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
Ted Nugent Explains ‘Black Power 2013′ Tour Name
Rocker Ted Nugent, who by his own proclamation has less than two months to live (at least as a free man), has named his upcoming summer tour Black Power 2013 to honor the African-American musical heroes that inspired him. In a column at World Net Daily, Nugent explains how he is standing up for blacks, and how Democrats and President Obama are "a clear and present engineer of the destruction
Robert Plant Says Led Zeppelin Members Need to ‘Move On’
Led Zeppelin have had a big 30 days, including the release of 'Celebration Day' and being honored at the Kennedy Center Honors earlier this month. It doesn't seem likely the momentum will carry in 2013, however. During a recent interview with Charlie Rose on CBS singer Robert Plant explains he's looking for different creative endeavors.
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
Public Enemy’s Chuck D Calls Jimmy Page’s Puff Daddy Collaboration a ‘ F—ing Travesty’
Public Enemy's Chuck D will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 18, whether you like it or not. More on that in a moment, but in a recent interview he talked about his group's collaboration with classic rock bands, and the "debacle" of Jimmy Page's and Puff Daddy's collaboration.
Mick Jagger’s Secret Love Letters to Actress Auctioned for $300K
Love letters written by Mick Jagger to American actress Marsha Hunt during the summer of 1969 have been auctioned by Sothebys for more than twice the expected sum. An unidentified buyer paid over $300K for 10 passionate, revealing letters that came during a time of much turbulence for the Rolling Stones frontman.
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.
Yes to Play Three Classic Albums on 2013 Tour
Yes has announced that they'll play three of their most important albums in their entirety during just-announced March and April 2013 North American tour stops. The Jon Davison-fronted group will tear through 'The Yes Album,' 'Close to the Edge' and 'Going for the One' when they hit the road on March 1 in West Wendover, Nev.
Dave Grohl Says Working With John Paul Jones Amongst Life Highlights
Last Sunday's Kennedy Center Honors provided a reunion of sorts for Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones, bandmates in Them Crooked Vultures. While drumming during the Led Zeppelin tribute was a dream come true for Grohl, he says recording with the Zep bassist was an unforgettable experience.
Hawkwind Guitarist Huw Lloyd Langton Dead at 61
The men of Hawkwind will be glad to put 2012 behind them as another longtime member has died. Guitarist Huw Lloyd Langton succumbed to cancer last night (Dec. 6), according to a statement on the band's website. He was an influential part of the band in the early 70s and throughout the 80s, appearing on 10 of their 25 albums.
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
New Vince Neil Reality Show to Follow Rocker’s Pursuit of Pilot’s License
Vince Neil's past and present are fair game in a new reality show based on the singer's attempts to earn a pilot's license. The producers of the PBS series 'The Aviators' have created 'Vince Neil Escapes,' a travel adventure series following Neil and his flying entourage.
Fleetwood Mac to Release Three New Songs Before 2013 Tour
During discussions about their upcoming 2013 tour, the members of Fleetwood Mac huddled into Lindsey Buckingham's home studio to cut three new songs, but Buckingham and singer Stevie Nicks don't seem to agree on if they'll be part of a full album.