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
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.
John Lennon’s Childhood Home Going to Auction
The current owner of John Lennon's boyhood home is looking for a larger garden, so he's putting the historic red-bricked terrace house up for auction later this month. The late Beatle's first home will go to the highest bidder on Oct. 29.
Dave Davies Says There’s a 50/50 Chance of Kinks Tour
It's up to Ray Davies to decide if and when the Kinks reunite for a tour in 2014. But Dave Davies, the band's guitarist, makes it clear that he's up for it. In fact, he says he told his brother that now is the time because they're not getting any younger.
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.
Elton John Drummer Roger Pope Dead at 66
Roger Pope was one of Elton John's early bandmates, playing drums on the piano man's early demos and later going on to tour and recording six albums with him. The Whitestable, U.K., native died on Sept. 17 at the age of 66.
Dr. Feelgood Guitarist Wilko Johnson to Record Final Album With Roger Daltrey
Dr. Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson is preparing to record one final album and he's chosen Roger Daltrey as his partner. The Who singer met the 66-year-old at an awards show this month, and they have since worked out the details.
Billy Joel, Carlos Santana to Receive Kennedy Center Honors
Two classic rockers will receive 2013 Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C. this December. Carlos Santana and Billy Joel were named as part of the group of five new honorees.
Steven Tyler Joins Keith Urban in Nashville
Fans at Tootsie's in Nashville got a shock last weekend when Steven Tyler emerged from the crowd to join Keith Urban on stage. The country superstar was playing the honky tonk as part of a promotional tour for his new 'Fuse' album when he summoned the Aerosmith singer with the riff from 'La Grange' by ZZ Top.