Bernie & Ruth MacLean at Blue Angel (Montreal)

Subject: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 11:35 AM

Bernie & Ruth MacLean perfofmed at the Blue Angel for many years before moving back home to Cape Breton. Anyone who remembers them may find this of interest:
Bernie & Ruth

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 11:45 AM

What a story. Beautiful.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,stew
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 11:53 AM

I spent many a night at the Blue Angel in the 50' and 60's. Ruth and Bernie were very popular in Montreal. I could be wrong but as I recall (vaguely) they also played in a group called Scotty Stevenson and the Nighthawks. The great fiddler Paul Menard was also somehow mixed in with those folks. Ah, memories...
Stew

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 12:21 PM

Hi, Stew. I think they were called

Scotty Stevenson and the Canadian Nighthawks.

There seem to be a few free mp3 downloads on the net. fyi

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Beer
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 01:03 PM

Great story Sandy. You related?
ad.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: bobad
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 01:22 PM

Lovely story, very touching. Love the line...."and suddenly they weren't young anymore", some of us can relate to that.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 01:26 PM

Not related but come from the same neck of the woods.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: gnu
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 01:34 PM

I got water-eyes. sniff

Thanks, Sandy.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,bankley
Date: 19 Aug 11 - 10:05 PM

I used to go down to the Blue Angel to see them. On Mondays there was an open mic hosted by Bob Fuller. However he didn't want anyone to play any song that was written after the mid-50s. He had a vast record collection and would sell a few near the stage. Paul Menard was a great fiddler. I met him when he was working with Doogie Trineer. He helped fixed the intonation on a guitar I had. He was also in Doogie's band 'The Hackamores' with Lou Giroux, a great pedal steel player, who ended up working with Ruth and Bernie at the Blue Angel for several years, but he had given up the jazz neck and stuck to the country stuff by then... there were a lot of fine players around in those days. And it was real Country..

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Stew
Date: 20 Aug 11 - 10:21 AM

I was over to Bob Fuller's house with Grant Hewlett once or twice. I never saw as many LP's and records in one place. Barely room to move. Bob would create tapes made to order for people. All of this done in real time as there was no digital transfering in those days. I swear that if his house had caught fire they would have seen the smoke in Toronto!

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Beer
Date: 20 Aug 11 - 11:36 AM

Seen Bob about 6 months ago. Didn't look to good. Big man carrying a lot of weight.
ad.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 20 Aug 11 - 02:15 PM

In the 1950's when I was a kid there was a local show broadcast live on CJCB-TV called the Cape Breton Barn Dance. Bernie and Ruth were part of that show and they used to tour around local Cape Breton halls as well. One of the songs that they used to sing was a countrified cover of Satchmo's "On A Little Bamboo Bridge". Sometime in the early 70's I was in Montreal and went to the Blue Angel and I sent a request for that song written on a napkin and delivered to the stage by a waitress. They perhaps had not sung that in a very long time and I could tell that they were puzzled as to where in Hell the request came from but they did the song. At the next break they came to my table and asked where I had heard them sing it? When I explained we had a great talk. After they moved home to Cape Breton I was often a customer in their store and asked them why they didn't perform locally, but I guess they just burned out and wanted a change. Their son Robbie is a fine performer and carries on their tradition here though!

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Sep 11 - 12:16 AM

Does anyone remember a singer with the first name "Vivian" at the Blue Angel"? Thanks

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 30 Sep 11 - 11:30 PM

Just an update note:
The access to the above newspaper clip has expired but there will be a benefit concert for Bernie and Ruth this afternoon. They have been having some health issues and hopefully this will be of help to them!
It will run from 2 until 7 PM Oct.1 at the Valley Mills Fire Hall (River Denys). Anyone in or near Cape Breton is encouraged to attend and participate. I intend to do a few songs myself.
                        Sandy

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Bob Landry
Date: 01 Oct 11 - 01:07 AM

