Suth-un Gos-Pul Tradition entertaining and raising spirits all over the region

Posted 3/15/23

The “Suth-un Gos-pul” Tradition band was formed in 2012 by Tommy Hunt and Ricky Wilbanks. Tommy had been doing a singing ministry in nursing homes since age 14, mostly on weekends. He had …

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Suth-un Gos-Pul Tradition entertaining and raising spirits all over the region

Posted

The “Suth-un Gos-pul” Tradition band was formed in 2012 by Tommy Hunt and Ricky Wilbanks. Tommy had been doing a singing ministry in nursing homes since age 14, mostly on weekends. He had several different singers and musicians helping him, but no one had the interest that he had, and finally in 2012, Bro. Ricky Wilbanks called him and they got very serious about a ministry for the elderly, disabled, and handicapped in nursing homes, assisted living centers, and senior citizens centers.
The original band was Tommy Hunt, Ricky Wilbanks, Wayne and Joey Weeks. Things were going great until August 2017, when Bro. Ricky passed away suddenly. Some of his old picking buddies and Tommy sang at his funeral. After the funeral, they got together and decided to keep it all going in Bro. Ricky’s honor. The new band consisted of Tommy Hunt, Wayne Weeks, Mike, and Era Knight.
A few weeks later, Robert Cole joined them and the ministry continued. Then, Wayne was not able to attend the singings due to health issues. Kim McKinney was added to the band as their new bass guitar player. Until the Covid pandemic hit, the band was doing as many as nine programs a month, but dropped to two. These days, they perform in Iuka, Corinth, Selmer, Savannah, Ashland, and Ripley on a monthly basis.
They most enjoy doing the old hymns out of the hymnbooks and old Southern and country Gospel songs. This is what the older generation grew up listening to and it’s made them popular and accepted everywhere they go. It is a non-profit ministry, but they say to see one of the residents raise they hands in praise or see a tear or a smile, it’s worth all the work and expense.
They also do church singings and church socials and their program usually runs from an hour to an hour and a half.
Each one is very dedicated and are like family though they are scattered. Mike and Era Knight live in Rienzi, Robert Cole lives in Tishomingo, Kim McKinney lives in Booneville, Tommy Hunt is married to the former Jean Lard and they live in Iuka. Jean sings a few songs with them and is a major part of the band.
They really feel they are meeting a need, because few still come to nursing homes to perform. They hope others will be inspired to come minister, love on, and entertain these precious people.