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
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.
Genesis Reunion Unlikely Says Guitarist Steve Hackett
There's nothing stopping a full Genesis reunion, but guitarist Steve Hackett calls the prospect "improbable." The group still gets along and members bump into each other from time to time, but eventually talks of getting back together fizzle.
Elton John Drummer Roger Pope Dead at 66
Roger Pope was one of Elton John's early bandmates, playing drums on the piano man's early demos and later going on to tour and recording six albums with him. The Whitestable, U.K., native died on Sept. 17 at the age of 66.
Dr. Feelgood Guitarist Wilko Johnson to Record Final Album With Roger Daltrey
Dr. Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson is preparing to record one final album and he's chosen Roger Daltrey as his partner. The Who singer met the 66-year-old at an awards show this month, and they have since worked out the details.
Black Sabbath Announce Live DVD
A live DVD release will close out what has been a very, very good year for fans of Black Sabbath. The band has announced they'll release 'Black Sabbath: Live ... Gathered in Their Masses' on Nov. 26. The footage comes from two Black Sabbath tour dates from this past spring. And it's probably not a coincidence that the announcement comes on Friday the 13th.
NIkki Sixx Says Sebastian Bach Was Never Asked to Join Motley Crue
Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx says the story that Sebastian Bach is telling about being asked to join Motley Crue is simply not true. Last week, the Skid Row singer said he was asked to replace Vince Neil when the singer left the group in 1992. Sixx said it never happened.
Stan Robinson, Father of Black Crowes’ Chris and Rich Robinson, Dies
The father of the Black Crowes' Chris and Rich Robinson has died. According to a post on the rock band's Facebook page Stan Robinson died on Tuesday afternoon. The band had previously cancelled shows scheduled for yesterday and today (Sept. 11).
Billy Joel, Carlos Santana to Receive Kennedy Center Honors
Two classic rockers will receive 2013 Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C. this December. Carlos Santana and Billy Joel were named as part of the group of five new honorees.
Watch Black Sabbath Go Behind the Scenes of Halloween Horror Nights
The creative director of Universal Studios Hollywood caught up with Black Sabbath in Austin recently and showed Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler what 'Black Sabbath 13 3D' -- a new attraction at the annual Halloween Horror Nights based on the group's music and recent album -- will look like. Fans also get a preview of the scares in the above clip.
Crosby, Stills Nash & Young to Play Bridge School Benefit Concert
Call it luck or great planning. All four members of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young will be together again on Oct. 26-27 for the Bridge School Benefit Concert in Mountain View, Calif. The show will no doubt whet the appetite of fans of the band, especially those anticipating a 40th anniversary tour in 2014.
Ron Wood to Close London Bluesfest
The Ronnie Wood Band has been announced as the final performers at the 2013 BluesFest in London this fall. The Rolling Stones guitarist will pay tribute to the late bluesman Jimmy Reed on Nov. 1.
Ted Nugent’s Wife Says She Forgot About Loaded Gun at Airport
Shemane Nugent, the 51-year-old wife of rocker Ted Nugent, says she forgot about the loaded revolver in her luggage as she attempted to get through security at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport on Aug. 29. She said she was carrying the gun for protection because she had received death threats.