With banjos ringing, fiddles dancing, and harmony vocals echoing through the hills, Richard Hefner and the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys have been keeping West Virginia’s traditional bluegrass alive for more than five decades. At 79 years young, Hefner continues to lead the band with the same energy and passion that sparked the group back in 1968.
Roots Run Deep
Richard’s journey into music began in Mill Point, Pocahontas County, surrounded by a family who lived and breathed music. His uncle, a talented mandolin, guitar, and banjo player who used a wheelchair due to polio, introduced young Richard to the music of Bill Monroe and the Stanley Brothers. By the mid-1960s, Richard was playing along with his family, and by 1968, the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys were born. Their first radio appearance was on Richwood Radio (WVAR), where they performed every Saturday morning for five years, recording live sessions that were then broadcast to fans across the county.
Recordings and Collaborations
Over the years, Richard and his band have recorded multiple albums, including live CDs that capture the energy and spirit of their performances. Their discography includes early releases such as the 8-track Pure Old Bluegrass (1971), the LP Million Lonely Days (1973), which was later revisited in early 2025 by bluegrass greats Kenny and Amanda Smith, and Talk of the County (1975). He has shared the stage with bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Lester Flatt, and Del McCoury, and has even performed internationally in Ireland and Scotland.
Local Stages, Lasting Impact
Richard has remained deeply rooted in his community. For over two decades, he performed every Friday night at the Sweet Shop in town, drawing crowds of loyal fans. In the early 1990s, he rented Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg for his own sold-out shows, and has also performed at other beloved local venues, including Greenbrier Valley Theatre. Local festivals and events like Pioneer Days, Art in the Park at Watoga, Hillsboro Heritage Days, and the Cranberry Mountain Visitor Center Car Show have consistently featured his music. Even now, Richard continues performing solo shows and occasional band gigs throughout the year.
Musical Style
The Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys’ style is rooted in traditional bluegrass, inspired by Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and Jimmy Martin. Their performances feature fast instrumentals, strong banjo work, and harmony vocals, a hallmark of the band’s sound. “We’ve always tried to keep our music traditional,” Richard says. “Even though festivals and audiences have changed, the heart of the music stays the same.”
Mentoring the Next Generation
Richard has also dedicated himself to teaching young musicians. For over a decade, he taught banjo at Allegheny Echoes in Marlinton, mentoring students who have gone on to achieve recognition in their own right.
Staying Connected with Fans
Richard prefers personal connections, sharing updates with fans mostly through word-of-mouth and Facebook. Fans can follow his updates on his personal Facebook page or the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys’ page. Most of his following comes from word-of-mouth and loyal friends who have been with him for years, a testament to the tight-knit nature of the local bluegrass community.
Reflections on a Life in Music
Looking back on more than 50 years of performing, recording, and mentoring, Richard reflects on a life enriched by music. “I’ve met so many good musicians all over the country, even when I lived temporarily in Michigan and Maine. Music really is a big family,” he says. From kitchen-table jam sessions in Pocahontas County to festival stages and international tours, Richard and the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys have remained steadfast in their mission: to honor the roots of bluegrass and share the joy of music with every audience they meet.
Upcoming Shows
Look for Richard and The Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys this February with Kevin Prater Band at Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company in Maxwelton.
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
When asked if he had advice for aspiring musicians, especially those who may just be finding their way into bluegrass, Richard said, “Pick out what you really like and listen to it and listen to it and listen to it and just do like I did. Anytime you can see where somebody’s going to be out playing live, go and get up as close to them as you can and watch every move they make. Then go home and practice, practice, practice.”
Experience the Music
For fans of traditional bluegrass and anyone wanting to experience a true piece of West Virginia’s musical heritage, Richard Hefner and the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys offer a performance that blends history, skill, and heart.