I tuned into this thread too late to read the Herald article but I remember the Cape Breton Barn Dance on CJCB. The names Bernie and Ruth MacLean do ring a faint bell. I'd love to be in CB for the fundraiser but a 5400 km trek over the next 12 hours is a bit daunting. Enjoy making and listening to the music, Sandy. Best of luck in helping Bernie and Ruth.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Beer
Date: 01 Oct 11 - 10:35 PM

Break a Leg Sandy.
"Never did like that good luck wish". However, have a great time.
ad.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Dec 11 - 09:47 PM

You mentioned that there was a free download for scoty stevenson and the canadian nighthawks? The picture to the right does not look like the original band. Can you tell me how I can find downloads of the original band that played at the BLue Angel in the 50's-60's??

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Pete Berkeley
Date: 24 Jan 12 - 12:21 PM

This is uncanny! I was trying to find information on Larry Douglass who played pedal steel for Ruthie and Bernie, and stumbled across this site. It certainly brings back memories.
I am from Trinidad in the Caribbean, but country music has always been my first love. When I moved to Montreal in 1965, I found the Blue Angel Cafe, and it almost became my second home for about two years.
I got to know Bernie and Ruthie McLean, their lead player Earl Martin, and their pedal steel player Larry Douglass fairly well - I spent a lot of time with them back stage between sets. I even played with Bob Fuller once in a while on his stand up base guitar. Larry built me my very first pedal steel guitar.
The Blue Angel set the stage for my stint as a country musician. I had a group "Nightshift" when I lived in Ottawa, and played the Ottawa Valley for several years - one of my favorite places to play was the New Byrne in Arnprior.
I was saddened to read recently on the web that several of my old country music friends have passed away - Larry Douglass, Earl Martin, Terry Carisse, Malcolm Long.
I now live in Louisville, Kentucky, and yes, I still play pedal steel - I own a ZB Custom which I purchased from Garney Scheels (Ottawa) - anyone remembers him?
If anyone out there remembers these folks I'd love to hear from them.
My e-mail is [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 11:42 PM

Since this thread has been refreshed I will post an update:
The benefit concert of Sept. past went well. I did a few songs and had a chat with Bernie. Some funds were raised but I am not sure of the amount now. However, sometime before Christmas someone broke into their small country store and stole from them more than what they could probably afford to lose. Sometimes I feel that no spot in Hell is hot enough for someone who would do this! As far as I know at this time Bernie is doing well but Ruthie still has some health issues. I wish them both well!

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Beer
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 08:45 AM

Thanks for the up-date Sandy.
Adrien

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jun 12 - 09:34 PM

Where is Bill Bland - fiddle?

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Beer
Date: 11 Jun 12 - 09:53 PM

GUEST!! What are you talking about? Did someone steal his fiddle?

Sandy, I received this e-mail last week... Do you know anything about it? I wrote back but have heard squat. Here is what I received.

"We are pleased to announce that with your support by signing the petition, Support a Memorial for the Bluebird Café fire victims of Sept. 1, 1972, we have won our battle. This year for the 40th anniversary of this tragic event, and to commemorate this sad date in the history of Quebec, a monument including the names of the 37 victims will be erected in Philipp's Square, and an exposition will be taking place at City Hall for 2 weeks.

You are invited to join us on August 31 and September 1, 2012 at Philipp's Square, Montreal.

To conclude our Mission, please take the time to respond if you are:
A survivor, A former customer, or a member of the family or a friend of a victim (which one)

You are invited to join us on our Facebook page to consult the schedule: The Bluebird Wagon Wheel Memorial Sept. 1, 2012 Montreal Quebec."

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: bobad
Date: 11 Jun 12 - 09:58 PM

Here is a link to the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bluebird-Cafe-Wagon-Wheel-Fire-1972-Montreal-Quebec-37-Died-57-Injured/236395019741284?ref=ts

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 11 Jun 12 - 10:51 PM

Adrien,
The Bluebird and the Blue Angel were different spots. My foggy memory recalls that some bastard dumped gas and set a match in the entry of the Bluebird killing those innocent folks. I remember at the time confusing it with the Blue Angel when I heard the newscast. A very sad day!

