Bret Hopkins

Bret Hopkins is a resident of Frankfort, where he was born and raised. He is a graduate of Western Hills High School and Eastern Kentucky University. Since graduating, Bret has appeared in various theatre productions throughout Kentucky, including the Lexington Shakespeare Festival’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar, the Bluegrass Theatre Guild’s The Feuds of Bloody Breathitt (directed by Jerry Deaton), the Shelby County Community Theatre’s productions of Crimes of the HeartThe Christmas PostYou Can’t Take it With You, and Picasso at the Lapine Agile. He most recently played Atticus “Attie” Van Leer in Pioneer Playhouse’s production of Southern Fried Nuptials. In addition to the stage, Bret has played roles in the feature films InterceptionSpirit Stalkers, and Anything But Christmas. He also does radio commentary for high school sports. When the Cumberland Sang is Bret’s debut novel, and he is proud to be a part of Frankfort’s literary community.

Cover of When the Cumberland Sang

When the Cumberland Sang

It’s a Friday night in the mountains of Harlan, Kentucky. Mark is camping with a couple of his best friends. After falling asleep in his tent, he has a vision, and wakes up in the hospital. What happened, and what does his vision mean? Mark believes there is something he is supposed to do. He remembers his vision was about country music. Is something beckoning him to the Music City? He will go to Nashville to seek answers.

When the Cumberland Sang is a tribute to the author’s uncle, Mark Hopkins, who died of cancer at age 39. However, this is not a sad story. It is full of wonder, humor, love, and a celebration of Appalachian culture and music.