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
Grateful Dead Beer’s Secret Ingredient Is Something Very Grateful Deady
A new Grateful Dead beer will be hitting the market this fall. The band worked with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery to create American Beauty, a "bold pale ale made with 100 percent U.S.-grown ingredients." But it took a suggestion from a fan to get the mix just right.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kenny Loggins Hosts ‘Grand Theft Auto V”s Classic Rock Station
The soundtrack and score to the upcoming 'Grand Theft Auto V' video game is packed with well-known stars of hip-hop, rock, soul and classic rock. Kenny Loggins will host the classic-rock station heard in the game, which will be released on Sept. 17.
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. The group announced they're pulling out of all shows through Sept. 7.