Jim Bateman
The passing of Gene Gunulfsen leaves an irreplaceable void. Gene carried a positive spirit into every situation. I never knew him to speak negatively about anyone.
I met him in the late 1990's at a benefit concert with the unrealized goal of restoring the auditorium at the closed, deteriorating Ben's Ford school near Crossroads, MS. He was leading the band accompanying several participating artists. I immediately recognized his talents as a great vocalist with versatile musical instincts. That was the beginning of a close, enduring friendship and creative working relationship. He participated in multiple Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown recording projects over the years up to 'Gate's' death in 2005.
I fondly remember being his guest at all the New Orleans Saints home games in 2009. He won a raffle for two tickets that year. It turned out to be the magical season that led to their 2010 Super Bowl win.
Gene sang at the funerals of the legendary Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and renown songwriter/recording artist Bobby Charles. His voice and positive spirit will be greatly missed.
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