Whistle Stop Pickers

The Whistle Stop Pickers came into existence in 2006. The group was formed by Allen & Deborah McCord and Bob & Rose Taunton out of their love for the mountain dulcimer and a desire to have a local group to jam with. The local Historical Society and museum was deemed the perfect place to teach and learn about old-time music with a traditional old-time instrument, the mountain dulcimer. The McCords and Tauntons began searching for area people who had mountain dulcimers but didn’t know what to do with them. The group was originally only eight people but has now grown through teaching, outreach to the community and the annual Lee County Gathering music festival to over 35 members. The name for the group came from the history of Loachapoka, a Creek Indian settlement which grew into a large community due to the Western of Alabama Railroad being established there. Trains (now CSX) frequently run through with loud whistle sounds as the group practices. Railroading songs like “Railroading on the Great Divide” are theme songs for the group. The group plays for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, area civic organizations, school groups and churches.