Obit: Lulu Belle Wiseman (1913-1999)

Subject: RE: Obit: Lulu Belle Wiseman (1913-1999)
From: GUEST,ralph boester
Date: 03 Jan 16 - 01:11 AM

Just found this thread. If there are any of Steve Wiseman's children seeing this or anyone with contact to them I would appreciate a contact. Steve an I grew up together in Oak Park and lost touch after HS when his parents moved back to NC.
My email is: [e-mail]

As so many things in this life, a little too late. I was trying to find Steve or Linda to find out what they are doing in life after all these years. Found this thread and see that Steve has passed away. He was a great friend and growing up with the Wiseman's and all the activity around their house made for a wonderful childhood.

Subject: RE: Obit: Lulu Belle Wiseman (1913-1999)
From: GUEST,ralph boester
Date: 03 Jan 16 - 01:11 AM

Just found this thread. If there are any of Steve Wiseman's children seeing this or anyone with contact to them I would appreciate a contact. Steve an I grew up together in Oak Park and lost touch after HS when his parents moved back to NC.
My email is: [e-mail]

As so many things in this life, a little too late. I was trying to find Steve or Linda to find out what they are doing in life after all these years. Found this thread and see that Steve has passed away. He was a great friend and growing up with the Wiseman's and all the activity around their house made for a wonderful childhood.

Subject: RE: Obit: Lulu Belle Wiseman (1913-1999)
From: GUEST,Rebecca
Date: 21 Oct 15 - 11:08 PM

Does anyone know if Lulu Belle had a granddaughter or great-granddaughter named Amanda/Mandy?
Thank you very much,
Rebecca

Subject: RE: Obit: Lulu Belle Wiseman (1913-1999)
From: GUEST,Don Stevens
Date: 14 Aug 14 - 06:46 PM

I first met Lulu Belle, on 1936/1937. I was 4/5 years old. She was performing, on stage, at L.S. Ayres Department Store, in Indianapolis.
She went 'out of her way', to be nice to me - even carrying me up on stage.

Over the years, we purchased all of her recordings (unfortunately, most are on LP, and Cassette - sure wish I had a way to get them copied to CD.)

I 'corresponded' with her, for many years (1960's, to 1990's).

She was a Wonderful Performer - and, mostly, a Wonderful Person.
In my opinion, there's never been another like her.
(Kitty Wells, and Wilma Lee Cooper, were close)

Subject: RE: Obit: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman 1999
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 02:09 PM

Obituary: Lulu Belle Wiseman, 1913-1999
PAUL WADEY   Thursday 18 March 1999
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/obituary-lulu-belle-wiseman-1081306.html

Lulu Belle Wiseman was one half of "The Sweethearts of Country Music". She and her husband Scotty were, during their heyday, perhaps the most popular husband-and-wife team within the genre, and were long- time stars of the influential Chicago-based WLS radio show National Barn Dance.
She was born Myrtle Eleanor Cooper in North Carolina in 1913 and was already performing professionally whilst still in her teens. In 1932 she auditioned for the National Barn Dance, gaining a solo spot and a new stage name of Lulu Belle.

National Barn Dance was by the Thirties the most widely listened-to hillbilly programme in the United States, with weekly audiences approaching 20 million. It was to prove a springboard to success for several notable figures, among them the bass-player Red Foley. He and Lulu Belle began to perform as a duo, known as Lulu Belle and Burrhead.

In 1934, Scotty Wiseman joined the Barn Dance cast. A proficient banjo and guitar picker, singer and songwriter, "Skyland Scotty" - so named because he was raised in Ashville, North Carolina, "Land of the Skies" - had begun to perform whilst studying to become a teacher. He and Lulu Belle hit it off immediately and, much to the delight of the station's managers, married in December that year (though some irate fans wrote in complaining that Scotty had stolen Red's girl).

The Wisemans' smooth style and sunny presence rapidly made them one of the show's biggest draws; a popularity they capitalised on with a series of low-budget movies including Hi, Neighbour (1940), Country Fair (1941) and, with Roy Rogers, Shine On Harvest Moon (1938).

