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
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Bad Company Announce Co-Headlining 2013 Tour
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Bad Company are both celebrating 40 years in 2013, and they've teamed up to take a co-headling tour across America. The 40 Tour will begin on June 20 in Auburn, Wash. and travel east before wrapping up on July 27 in Bethel, N.Y.
Jeff Lynne and ELO to Release Three Albums in 2013
Jeff Lynne and ELO are beginning 2013 in the same way they ended 2012, with three new CDs. On April 23, Frontiers Records will release a live album from Electric Light Orchestra, a reissue of one of the band's more recent albums and a reissue of Lynne's debut solo album.
Jon Bon Jovi Fears for Reality Singing Show Contestants
If you ask Jon Bon Jovi, the Grammys have gotten it right in recent years. The singer listed Adele and Mumford & Sons as bands with real talent, while adding that he worries about kids today and a perceived waning interest in good music.
Paul Simon Performs at Funeral for Slain Newtown Teacher Victoria Soto
Paul Simon joined mourners for the funeral of slain Sandy Hook Elementary first grade teacher Victoria Soto on Wednesday (Dec. 19). According to the New York Daily News, the singer picked up his guitar with no introduction and performed 'The Sound of Silence' midway through the memorial service for the 27-year-old, to her gathered family and friends. It was Soto's favorite song. Afterward, he retu
Fleetwood Mac Announce Expanded + Deluxe ‘Rumours’ Reissue
2012 makes 35 years since Fleetwood Mac released 'Rumours,' and the band plans to celebrate by re-releasing the album as part of box sets that comes loaded with unreleased live tracks and session recordings. Both expanded and deluxe editions of 'Rumours' go on sale Jan. 29.
Ravi Shankar Dead at 92: Slash, the Who + More React on Twitter
The death of Ravi Shankar has cast a pall over the classic rock world as the many artists he inspired or worked with reflect on their memories with the famed sitar player. Shankar died at age 92 on Tuesday night in San Diego after complaining of breathing problems this week. He'd recently had heart valve surgery.
Paul McCartney Stars in ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ Liverpool 96 Charity Single Video
Paul McCartney is one of more than a dozen celebrities who've joined the Justice Collective, a group aiming to raise money with a charitable cover of the Hollies and Neil Diamond hit 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother.' The song -- to be released on iTunes Dec. 17 -- will support the families of the Liverpool 96 as they fight for justice concerning a 1989 soccer tragedy at Hillsborough Stadium in Sh
Famed Rolling Stones + Bob Dylan Photographer Ken Regan Dies
Ken Regan was on the sidelines to watch some of the most iconic sporting and rock 'n' roll events of the last 40 years. In addition to extensive coverage of the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, Regan covered several Olympics and Super Bowls before his death on Sunday (Nov. 25). His daughter Suzanne Regan says the cause of death was cancer.
Meat Loaf Prepares for Knee Surgery
Classic rocker Meat Loaf is preparing for knee surgery today. The 'Paradise by the Dashboard Light' singer posed for this picture for his Facebook page Monday afternoon, taken just minutes before he was set to go under the knife. An unidentified poster writes that the recovery process will take about two weeks.
Jon Bon Jovi’s Daughter Arrested After Allegedly Overdosing on Heroin
The daughter of Bon Jovi frontman Jon Bon Jovi has been arrested after cops were called to Hamilton College to follow-up on a call that the 19-year-old was unresponsive. Stephanie Rose Bongiovi allegedly overdosed on heroin in her dorm room at the upstate New York institution.
Bon Jovi Announce 2013 World Tour and New Album Title
Bon Jovi has announced a 2013 world wide tour in support of their upcoming new album. Because We Can -- the Tour will begin in Canada, before scheduled but not yet revealed dates take the group through the U.S., Latin America, Europe, the Far East, Africa and Australia. Six Canadian dates were announced on Thursday morning.
The Beach Boys Announce 50th Anniversary Tour DVD
The Beach Boys captured highlights of their 50th anniversary tour for a new DVD and Blu-ray set to be released on Nov. 20. 'The Beach Boys: Live in Concert -- 50th Anniversary Tour' features 21 well-known hits and new songs from their 'That's Why God Made the Radio' album released earlier this year.