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Beer
Date: 11 Jun 12 - 11:13 PM

Sorry Sandy, of course I knew that. Just wasn't paying attention. Thank God they are still behind bars. And i apologize for the mix up.
Bobad, I haven't been able to connect to their link. I will try your's now.
Adrien

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,doug mcdonald
Date: 21 Nov 13 - 01:53 AM

I stumbled onto this link and I am happy to be here. I knew Ruthie and Bernie at the Blue Angel, in fact I was just a very young guy and bought a red cowgirl outfit for Ruthie around 1966 0r 1967. I hope they are doing well. I am in B.C. now, so getting together would be extremely hard. Thanks for all the good memories you two.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Nov 13 - 11:18 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,A. Clark
Date: 02 Jan 14 - 12:19 AM

I played there for two years in the late eighties with Dakota.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Jan 14 - 09:38 PM

Blue was my second home.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Paul Henry Dallaire
Date: 01 Apr 14 - 05:29 PM

I remember playing the Blue Angel on a couple of occasions. I had a small time hit in Ottawa called "King of the Ottawa city Cowboy"

I was asked not to play my drum as I did a one man show and drums apparently were not allowed.
Anyway Bob Fuller said because I had come all the way from Ottawa it was okay.

I remember the long bar on the left as we walked in.
I can say I was there when it happened and that was the early eighties.
I think I had a gig at the Raceway Tavern in Ottawa then.
Thanks for the memories
Paul Henry/ Dallaire

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,The son
Date: 01 Jun 14 - 03:29 AM

Does anyone remember a lady by the name of Evelyn who used to hang around at the Blue Angel when Ruthie and Bernie played there during the 70's and maybe the early 80's. I never met them myself but heard their music. Fantastic.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Tommy Burnside
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 03:48 PM

I done a Solo Act at the Blue ANGEL in 1965 after finishing at the Monterrey. I remember Ruthie very well, WHAT A FANTASTIC VOICE she had.
Great Memories, when Montreal was full of Country bars, and great music.
Tommy Burnside

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Tommy Burnside
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 03:48 PM

I done a Solo Act at the Blue ANGEL in 1965 after finishing at the Monterrey. I remember Ruthie very well, WHAT A FANTASTIC VOICE she had.
Great Memories, when Montreal was full of Country bars, and great music.
Tommy Burnside

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Jun 15 - 03:53 PM

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,peter fryer
Date: 16 Jun 15 - 02:37 AM

I am married to Ruth and Bernie's second daughter Georgina. I am sad to tell you Scottie and his son were killed in a traffic accident on Vancouver Island. They were no a back road and hit by a logging truck on the morning of Scotties 50 wedding anniversary. The truck driver panicked and fled the scene. Two weeks later, he turned himself in. Ruth and Bernie are both still living in Nova Scotia.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Ashlee
Date: 09 Sep 15 - 12:05 AM

My uncle is Bernie MacLean and Ruthie is my aunt. I live in Nashville, Tn now and my mother has sent me an album cover of a record they did at the Blue Angel and I'm desperately trying to find a vinyl copy of the album to give to my mother and for myself. Bernie was my grandmother's brother. If anyone has any info where I can find it, it would be very much appreciated! [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Stew
Date: 09 Sep 15 - 08:42 AM

You might try to contact Bob Fuller in Montreal. He had a collection of LP's and 78's that went away back into the 30's and 40's. My friends and I used to go the Blue Angel regularly in the 1950's to catch Scotty and his band.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Jo-Ann Hatting
Date: 05 Dec 15 - 08:23 AM

Yes my mother used to hang around the Blue Angel with her sister Evelyn.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,robert menard,
Date: 06 Jan 16 - 08:52 PM