They cut a series of classic records over the years for Vocalion, Okeh, Bluebird, Trutone, Mercury and Starday, many of them written and arranged by Scotty. In addition to hits such as "Remember Me", "Brown Mountain Light," "Whippoorwill Time" and "Does Your Spearmint Lose Its Flavor on the Bed Post Overnight", later successfully covered and adapted by Lonnie Donegan, two Scotty Wiseman tunes have become standards: "Mountain Dew", a reworking of a Bascombe Larnar Lunsford tune, and "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You", which has been covered numerous times, notably by Bing Crosby and Jim Reeves.

For eight years from 1949, Lulu Belle and Scotty hosted their own daily television programme on the Chicago station WNBQ. In 1958 they surprised their fans by virtually quitting music and moving back to North Carolina. Although three albums were cut for Starday, The Sweethearts of Country Music (1963), Down Memory Lane (1964) and Sweethearts Still (1965), their performing days were all but over. He began to teach whilst she became involved in local politics, eventually serving in the state legislature. Scotty Wiseman died following a heart attack in 1981; Lulu Belle remarried and in 1986 cut an album, Snickers and Tender Memories.

Myrtle Eleanor (Lulu Belle) Cooper, singer: born Boone, North Carolina 24 December 1913; married 1934 Scotty Wiseman (died 1981), 1983 Ernest Stamey; died 8 February 1999.

Subject: RE: Obit: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman 1999
From: GUEST,Elaine Cooepr Cope
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 10:42 PM

In reference to Steve Wiseman, the last time I spoke to him both his son & daughter were in college in Calif., his wife had passed away, he lived in the desert I believe Arizona, and was in failing health. He did not keep in contact with the family. That was between 1998 & 2000
Elaine Cooper Cope

Subject: RE: Obit: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman 1999
From: GUEST,to The Granddaughter of LuLu Belle & Scotty
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 10:16 PM

Allison,
My name is Elaine Cooper Cope and I am your cousin , my father was Azel Charles "Pete" Cooper, Aunt Myrtle's brother. (your Grandmothers brother) My older sister Patty actually spent a summer with Uncle Scotty and Aunt Lu in Spruce Pine. I grew up closely with her parents John Reed Cooper (buried in Spruce Pine) and Sidney Marie Knupp Cooper .
I also have a large family tree on ancestry.com if you're interested.
I would love to have contact with you.
Sincerely,
Elaine Cooepr Cope
you can contact me at [e-mail]

Subject: Steve Wiseman memorial?
From: GUEST,2014Guest
Date: 08 Apr 14 - 01:53 PM

Nothing turns up anywhere regarding Steve Wiseman. When did he pass away, and did he have any children? How many grandchildren do Lula Belle & Scotty have? And do any of them play & sing like Lula Belle & Scotty? Is their farm & home still there?

We will never forget the WLS National Barn Dance and Lula Belle & Scotty. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You will endure forever; it is that beautiful, and I still play the guitar and sing it today, and I am in my mid-70s now.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST,AudreyAnn
Date: 04 Apr 14 - 06:04 PM

My late mother & I listened to WLS National Barn Dance right up to the end in 1958. Lulu Belle & Scotty were our favorites. I remember quite well that when Scotty was in the military overseas in WWII, Lulu Belle refused to sing with any other man. Findagrave.com has lovely memorials for Scotty, Lulu Belle, and their daughter. But there is no mention of their son, Steve. Lulu Belle & Scotty's gravestone is lovely. Does anyone know where and when Steve passed away? And do the Wisemans have any grandchildren? Thanks.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST,Peggy Dial
Date: 24 Jan 12 - 07:01 PM

I have a copy of an interview my cousin, MARshall Dial, did with LUlabelle on his radio show in Portageville, MO. They remained friends and while visiting at her home in Spruce Pine, she asked him to throw out a box of tapes from her radio show. He played them first and they were still in good shape, so he took them home and made some cassette tapes from them. Marshall died Oct. 31, 2001, but his widow may still have some tapes. MAR-LU records & tapes, 700 E. 6th Street, Portageville, MO. 63873. My number is 231-894-6127.
Peggy

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST,laurann
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 11:18 PM

I spent a summer with your Mom, rooming at Arkie (Woodchopper) and Vera Ossenbrink's. Vera was my cousin. I was 14 and your Mom was 19. I'm sure we gave Vera some grey hairs, not that anyone would see them. I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I was looking for a way to contact her on this website.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Art Thieme
Date: 03 Apr 09 - 09:32 PM

Guest,

You are correct. I knew it was one o' those guys. When your memory goes, forget it!!

