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
Foo Fighters Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins to Induct Rush at 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony
Foo Fighters bandmates Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins will induct Rush into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this April, during a ceremony in Los Angeles, Calif. A press release at RockHall.com also revealed who will induct Albert King, Randy Newman and Donna Summer, but didn't mention what artist will do the honors for Heart or Public Enemy.
Dave Grohl’s ‘Sound City’ Documentary to Hit Theaters on Jan. 31
After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 18, Dave Grohl's 'Sound City' documentary will be released to theaters in cities across the country. The one-night-only event will take place in over 40 cities on Jan. 31, with additional one-night showings on Feb. 1, Feb. 7, Feb. 15, Feb. 20 and Feb. 22.
Metallica’s ‘Black Album’ Certified 16-Times Platinum
Metallica's self-titled 1991 record, aka 'The Black Album,' is already the best-selling album of the SoundScan era, and now they're pulling away from the pack. 'Metallica' received its 16-times platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America in December, meaning (as you might guess) that it has surpassed 16 million in sales. The certification was one of 10 awarded to the
Celebrity Guitar Auction Raises $100K for Dio Cancer Fund
Earlier this month over 80 guitars from rockers like Eddie Van Halen and Slash were auctioned off to raise money for cancer reseach. The Dio Cancer Fund -- a charity that honors the late Ronnie James Dio -- added $100K to an already impressive total to give to the TJ Martell Foundation. Since 2010 wife Wendy Dio has overseen the donation of over $300K.
Metallica Take Control of Master Recordings, Form New Record Label
Metallica now answer to no one. After a 28-year relationship with Warner Music the hugely popular heavy metal band has formed their own record label, which will now house all of their master ("...master!") recordings, including songs and long form videos. Moving forward all releases will be under the Blackened Recordings banner.
Elton John Dedicates China Concert to Political Critic Ai Weiwei
Elton John may have just played his last show in Beijing. The singer dedicated Sunday night's (Nov. 25) concert in the Chinese capital city to controversial artist Ai Weiwei, who has used his art to bring the world's attention to injustices committed by the Chinese government.
Aerosmith ‘Barely Speaking to Each Other’ According to Reports
After a tepid first week of sales of their new album 'Music From Another Dimension,' reports are surfacing that the members of Aerosmith are at odds once again. The new album -- their first of new music in a decade -- sold just 65K copies last week, ranking fifth overall on the Billboard album sales chart.
Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney and the Who on 12-12-12 Hurricane Sandy Relief Concert Lineup
Eight A-list artists have been named as performers at the 12-12-12 Hurricane Sandy relief concert in New York City next month. Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney and the Who are just three of the classic rock acts who've agreed to play the Madison Square Garden event. More are expected to be named in coming weeks.
John Mellencamp, Stephen King Announce ‘Ghost Brothers of Darkland County’ Album
An unlikelier musical collaboration could only be imagined by the author himself. John Mellencamp and Stephen King (with help from T Bone Burnett) have come together to write and record a soundtrack for a near-finished musical called 'Ghost Brothers of Darkland County.' The star-studded album will be available on March 13, 2013. It's not clear when and if the musical will make its full-scale debut
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.
Journey Postpones Five Concerts
Journey has postponed five concerts after singer Arnel Pineda was diagnosed with severe laryngeal and esophageal inflammation. The rockers were scheduled to play dates through the Midwest this weekend and early next week, but won't take the stage again until Nov. 16 in Milwaukee, Wisc.
Rolling Stones’ Ron Wood Engaged to Sally Humphreys
Sorry ladies, Ron Wood is off the market! The 65-year-old father of four popped the question to girlfriend Sally Humphreys, who he's been dating for six months. The 34-year-old Humphreys is Wood's third wife, coming just four years after his separation from Jo Wood.