Young Hank listened to his brother’s western band practice in their home. Occasionally they would include a banjo, and his love for the banjo began. Growing up, he had the continuing desire to learn to play. After the Army, marriage and starting a family, the time was right! He studied banjo with Ray Wilkinson for seven years and then studied with Frank Vodich in San Francisco.

Hank’s music credits are numerous. He has been music director of the Northwest Banjo Band for over 20 years; played with the River City Jazz Band, Stumptown Jazz and Cascade Ragtime, all in Portland, OR; and organized the Hank Dougherty Trio. As well as being a sideman for many great artists, Hank has made eight recordings, played on 12 cruises, and performed on various occasions for three Oregon governors and the President of the United States.

Retired and living in Independence, OR, he is a teacher of banjo and a highly sought-after performer.