Sorry.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Apr 09 - 03:27 PM

Red Foley's daughter married Pat Boone. Not Lula Belle & Scotty's.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Dpicker
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 05:59 PM

Just noticed "Allison's" threads of Sept 6th, last year. Had no idea thatSteve & Linda both had passed away. Allison, if you read this I'd love to talk a few minutes about Grandma Wiseman. I'm mostly wondering about a Radio Disc Jockey, but can't remember his name. She joined him in re-doing some of her & Scotty's songs via "Mar-Lu" Productions, I think. He died a few years ago, but while she was still alive, she gave me his number & I drove, I think to Portageville Mo. where he had quite a collection of your Grandparents memorabilia. In addition to the movies, I got an autographed copy of "Have I told" and it was there I played their instruments. I've often wondered what happened to his collection. Maybe a museum? Hope you can find the time to reply. Are there other Grandkids?      Bud McMasters, [e-mail] or 217-801-4404.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST,Bud McMasters
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 10:51 PM

Interesting to read so much about Lula Belle & Scotty. They were my favorites! Two years before she died , my Wife & I traveled to Spruce Pine, and visited with her and even took her to Scotty's grave. I have some pictures of that. Had breakfast with her & her second Husband. Got to play her Martin D-35 & Scotty's last banjo. Got her last tape, made without Scotty. She told me first hand about How Scotty wrote "Have I told You Lately That I Love You", and I also got 5 of the movies they made! I gave much of those items to the Illinois Country Music Museum. I have several "WLS" albums. Be glad to talk to anyone about what I remember! [e-mail] or 1-217-801-4404.   I am now 77 and retired, from pastoring and starting some "Cowboy Churches in Illinois.   Bud McMasters

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 03:54 PM

Hello, Spaw, Amos and Chance. Thanks for the replies. I will have to get back to you as far as my geneology goes, but I will tell you the story that was told to me about the song, "Have I Told You Lately...". It was said that Lulu Belle was in the hospital and Scotty went to visit her and during their visit he said to her, "Honey, have I told you lately that I love you?" And she said, "Yes." And he said, "Well, could I tell you again somehow?" Afterwards, while driving home, he was reflecting on their conversation and realized that it would make a beautiful song...the rest is history. I was also told that Roy Acuff once said that this song is the prettiest song he'd ever heard.
Nevertheless, I am very proud of their accomplishments and my connections to these two wonderful people. I did not have a chance to read all the comments in this link but I printed them off. I was amazed at the other sites I found about Scotty and Lulu Belle. It turns out they are more famous than I had ever imagined. My dad says that we are related to the great "Mac" Wiseman, as well. It is really amazing how many singers and musicians there are on my dad's side of the family. I have cousins that should have been in Nashville. Well, I will write more again sometime. God Bless
Skeeter

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Fortunato
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 09:18 AM

Hello and welcome, Skeeter,

I'd like to hear your story. It will encourage me to learn and perform the song.
thanks

Chance

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Amos
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 08:58 PM

Allison, Skeeter:

Let me redouble the welcome. It is folks like you, your parents and grandparents who keep the American spirit in music alive.

Come back soon, come back often.

Regards,


Amos

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 07:16 PM

Hi Skeeter and thanks for coming by the 'Cat! You're welcome anytime. Researching in folk/blues/country is what this site is about along with somefun and a lot of "community."

We'd love to hear whatever history you have as well and any stories handed down. It adds that much more to the mix!

Again, welcome to the Mudcat Cafe.


