three sons Christopher, Daniel, and Nicholas were the center of his universe. Elmer was moved by his love of Family and Music. He exuded endless amounts of love for those pillars of his life.
As a loving brother to his siblings John Hopper, Lynn, Darryl, John Carroll, Beverly, Christopher, and Julie, he was often the moral compass and supporter of his family. While always having an infectious smile on his face, he was smooth and collected in every setting. Throughout their upbringing, during great times and struggles alike, Elmer was the family rock constantly exemplifying hope and direction. His siblings Stephanie Fleming and Jerome Williams brought added joy to his later life.
At a very young age Elmer found what would be his lifelong passion of Music. At age nine his mother gave him his first guitar for Christmas. By age 14, he was taking lessons, playing in bands, and working various small jobs and gigs to pursue his passion. Love and passion overflowed from not only performing but also from writing beautiful music. In 1974 Elmer wrote a love ballad for The Miracles titled “Brokenhearted Girl—Brokenhearted Boy” which was produced by Freddie Perren.
At age 19, a fortuitous encounter with Paul Robi of The Platters eventually blossomed into his successful 20-plus-year career with The Platters, first as the guitarist and ultimately as the lead singer. Paul Robi took him under his wing, was a mentor and father figure. While touring with The Platters in Canada he fell madly in love with his wife Silvia. He sang his way into her heart and they would go on to create a beautiful family.
As Elmer’s evolution and maturation in music continued, he was fortunate to join John Mills of The Mills Brothers legacy. Together they sang those beautiful songs for audiences around the world. For those 20 years John was not only his musical partner he became a brother and his dearest friend.
Elmer touched the lives of so many people during his over 45 years of performing around the world on nearly every continent. His charisma and passion were shared with millions and his voice brought happiness and love to all. Through all, Elmer remained the strength and pillar to his family and friends. He was comical fun-loving Uncle Elmer to all his nieces and nephews. Mimiko and Augustus—his two grandchildren—brought more joy to his life than they will ever know. His love, selflessness and compassion carry on through his legacy of Family and Music.
The Hopper Family are so grateful to the all of Elmer’s friends in the industry who helped make this day a celebration of his life.
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