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
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.
Steven Tyler Joins Keith Urban in Nashville
Fans at Tootsie's in Nashville got a shock last weekend when Steven Tyler emerged from the crowd to join Keith Urban on stage. The country superstar was playing the honky tonk as part of a promotional tour for his new 'Fuse' album when he summoned the Aerosmith singer with the riff from 'La Grange' by ZZ Top.
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.
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.
David Bowie May Be Planning Live Comeback
Rumors of David Bowie's live comeback have fans buzzing. Depending on your source, the singer is planning a show at either Hyde Park or Olympic Park in London. Of course, all parties officially involved are remaining quiet ... mostly.
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.
Metallica Rumored to Play at Baseball Star’s Retirement Ceremony
Even if it is just rumor, it's a pretty good idea. For nearly two decades, New York Yankees' closer Mariano Rivera has been using Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' as his entrance song in the ninth inning. As he prepares to retire this year, some think the band could return the favor by showing up for his retirement ceremony at Yankee Stadium.
Hot Tuna Announce Fall Tour Dates
Blues-rockers Hot Tuna have announced 11 new dates for their Holidays Tour, set to begin on Nov. 9 in Pomeroy, Ohio. The run will be mostly acoustic shows and include stops along the East Coast and through the Northeast before returning to Michigan, Ohio and Chicago.
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.