Spaw

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST,"Skeeter" Wiseman-Jones
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 06:55 PM

Wow! I can't believe all the great trivia and family history I've discovered on this website about Scotty and Lulu Belle through reading these threads. I am so thankful to everyone who took the time to share their memories. Now they are mine, too, that I can pass down to my kids. I am related to Scotty and Lulu Belle on my father's side. My maiden name is Wiseman. I grew up in Southern Illinois and have been in love with music all my life. I didn't find out about Scotty and Lulu Belle until I had been singing in a band for several years as a young adult. My dad is the youngest of 16 children (all from the same mother) and he's a die-hard country fan. Merle Haggard is his favorite country music singer. Dad always tried to sing like Merle and did a pretty good job, but Merle couldn't play the guitar like dad! We recorded a demo a few years back that I treasure so much now because dad isn't playing for the public much anymore. He still plays his Martin religiously every night, though. We had a nice band and played classic country for special events and country gospel in a lot of churches when I lived in Kansas. I still pick a little on the guitar now and then, and I sing every time I get a chance. But I moved back to Illinois, so my glory days in music are gone...at least for now.
There is a story behind the song, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" that has been handed down to me. It would be interesting to see if anyone else has a different version. If anyone replys, I will tell it.
I was fascinated to read about Lulu Belle's hobbies and interests in one of the threads; it was like reading about myself. Besides the politics, we have a lot in common. I don't know if she ever dabbled in art, but that is my most favored pasttime. I even teach art classes to the public on the weekends.
If anyone has any other trivia or photos to share with me, I would be grateful!!!

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 03:23 PM

Thanks Allison for an insiders view of country music legends!

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 12:42 PM

Must be something in the water in Cook County that makes folks want to go into politics. Bob Atcher became mayor of Schaumburg.
Many a late Saturday night I fell asleep with WLS on listening to the Barndance -- great music, especially compared to 50's pop.
Thanks for the memories, Allison
Chris

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Melissa
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 11:47 AM

I'd like to hear/read that story, Allison.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST,Allison
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 11:09 AM

It is wonderful to hear that their music touched so many lives. It amazes me just how many people still remember them after all this time. I enjoyed reading the memorial posted above that was given on WCNY-FM shortly after Lula Belle passed. Her husband at the time did not want to do an obituary for some reason and she never had a memorial service up there in Spruce Pine. She and Scotty are buried at the little Methodist Church they belonged to, Pine Grove Methodist Church. This is also where the road dedication ceremony was held in 2007.

When my mom was growing up they spent summers in Spruce Pine at their summer cabin, which burned down a couple of years ago. Home Coming Time in Happy Valley was written about Spruce Pine. They loved that area (Scotty's family settled in the area in the 1700's). Every August the church has decoration where they get together with food/fellowship and decorate the cemetery. This activity is referenced in the song.

Lula Belle was just as silly in real life as she was on stage. She had a great sense of humor and she laughed a lot. Scotty was more low key. In his later years he was a home builder and he had a herd of cattle. They had a house overlooking the valley and when we'd visit we'd go out on the porch in the evenings. Scotty would play the banjo and they'd sing while we caught fireflies. Grandma was a wonderful cook and would always have a pineapple upside down cake waiting on us when we came to visit. She had a huge garden and we'd have fried chicken for dinner and whatever she pulled out of the garden that day.

Actually, she was good at whatever she put her hand to. She taught herself to play guitar. She sewed her own costumes when they were performing. She and Scotty had bowling trophies all over their house. She knitted sweaters for us, clothes for my dolls, bonnets and dresses for me, she made needle point pictures. She was even a head candy striper at the local hospital at one point.

Out of all of her accomplishments in her career she said was most proud of being elected to the NC State Legislature because she was the first woman and democrat elected from her district.

Considering their contributions to music that is probably surprising to many people. She truly loved people and was born to serve in some capacity, whether it was on stage, as a volunteer in her local community or in politics.

For those with fond memories of the Barn Dance there will be a documentary coming out hopefully within the next year. A gentleman out of Chicago is putting one together (for PBS I believe). He has done a fantastic job on it - I have had the privilege to review the snippet on Lula Belle and Scotty. If/when I get more news on this I will try to remember to post it here.

There is an another little known story behind "Have I Told You Lately". Scotty almost did not get credit for writing this song. I'll try to dig up the story if anyone is interested.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: topical tom
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 11:37 PM

I too am saddened by the death of Lulu Belle Wiseman.As a boy I used to enjoy so much her and Scotty Wiseman on the National Barn Dance.Though the news is sad it's wonderful to get all the information on this great singing duo of my youth.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Fortunato
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 08:54 PM

Allison,

Welcome to the Mudcat. I'd like to learn more about Young's Mountain Music. Thanks for your contributions here.
I'm greatful for the legacy of your family's songs, songs my wife and I love to play.