Thanks for mentioning my dads name..I can remember my dad speaking highly of those exiting days.he used to tell me how nhl hockey players would drop in after the game.i live in ontario now, but still and never will forget my home and best city in canada montreal !i miss my dad and his amazing stories

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Claude Meldrum
Date: 23 Jan 18 - 02:39 PM

I am a very old friend of Nancy Forbes who was my girlfriend throughout high school in Lachine, Quebec. We eventually drifted apart and I would often see Nancy at the Blue Angel Cafe who was then dating Johnny Brown the fiddle player. They eventually got married but Johnny passed away in 2007. My wife and I have tried everything to try and locate Nancy but to no avail. I have even spoken to old girl friends of Nancy's but no one has any idea where she lives. One friend thought she lived in a Mobile Park somewhere near or in Montreal. If anyone could shed some light as to where I could find Nancy, I certainly would appreciate it. Even after we parted ways we remained good friends.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Claude Meldrum
Date: 23 Jan 18 - 02:42 PM

Please reply to my message above regarding Nancy Forbes to my email address which is [e-mail] Thank you.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: meself
Date: 23 Jan 18 - 06:28 PM

"Thank God they are still behind bars." According to the National Post article, they were all out in 7 years.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Farren Richardson
Date: 04 Mar 18 - 09:30 PM

My father played at the blue angel in the early 50,s is name gòrdon richardson he was about 17 or 18 he also sang with robert goulet and scotty stevenson between 1953 and 1955 at the cafe

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Diane Rennie
Date: 05 Jun 18 - 11:51 PM

I played the Blue angel is the late 60's and through out the 70's with Bob Fuller :) Also replaced Ruthie on occasion or Bernie. Larry Douglas was around then but came in on monday night to play the hillbilly nite. Lou Gerou not sure of the spelling of his last name but one hell of a steel player. I also played bass with the White River Bluegrass Band back then. Does anyone know where in NS Ruthie and Bernie live or have an addy for them?

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Diane Rennie
Date: 21 Sep 18 - 10:48 AM

Bill is playing at the Wheel Club with the Monday nite crew from the Blue Angle. I also played with Bob Fuller every nite for years through the 70's and early 80s. I also replaced Ruthie on occasion when she was sick. It was a blast being a part of the country music scene.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Diane Rennie
Date: 21 Sep 18 - 11:06 AM

hi, I was wondering where Bernie and Ruthie are living now. I used to play with them on occasion and also Bob Fuller at the Blue Angle many years ago :)

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Sep 18 - 11:19 AM

is this Ruthie's number??

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: meself
Date: 21 Sep 18 - 11:31 AM

Sandy - Apologies if I"m out of line, but - do you think it's a good idea to post someone's phone number on here?

---

We don't allow posting of personal phone numbers without the permission of the person whose number it is, so I deleted it. I have it available if somebody needs it.
-Joe Offer, Mudcat Music Editor-
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Diane Rennie
Date: 25 Sep 18 - 06:00 PM

Sad news, Bob Fuller passed away about a month ago :(

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Diane Rennie
Date: 01 Oct 18 - 01:10 PM

hi I used to play the Blue Angel back in the 70
s and 80's. Knew both Ruthie and Bernie very well. How is Ruthie doing now heard she was not well but dont know what is wrong :(

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: Diane Rennie
Date: 01 Oct 18 - 01:12 PM

I am wondering if anyone is in contact with Perry Fishwick from the monday night crew for hillybilly nite. If you know of him or know how he is could you please post :)

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 25 Sep 20 - 12:35 PM

Sad news : Ruthie has passed away   http://www.haverstocks.com/obituaries/148997

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Sep 20 - 12:36 PM

http://www.haverstocks.com/obituaries/148997

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,robmaclean
Date: 25 Sep 20 - 05:24 PM

