Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys

THE BLACK MOUNTAIN BLUEGRASS BOYS

  • From Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
  • Formed in 1969 by Richard Hefner (banjo), Bill Hefner (guitar/mandolin), Harley Carpenter (guitar), Glen Irvine (mandolin) and Dwight Diller (bass).
  • They took their name from Black Mountain, near their home in WV.
  • For five years the band hosted a weekly radio program on WVMR in Richwood, West Virginia.
  • 1973, recorded “Million Lonely Days” album (Lark Records).
  • 1974, band changes: Dick Kimmel joined the band, playing mandolin. Wayne Erbson joined, playing fiddle.
  • 1974, recorded “Talk of the County” album (Lark Records).
  • 1998, Harley Carpenter passed away.
  • 1999-present band lineup: Richard Hefner (banjo), Mike Smith (bass), Chris Nickell (guitar), Rick Carpenter (mandolin). Rick Carpenter is the son of former band member Harley Carpenter.
  • 2001, released “Live at Midnight” (Pocahontas Communications).
  • 2014, played Carnegie Hall.