Many thanks,

Chance Shiver

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 10:37 AM

Allison , welcome to Mudcat! Please share stories about your grandparents wit us. "Remember Me" is one of my all time favourite songs!

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST,DWR
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 10:32 AM

Glad to have you here, Allison. I am the Dale Rose from above, it's just that I don't bother to sign in anymore.

Ramona Jones and the Jones Family Band make yearly trips to the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, AR and one of their most requested numbers is always Remember Me. In fact, our Folk Center radio show featured that song just a couple of weeks ago on August 16.

As you can tell, your grandparents left so many of us a wealth of pleasant memories.

Thank you for stopping by. Dale

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Arkie
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 10:29 AM

In the early years when I worked with the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, I did most of record buying. You could still get lps then but cassettes were replacing them. I found a source for Lula Belle and Scotty recordings and they were some of the best selling recordings we carried. This was in the late 1970s and 1980s. Another testimony to the effect they had on audiences. People not only remembered them but wanted their recordings if they could find them.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST,Allison
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 09:32 AM

It is touching to read these threads. Lula Belle and Scotty were my grandparents.

Their daughter, Linda, was my mother. She did not marry Pat Boone as is mentioned above. Sadly, she passed away in November of 2002.

Lula Belle and Scotty also had a son, Steve, who is also deceased.

Scotty's autobiography was published by the North Carolina Folklore Society many years back - called Wiseman's View. Used copies can be found on Amazon.com

Recently (June 2007) a highway was dedicated to them in their home town of Spruce Pine, NC (Hwy. 194 at Three Mile.)

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST,Sally
Date: 05 Mar 08 - 02:03 PM

Lloyd62:

I am a writer doing an article about Lulu Belle and Scotty--this thread is certainly from a while back, but if you get an alert about this message, could you e-mail me at [e-mail]? Thanks,

Sally

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST,alice
Date: 11 Mar 06 - 11:20 AM

I'm a daughter of Arvle Wyatt who played with some of the bands that went on to become greats but with four girls had to stay close home and support them.
I am now the stage manager of Young's Mountain Music on the mitchell/yancey co. line between burnsville and spruce pine, n.c.
Some of lulu belle and scottys relatives still come out on saturday night to listen to music. In fact there is a band"The Wisemans" that
still preform.
I was deeply affected by the early music.I sang with my dad when he
had to carry a box for me to stand on. Back then the mikes didn't raise up and down so in order for me to reach the mike I had to stand
on a box. He was associated with Wade Mainer-The Shelton Bros.-The
Morris Bros.-Bill Monroe-The Blue Sky Boys- he just stayed home and formed his own band after he got a family. We had a radio show on WTOE radio station in Spruce Pine, N.C. for several years every saturday morning
called the Arvle Wyatt and his Blueridge Mountaineers Show.
I would love to hear from anyone who is interested in the old time music. At Young's we still have the man (Lawrence Wiseman) who recored The Orange Blossom Special the first time still playing the
song.
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: lloyd64
Date: 05 Apr 00 - 02:20 PM

Chuck...

What a great story. Do you know the chidren?

lloyd62

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: tar_heel
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 11:55 AM

lulu belle wiseman past away last february at the age of 85. it was my privilege to have been a guest in their home back in 1974. scotty wiseman was showing me through their log cabin and there was this huge fire place in the living room. over the top of the fire plcae was a musical scale...........it only took me just a second or two to figure it out!!!it was the first 4 bars to the song,"have i told you lately that i love you." ï was their guest for lunch that day.it was a day i would never forget. as a tv news photographer i had the privilege of meeting lulu belle many more times at the state house in raleigh,n.c.. she ran for public office and won a seat in the house of representatives ,representing her county,in north carolina,for several terms..she served with dignity and honor. i still have the autographed album they presented to me at their home that summer day in 1974..................... i will cherish it forever!!! it was an honor to have been called a friend of theirs!!!