Hi Folks. I was researching and came across this thread so I thought I would jump in. I am Bernie and Ruthies son. Unfortunately we lost my mom on Tuesday Sept 22, 2020... if anyone has anything they would like to know about mom and dad I would be happy to help out. Cheers, Rob

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Sep 20 - 05:29 PM

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jan 21 - 11:30 AM

Does anyone remember Tommy Burnside. He was the Solo Act at the Blue Angel for a long time, and he packed the place every night. He had a great following in Montreal for sure.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Tommy Burnside
Date: 16 Feb 21 - 11:55 AM

Hi,
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother Ruth.
I was a Solo Act at the Blue Angel in 1965 when your Mother was Singing there with your Dad, and the band. I sang there for over a year. What a great talent your Mother had, a beautiful Voice
May she rest in peace, she touched so many people with her Talent, and her great love of people.
Yours Truly,
Tommy Burnside

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Diane Rennie
Date: 21 Feb 21 - 09:35 PM

The Blue |Angle was my second home. Played many years there with Bob Fuller (Sheldons father) Best years of my life spent playing bass with Bob sometimes playing with Bernie when Ruthie was not well. Would love to hear from you.

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Mar 21 - 07:53 PM

Hi Diane, just talking with Dad and he said that they have you my Moms stand up bass and he was wondering if you still have it! He says hi and hope all is well with you! He just turned 89 a couple of weeks ago but he is still going strong! Take care and look forward to hear from you!   Rob MacLean

Subject: RE: Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jun 22 - 07:15 AM

am Ruthies cousin and sadly report Ruthie passed away in September of 2020.

Subject: RE: Bernie & Ruth MacLean - Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST,Jennifer richardson
Date: 23 May 23 - 01:10 PM

My father in law played at the blue angel in the middles 50s to.early.60s. the owner had a daughter named marion. Trying tomget in touch with said family but no clue how. can email me at [e-mail]

it is important.
father in laws name is Gordon richardson. but his music name he a wt by rod gordon

Subject: RE: Bernie & Ruth MacLean - Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 31 May 23 - 10:03 PM

The Subject Line

Subject: RE: Bernie & Ruth MacLean at Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 24 - 12:48 PM

I went to the Blue Angel when Bob Fuller replaced Tommy Burnside as a Solo Act. After tommy left it was never the same crowds, matter of fact it was far from being packed.Tommy Burnside was a very well known Country Singer in Montreal, and Bob Fuller was no where near the great talents of Tommy. The place went downhill after Tommy left. My friends and myself never went back, after hearing the guy named Bob Fuller try to Sing.
Welll the Owners lost many people, by Tommy leaving.
I heard Tommy formed his own band, and drew packed places whereever he played, just as he did in Montreal. Montreal lost a very gifted Country Singer and Showman, not to forget a true down to earth Gentleman
Frank Gibbs.

Subject: RE: Bernie & Ruth MacLean at Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 24 - 01:20 PM

Tommy Burnside had a packed house six nights a week as a Solo Act. When Tommy left, Bob fuller replaced him, but he could never fill Tommy's shoes.
Tommy was an outstanding Singer,and Guitar Player not to forget his Showman ship on stage.
The Blue Angel lost many customers when Tommy left.
Let's not forget, no one was better known in Montreal as a Country Singer than Tommy
Gary J.

Subject: RE: Bernie & Ruth MacLean at Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 24 - 01:37 PM

Just to follow up Gary. Tommy was top of the line as a Singer, and Performer.Let's not compare Bob Fuller, to a Real Singer, and Showman such as tommy burnside. Your dead on, Tommy packed the joint every night for a long time. Just an outstanding Singer, and person. A very well known Singer, with many followers and newspaper clips
Eddie Shean

Subject: RE: Bernie & Ruth MacLean at Blue Angel (Montreal)
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 24 - 02:36 PM

Hey folks Tommy Burnside is on you tube, sounds great. What a voice he has. Hop on and listen to him, you will not regret it
Joe Singer