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
Could Aerosmith’s ‘Dream On’ Become the Official State Rock Song of Massachusetts?
Politicians in Massachusetts are divided when it comes to the state's official rock song. One group is pulling for 'Dream On' by Aerosmith, while another proposed piece of legislation calls for 'Road Runner' by '70s rockers the Modern Lovers to be the official jam of the Bay State.
Iggy and the Stooges Announce ‘Ready to Die,’ First Album in 40 Years
The Iggy and the Stooges album 'Raw Power' turns 40 this month, and the group is also planning a new release. Iggy Pop, James Williamson and Scott Asheton have united to record 'Ready to Die,' their second album featuring the surviving members of that lineup. (2007's 'The Weirdness' featured the surviving members of the Ron Asheton-fronted Stooges lineup.)
Jon Bon Jovi Fears for Reality Singing Show Contestants
If you ask Jon Bon Jovi, the Grammys have gotten it right in recent years. The singer listed Adele and Mumford & Sons as bands with real talent, while adding that he worries about kids today and a perceived waning interest in good music.
John Fogerty Announces Full Details for Upcoming Duets Album
John Fogerty invited stars from rock, pop and country to collaborate on his new 'Wrote a Song for Everyone' album, due in stores May 28.
Allman Brothers Band to Release Vintage Recordings
Next month the Allman Brothers Band will release two live shows from their early '70s height as a southern rock superpower. Recordings from a show played just months after Duane Allman died, and another after the death of Berry Oakley show the group in very different incarnations.
Guns N’ Roses DJ Ashba Defends Axl Rose, Says ‘He Treats Us Like Gold’
He might not be Big Ben of rock stars, but Axl Rose is not the jerk he's portrayed as in the media, his guitarist says. Guns N' Roses' DJ Ashba explained why they are often late to the stage and defended his lead singer as a nice guy in a recent interview.
‘Metallica Through the Never’ 3-D Movie Release Date Announced
Amongst the new ventures Metallica has planned for 2013 is a feature film called 'Metallica Through the Never.' The band announced today that they've teamed up with Picturehouse, a independent film marketing and distribution company to get the movie to theaters this summer.
Kiss’ Tommy Thayer Says He Was Ace Frehley’s ‘Heir Apparent’
Tommy Thayer didn't officially take over as lead guitarist of Kiss until 2002, but in a recent interview he admits he was prepared to hop on stage in a moment's notice as early as 1998. Due to recurring problems with Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons made Thayer the "heir apparent."
Kiss Characters to Star in 2013 Individual Comic Book Issues
Kiss are making a comeback as comic book characters. Beginning in March, IDW Publishing will release a four-issue series starring the Demon, the Starchild, the Catman and the Spaceman. Up first will be Gene Simmons's Demon character in a story inspired by the song 'Radioactive' from the rocker's 1978 solo album.
Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx to Marry Courtney Bingham
There will soon be a new Mrs. Sixx as Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx has announced he and girlfriend Courtney Bingham plan to marry. The two have been dating since November 2010; it's the third marriage for Sixx after unions to Playboy Playmate Brandi Brandt and actress Donna D'Errico.
AC/DC, Bob Dylan, Wings Recordings + More Amongst 2013 Grammy Hall of Fame Inductees
A list of 2013 Grammy Hall of Fame inductees includes plenty of songs and albums familiar to classic rock fans. Hits by AC/DC, Billy Joel, Paul McCartney & Wings, Bob Dylan and Elton John are amongst the 27 recordings chosen to be honored at the Grammy Museum. The Recording Academy made the announcement today (Nov. 21).
Paul McCartney and Wife Involved in Near-Disastrous Helicopter Incident
Paul McCartney and wife Nancy Shevell weren't aware they were within two feet of a terrible helicopter accident this past spring until after the chopper was safely on the ground. The Daily Mail reports the couple were being flown home, when the pilot became disoriented by the bad weather and nearly caught the tree tops surrounding his chopper pad.