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: The Beanster
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 01:23 AM

Lloyd62,

I just read this thread along with the sad news that struck you so hard. I'm sorry. But I think you have said thank you to Lulu Belle and Scotty, just now, in this thread. They have the Mudcat up in heaven, you know...and even if they didn't, your feelings are up there with them.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST,Gene
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 12:55 AM

Source unknown:
MORE WLS INFO: Lulu Belle And Scotty

Husband-wife teams have long been a staple of country music performance but one of the ealiest and certainly the most popular was Lulu Belle and Scotty, staples of the National Barn Dance from 1933 through 1958.

Lulu Belle was born Myrtle Eleanor Cooper in Boone, North Carolina on December 24, 1913. Active musically as a teenager, she auditioned for the National Barn Dance in 1932 and was hired, immediately becoming one of the stars of the show. She often teamed with the young bass p]ayer for the Cumberland Ridge Runners, Red Foley in duets, and they themselves were a popular team.

In 1933 another new cast member was added to the National Barn Dance: a guitarist, banjoist, singer, and songwriter named Scott Wiseman, known professionally as Skyland Scotty. Born near Spruce Pine, North Carolina, on November 8, 1909. Scotty had appeared on radio over WRVA in Richmond as early as 1927, and appeared on WMMN in Fairmont, West Virginia, while attending Fairmont Teachers College.

Although he aspired to a career as an educator (a calling he would pursue in later years), he tried his hand at music, and he too became an immediate hit upon joining the Barn Dance. The two hit it off, of course, and became a very popular team (although some naive listeners wrote angry letters to WLS, thinking Scotty had 'stolen' Red Foley's girl), largely on the basis of their smooth duet sound and on Scotty's prolific song writing, which produced such country music standards as 'Mountain Dew' (co-written with Bascomb Lamar Lunsford), the recently revived 'Remember Me', the folk favorite 'Brown Mountain Light', and their biggest hit, 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You'?

In their years on the Barn Dance they recorded for Conqueror, Vocalion, Okeh, Columbia, Vogue, Bluebird, and after the war on Mercury, London, and Starday. They also appeared as stars of several films based around the National Barn Dance cast, including Village Barn Dance, Hi! Neighbor, Country Fair, Sing, Neighbor, Sing, and National Barn Dance. They spent a brief time away from the National Barn Dance at the Boone County Jamboree in Cincinnati (l938-l94l), but were and are closely associated with Chicago, where in addition to their network and regular WLS broadcasts they had a daily television show over WNBQ from 1949-1957. Regulars on the National Barn Dance for 25 years, Lulu Belle and Scotty were during the early 40's able to ask (and get) $500 a day for public appearances.

Scotty began working toward a masters degree in education during the 1950s, and when the act bowed out of the performing limelight in 1958 they retired to their native North Carolina, where Scotty finally fulfilled his early ambition of teaching. Not one to let grass grow under her feet, Lulu Belle has now served a couple of terms in the state legislature as representative from her district.

Albums:
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Old Homestead)
Lulu Belle And Scotty (Starday)
Sweethearts Still (Starday)

Songs recorded by: Lulu Belle & Scotty

Daffy over taffy w/Rambling Red Foley
I wish I were a single girl again
Sweet lips (the battle of Kings mountain)
When my blue moon turns to gold
In the dog house
Molly darling
Lips that touch liquor will never touch mine
Homecoming time in happy valley
I told them all about you
The first whipoorwill call
Remember me
Have I told you lately that I love you
That crazy war
Be careful girls
From Jerusalem to Jericho
Theres no hiding place down there
When I yoo-hoo in the valley
Great grand dad
Madam I've come to marry you
Get along home Cindy
Prisoner at the bar
The farmers daughter
Tildy Johnson
Sugar babe
Whoa back buck
The wampus cat
What you dont know wont hurt you
Along the winding road
You're the sweetest mistake
New love waltz
Theres a little pine log cabin
It aint nobodys business
The old red cradle
Prisoners dream
I'd rather live by the side of the road
Precious memories
Try to live some while you're here
I'll never be the one to tell
Mountain Dew
Blue eyes crying in the rain
Git a long home Cindy

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: lloyd64
Date: 04 Apr 00 - 12:18 AM

Thanks to all for the response to this thread. Dale, I have made a copy of your information for future reference. GUEST,Gene thanks for your story.

