About
Hop's Story:
Turning a Stage into a Platform for Change

John Driskell Hopkins—known to millions as “Hop”—isn’t just a founding member, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist of the Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band. He’s a devoted husband to Jennifer, a proud #GirlDad to three daughters, and a man whose life has always been fueled by music, movement, and meaning.
But in December 2021, everything changed. Hop was diagnosed with ALS—Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis—a relentless and fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects the body's ability to move, speak, and eventually breathe.
It started with subtle changes—an unexpected slowness in his hands, a little weakness, and feeling that something wasn’t quite right. While easy to overlook, these moments began to form a clearer picture. As he adapted to new challenges, his purpose deepened—shifting from centerstage to center mission, using his voice to champion those living with ALS and to fuel the search for a cure.
Instead of shrinking back, Hop leaned in. Life changed the key – Hop played louder”


Together with Jennifer, Hop devoured every bit of research they could find. What they discovered was heartbreaking: ALS remains one of the most underfunded and under-researched diseases, despite its devastating toll. Progress has been slow. Too slow.
Hop knew he couldn’t accept that. He wouldn’t.
With determination and love, Hop and Jen launched Hop On A Cure in May 2022—a foundation committed to accelerating ALS research, advancing awareness, and igniting hope in a community that has waited far too long for answers. Their mission is bold: leave no stone unturned in the search for a cure.
As Hop says:
"If I’m singing it, I’m bringing it!"


This isn’t just his mantra—it’s the heartbeat of a movement. Through every note he plays and every step he takes, Hop is transforming his personal battle into a public call to action. With your support, his voice—and the voices of thousands living with ALS—can ring louder than ever before.
He’s singing it – and we’re bringing it. Join the fight to end ALS.