Billy Dukes is a Senior Editor and Executive Producer at Taste of Country, where he has over 11,000 articles to his name. His media background includes jobs as music director at WQDR 94.7 in Raleigh, N.C.; writer for Recoil Magazine, a monthly out of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and writer for the Kalamazoo Gazette in Kalamazoo, Mich. The Western Michigan University graduate followed a girl to Raleigh in 2006 and wisely married her one year later. In 2014, they moved to Nashville, where they now live with their three sons. In his free time, Billy enjoys playing and watching baseball, cycling and home renovation.
Billy Dukes
41 Years Ago: Berry Oakley of the Allman Brothers Band Dies
Former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts is always quick to celebrate the importance of Berry Oakley's contributions to the legendary southern rock band. Before Oakley died on Nov. 11, 1972, he was responsible for some of the most iconic Allman riffs, including the opening of 'Whipping Post.' He's remembered for the way he died more often than the way he lived, and Betts works to fix tha
Jon Bon Jovi Gives Bride Surprise of Her Life
One Bon Jovi fan made it her mission to convince Jon Bon Jovi to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day, and it worked! The singer showed up to escort Branka Delic to her groom during a ceremony at the Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas on Saturday. The singer offered picture proof of the accident.
Neal Schon to Marry Michaele Salahi in December
Journey guitarist Neal Schon and reality-TV star Michaele Salahi have set a wedding date. The couple -- who have been dating for two years -- will marry on Dec. 15 at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
Boston to Release First Album in 11 Years
Boston will reportedly release their first album since 2002 this fall. It's the sixth from the classic band, and the first to be released since singer Brad Delp committed suicide in 2007.
The Doors Announce Archival ‘R-Evolution’ DVD
Early television appearances, music films and rare footage will make up the bulk of the Doors' 'R-Evolution' DVD, which will be released later this year. The band just announced the project, which will also be available as a deluxe edition featuring a 40-page book of lyrics and photos.
John Lennon’s Childhood Home Going to Auction
The current owner of John Lennon's boyhood home is looking for a larger garden, so he's putting the historic red-bricked terrace house up for auction later this month. The late Beatle's first home will go to the highest bidder on Oct. 29.
Dave Davies Says There’s a 50/50 Chance of Kinks Tour
It's up to Ray Davies to decide if and when the Kinks reunite for a tour in 2014. But Dave Davies, the band's guitarist, makes it clear that he's up for it. In fact, he says he told his brother that now is the time because they're not getting any younger.
Bruce Springsteen, Roger Waters Added to ‘Stand Up for Heroes’ Benefit Concert
A number of familiar faces will be returning to New York City this November for the seventh annual 'Stand Up for Heroes' benefit concert. Bruce Springsteen, Roger Waters and 'Daily Show' host Jon Stewart are among a list of initially confirmed performers. Jerry Seinfeld will also perform, with more expected to be named later.
Neil Young Cancels Upcoming North American Tour Dates
Crazy Horse guitarist Frank 'Poncho' Sampedro's broken hand is to blame for the four additional tour dates cancelled on Neil Young's itinerary. Today the group announced they're pulling out of all shows through Sept. 7.
Jeff Beck Will Join Brian Wilson on Tour
Jeff Beck will team up with Brian Wilson for an 18-date tour this fall. The run begins on Sept. 27 in Florida before working up the East Coast and then zigzagging across the country for a final date on Oct. 27 in Akron. Wilson's fellow Beach Boys Al Jardine and David Marks will also join him onstage.
Man Sets World Record With 813-Piece Drum Set
Mark Temperato's drum kit weighs two-and-a-half tons and includes 813 individually assembled pieces that the Lakeville, N.Y., resident can reach without taking a step. That's a world record, according to the folks at Guinness, who know about such things.
Ted Nugent Slams Stevie Wonder’s Florida Boycott
Rocker Ted Nugent was asked recently what he thought of musicians like Stevie Wonder boycotting the state of Florida until they repeal the "Stand Your Ground" law that became the centerpiece of the George Zimmerman / Trayvon Martin case this summer. "How brain-dead do you have to be," Nugent asked, before taking Wonder to task for his decision.