As a child my father would take me to the eight street theater to see the WLS Barndance. I will never forget seeing Lulubelle and Scotty on stage. I often think about the number of performers who got there start on the Barndance. Television killed many opportunities.

As I sing the old songs I am amazed how many folks long for the simple old country songs. A young man came up to me a said he loved "In the pines", "please teach me that song" he said. Yes, the magic is still in the music. Last year I posted a threads about "Gigs to remember". The wonderful experiences were not because of me, it was the music. Music as powers we don't totally understand. I have seen lives changed because of Music Therapy. Music helps you see life from a different (Deeper) perspective.

Thank you Lulubelle and Scotty for leading me down this path. I will miss you guys. Your music, on the collectors CD's, will always remind me of you and what you did for me.

lloyd62 (lloyd61)

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Dale Rose
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 01:43 AM

Heh, Gene, I just finished making an RA copy! Just now listening to it right now. Great Minds, eh?

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST,Gene
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 01:36 AM

I Have 'Rose of Old Pawnee' by Marty Robbins...
For an MP3 or RealAudio:

* EMAIL ME FROM HERE *

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Sorcha
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 12:56 AM

This is exactly why I play Nursing Homes twice a month, and try to do all the requests I can, still don't have an answer for my last 2---Green Valley Waltz and Rose of Old Pawnee............Have threads going, but no real answers yet. Will refresh.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 03 Apr 00 - 12:21 AM

Amen to what Susan said! Oh the number of people I'd love to have said "thank you" to, but waited too long. Do it now folks, whether it's the old lady down the street who was kind to you, or the celebrity you think you can't reach.

Rick

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST,Gene
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 09:49 PM

According to Scotty in Dorothy Horstman's book
Sing Your Heart Out Country Boy!
Scotty was a patient in Wesley Memorial Hospital
in Chicago for several weeks in 1944.
Lulu [Lu] whispered that line as she was leaving.
Scotty wrote the song that night and
sang it to Lu the next day.
A friend pitched the song to Gene Autry
and he made the first recording of it.
Scotty says it paid for their retirement home
in the hills of North Carolina.
The song has sold many millions of copies.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Dale Rose
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 09:34 PM

I forgot this: Born 23 Dec 1913, Died 8 Feb 1999

I thought I knew right where to find some interesting info from the 1932 WLS Family Album, BUT while it is of great interest, there is little there on Lulu Belle and Scotty. This was done by Rich Samuels, longtime Chicago broadcaster. He has promised to add (when he has some free time) "Highlights from the 1936 press run of Standby!, the WLS weekly magazine." which no doubt will include them.

I, too, have a fond place in my heart for the old WLS National Barn Dance which I listened to faithfully just about every Saturday night:(I liked it better than listening to the Grand Ol Opry, even!) Lulu Belle and Scotty, Mac and Bob, Karl and Harty, Dolph Hewitt, Arkie the Arkansas Woodchopper (no, not OUR Arkie!), Bob Atcher, on and on. Yes, right about now, I'd even love to hear Grace Wilson again. Those times won't come again, I am afraid. The closest you can get, and I'm sure Arkie would agree (yes, OUR Arkie!) would probably be the shows at the Ozark Folk Center, and as much as I enjoy them, the feeling is not quite the same as what you got "in the olden days". I just happened to think, there is a link between the shows at that: Here is a picture and story about Lonnie Glosson from the 1932 WLS book. He appeared as recently as last year at the OFC, and no doubt will again this year if his health permits.

There are a number of recordings by Lulu Belle and Scotty available. I suggest that you all search them out, enjoyment is almost guaranteed.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Dale Rose
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 08:54 PM

You know, now that I hear it, I am sure that Arkie is right, but then Pat Boone may have remarried and I didn't hear about it.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Dale Rose
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 08:51 PM

This was a memorial given by BILL KNOWLTON: "BLUEGRASS RAMBLE," WCNY-FM: Syracuse, Utica, Watertown NY when Lulu Belle died in February, 1999.

Myrtle Eleanor Cooper, whom WLS National Barndance producer John ("Renfro Valley") Lair nicknamed "Lulubelle" when he first teamed her with Red Foley, died last week in North Carolina. She was 85, and became both a musical partner and very quickly the wife of Skyland Scotty Wiseman.

