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
When Eddie Van Halen Served as Michael Jackson’s Secret Sideman
He said he did the solo on the third radio single from 'Thriller' for free.
41 Years Ago: Berry Oakley of the Allman Brothers Band Dies
Former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts is always quick to celebrate the importance of Berry Oakley's contributions to the legendary southern rock band. Before Oakley died on Nov. 11, 1972, he was responsible for some of the most iconic Allman riffs, including the opening of 'Whipping Post.' He's remembered for the way he died more often than the way he lived, and Betts works to fix tha
Mick Taylor to Join Ronnie Wood at Bluesfest
The Ronnie Wood Band's finale at BluesFest in London next month will include an appearance by Mick Taylor, who held down the guitar-player role in the Rolling Stone before Wood replaced him in 1975. Wood and group will pay tribute to the late Jimmy Reed during their Nov. 1 set at the Royal Albert Hall, where BluesFest runs from Oct. 29-Nov. 1.
Jon Bon Jovi Gives Bride Surprise of Her Life
One Bon Jovi fan made it her mission to convince Jon Bon Jovi to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day, and it worked! The singer showed up to escort Branka Delic to her groom during a ceremony at the Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas on Saturday. The singer offered picture proof of the accident.
Tico Torres Returns to Bon Jovi Tour
After dual surgeries, Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres is back with the band he's been a part of for 30 years. The 59-year-old Torres returned on Oct. 9 for the group's show in Fresno, Calif., playing a two-hour-plus concert for fans at the Save Mart Center.
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.
Boston to Release First Album in 11 Years
Boston will reportedly release their first album since 2002 this fall. It's the sixth from the classic band, and the first to be released since singer Brad Delp committed suicide in 2007.
Alice Cooper in Talks to Join ‘Spider-Man’ Musical
If all goes according to plan, Alice Cooper will be wearing a Green Goblin costume by the new year. The rocker is in talks to join the cast of 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,' the pricey New York musical that has been plagued by injuries, lawsuits and poor reviews since it opened.
Alice Cooper, Kiss and Vince Neil to Perform at Rock Academy Benefit
Almost eight months after opening its doors with a superstar week of rock music, the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy is lining up more talent to raise money for the music school. Alice Cooper and Kiss will be there again, as will Vince Neil, Rob Zombie and others.
Yes to Reissue ‘Close to the Edge’ With Extras
A reissue of one of Yes' most popular albums of the '70s will include instrumental versions of well-known songs, new artwork, rare photos and remastered stereo mixes.
Genesis Reunion Unlikely Says Guitarist Steve Hackett
There's nothing stopping a full Genesis reunion, but guitarist Steve Hackett calls the prospect "improbable." The group still gets along and members bump into each other from time to time, but eventually talks of getting back together fizzle.
Black Sabbath Announce Live DVD
A live DVD release will close out what has been a very, very good year for fans of Black Sabbath. The band has announced they'll release 'Black Sabbath: Live ... Gathered in Their Masses' on Nov. 26. The footage comes from two Black Sabbath tour dates from this past spring. And it's probably not a coincidence that the announcement comes on Friday the 13th.