This is a photo of Wilma Lee Leary Cooper and Stoney Cooper her husband along with their band. The group performed in front of the student body of Parsons High School sometime between 1955-1957. Group is identified as: Lou Shelton, Wilma Lee Leary Cooper, Stoney Cooper, John Clark, Woody Woodham. Dale Troy “Stoney” Cooper was born in Harman, WV. Stoney was known as one of the finest fiddlers in the Country Music Industry. Wilma Lee was born in Valley Head. She sang with her family, The Leary Family. Stoney and Wilma Lee joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1957. In 1974, The Smithsonian Institution named Wilma Lee “The First Lady of Bluegrass”. On November 6, 2008, Stoney and Wilma Lee were inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. Ideas, suggestions, comments, items to share, contact Tim Turner (304) 478-3389.