Lulubelle & Scotty were the top stars of the WLS National Barndance and remained with the Chicago-based show until they retired in 1958. They sang both comic songs and ballads; Scott on the clawhammer banjo and Lulubelle the guitar. Lulubelle's smiling, witty personality almost stole the act in spite of the gentle Scott trying to leash her in. In fact, she would sometimes hone in on other Barndance acts, sometimes to the chagrin of its other performers, most notably Jethro Burns of "Homer & Jethro" fame.

In 1936, "Radio Guide" readers voted Lulubelle "National Radio Queen," the most popular woman in radio. She later served two terms in the North Carolina Legislature after she and Scotty retired to Ingalls, NC.

Scott, author of the team's signature song "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" and co-author ("revisor") of Bascomb Lamar Lunsford's "Mountain Dew," died in 1981. Lulubelle then remarried a family friend from North Carolina, Ernest Stamey.

Scotty also wrote "Brown Mountain Light," "Far Beyond the Starry Sky," "Remember Me When The Candle Lights Are Burning" and many other ballads and novelties he sang in duets with Lulubelle. He was heavily influenced by fellow WLS pioneer and early country recording artist Bradley Kincaid.

In the early 60s the Wisemans came out of retirement to record LPs for Starday; Lulubelle (who in later years insisted on being called "Lula Belle") recorded "Snickers & Tender Memories" for Old Homestead in 1986 which is still available on cassette.

Lulubelle & Scotty also broadcast on WSM's Grand Ole Opry in 1948, 1950 and 1952. They made seven Hollywood films including the apparently lost Paramount "National Barndance," and starred in the films with Roy Acuff and Roy Rodgers among others. The duo recorded 78s for Columbia, Bluebird, Vogue (picture records), Conqueror, Brunswick, London, Mercury and Vocalion. They also were members of TV's "Ozark Jubilee" and performed from 1949 thru 1957 on WNBQ-TV, Chicago.

On personal appearances Lulubelle & Scotty shared the stage with the likes of Gene Autry, Fibber McGee & Molly, George Gobel (then "Little Georgie Goebel"), Lum & Abner, Burl Ives and Tennessee Ernie Ford.

Lulubelle was born in Boone, NC, 40 miles from Scotty's birthplace in Ingalls altho they didn't meet until their tenure began on the WLS Barndance.

Lulubelle leaves a son and a daughter.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 08:50 PM

Red Foley's daughter also married Pat Boone. He's been a busy fellow.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 07:15 PM

lloyd62,

That heart of yours will do something meaningful with your desire I am sure. I would welcome knowing more of your memories... it feels like a story to tell when you sing that song for people....

I have known people in the same way you describe and in some cases did have a chance to tell them or give what I knew was right to give expressing my appreciatin for all I had gotten through them. And when we don't have or take that chance, it does feel soooo blue. It usually brings another great life lesson with the feeling... The lesson not only can transform our lives and those we touch, but it beomes one more lovely, wonderful thing to think of whenever you think of that person.

I also find myself wondering, is there someone else you know, now, who could use all the love and appreciation you held for this lady?

And sometimes, I have found to my amazed delight, just thinking and feeling that appreciation, as you have done up to now, has been a prayer that got where the "actual" appreciation was intended to go.

~Susan~

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: lloyd64
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 04:11 PM

Why did I wait so long? I feel as I lost a dear friend. Lulu Belle (Myrtle Cooper) and Scotty (Scott Wiseman)are now both gone.

Thanks for the news.

Western North Carolina is dark and rainy today, very fitting. I'm sitting in my office, at home, looking at the mountains, holding back the tears. How can you love someone so much you never met or who never new you?

Art, thanks. Some how I'm going to find Lulu Belles daughter.

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Art Thieme
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 12:47 PM

I'm saddened by that news. She and Scotty were a part of my youth listening to the old Barn Dance on WLS.

Art

Subject: RE: In Search of Lulu Belle Wiseman
From: Dale Rose
Date: 02 Apr 00 - 12:04 PM

Lulu Belle died in February of last year, age 85. I have more information somewhere, and will try to find it and post it. No promises, though ~~ my filing system is not the best.