The old-time bluegrass sound of Pine Mountain Railroad first took shape in September 1998 amid the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains. The group came together through the tourism trade in Pigeon Forge, where a sausage company provided sponsorship—an arrangement as unusual in bluegrass circles as it was unsettling—yet Pine Mountain Railroad remains the genuine article. Leading the ensemble is guitarist and vocalist Jimbo Whaley, whose material draws from a deep affection for traditional mountain storytellers. Kipper Stitt supplies the banjo’s bright, driving pulse, while retired federal agent and P.I. Bill McBee anchors the bass; fiddler Clint Damewood and mandolin player Danny Barnes complete the roster. The band made its initial foray into traditional bluegrass with the album Live at the Old Country Church. Knoxville Train arrived next in 2001, bearing the Tennessee Pride Sausage endorsement along with rustic themes and close-knit harmonies. Less overtly commercial than its predecessor—at least the sausage sponsor receives no cover mention—The Old Radio appeared on the respected bluegrass imprint CMH in August 2003, its sonic approach fully matching the album’s vintage-inspired title.
