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
Nikki Sixx Thanks Fans for Support After Mother’s Death
Nikki Sixx thanked fans for their words of support following the June 8 death of his mother Deana Richards. Sixx shared the news via Twitter early Sunday morning. Details of her passing have not been made available.
David Bowie and Freddie Mercury’s ‘Under Pressure’ Session Fueled by Wine and Cocaine
An audio track of David Bowie and Freddie Mercury laying down vocals for the 1981 Queen hit 'Under Pressure' surfaced a while back, bringing with it writer Mark Blake's account of the song's wild, and eventually tumultuous, writing and recording sessions. The two stars trade vocals without any instrumental distraction, but Blake claims that the singers recorded their parts separately and privately
AC/DC Show Support for Bon Scott Hometown Statue
Supporters of a plan to raise money for a statue of Bon Scott in his hometown of Kirriemuir, Scotland received a big boost recently when AC/DC put their weight into the project with a post on their official website. The campaign is looking to raise over $75,000 (50,000 pounds) before June 5. As of today (May 16), they're one-third of the way there.
Bruce Springsteen Joins the Dropkick Murphys on Boston Marathon Bombings Benefit CD
This week, Boston-based Celtic-punk band DropKick Murphys released a three-song EP to benefit the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. One song features Bruce Springsteen, who sought out the group in hours after the April 15 bombing.
Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Team Up for Blues Album
Stephen Stills is set to release a blues album this summer. He's formed a new trio called the Rides with guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Electric Flag keyboardist Barry Goldberg, and their album 'Can't Get Enough' is set for a July 30 release.
Slash, Anthrax Tear Through AC/DC’s ‘T.N.T.’ in Los Angeles
Slash surprised fans of Anthrax at the House of Blues in Los Angeles on Wednesday night (March 27) by taking the stage to play guitar on 'T.N.T.,' the AC/DC song Anthrax chose for their new album of covers called 'Anthems.' The band turned in a pretty convincing rendition, captured on the fan video below.
Geddy Lee From Rush to Throw First Pitch at Toronto Blue Jays Home Opener
Longtime Toronto Blue Jays fan and soon-to-be Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Geddy Lee will take the mound on Tuesday (April 2) to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Blue Jays' home opener. The Rush bassist and singer is a season ticket holder and dedicated fantasy baseball player.
Derek Watkins, Trumpet Player for the Beatles, Eric Clapton, James Bond + More, Dead at 68
If you've seen any of the 23 James Bond movies, you're familiar with British trumpet player Derek Watkins. The session player also sat in with Eric Clapton, the Beatles, Elton John and more during a nearly 50-year career. Watkins died on Friday (March 22) after a two year battle with cancer.
Suspended ‘Hot for Teacher’ Student Suing University
Last year an Oakland University (Mich.) student was suspended and severely reprimanded for writing an essay titled 'Hot for Teacher' and turning it into the teacher he was hot for. Now 57-year-old Joseph Corlett is suing members of the University and the Board of Trustees for violating his right to free speech and free expression. He wants $2.2 million.
Journey Guitarist Neal Schon Suing Ex-Mother in Law for Defamation
Neal Schon's recently settled support agreement with his ex-wife Amber is in the news again as the Journey guitarist is said to be bringing a lawsuit against her mother. Schon says Judy Kozan badmouthed him through an internet blog, and he wants $75,000 in damages.
Billy Idol Announces 2013 North American Tour Dates
Billy Idol has added 19 dates to his summer 2013 itinerary. The 'White Wedding' singer was previously announced as a Bonnaroo performer, and now he's scheduled shows across the country around that June 15 date in Tennessee. Tickets for many of the dates go on sale this Friday (March 22).
Joe Walsh ‘Cooking Up Something’ With Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr + More
It's not clear what Joe Walsh is working on exactly, but the lineup he's assembled is certainly intriguing. The Eagles guitarist teased fans with a photo that indicates something very cool will be coming soon.