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
Man Sets World Record With 813-Piece Drum Set
Mark Temperato's drum kit weighs two-and-a-half tons and includes 813 individually assembled pieces that the Lakeville, N.Y., resident can reach without taking a step. That's a world record, according to the folks at Guinness, who know about such things.
Metallica Announce ‘Through the Never’ Soundtrack Details
Three days before 'Metallica Through the Never' hits more than 300 IMAX theaters, the band will release the movie's soundtrack album. The record will be available on Sept. 24 and feature many of the band's biggest hits performed live.
Bob Dylan’s Maligned ‘Self Portrait’ Album Gets Reissued
'Self Portrait' isn't Bob Dylan's best album. In fact, the legendary singer-songwriter admits that he made the 1970 LP to anger fans in an attempt to get them off his back. Now a collection of covers and live cuts from the era will be reissued as part of a remastered four-disc box that also includes the original record, which a critic at the time called "s---."
Gov’t Mule Reveal Guest List for New Album
For their upcoming album, 'Shout!,' Gov't Mule will offer fans a two-CD experience with the second disc filled with guest collaborations. Steve Winwood, Dr. John, Elvis Costello and others will appear on re-recorded versions of songs found on the first disc.
The Kinks Reveal ‘Muswell Hillbillies’ Reissue Details
The Kinks's 1971 'Muswell Hillbillies' album was a critical success, but a commercial flop. The album -- their ninth -- will be reissued this fall with an abundance of bonus tracks. The original album included 12 songs; the reissue will contain 25.
Jimmy Page’s Acoustic Guitar Sells for $39,000
An acoustic guitar played by Jimmy Page sold for more than $39,000 at an auction recently. The instrument was among a handful of pieces of rock memorabilia sold at Bonhams last week.
News Reporter Breaks Into Rush Classic on ‘Air Guitar’
Slow news day? Roger Clark, a reporter for NY1 in New York City recently wrapped up a report on the 2013 US Air Guitar Championships by jamming out to 'Tom Sawyer' by Rush. The video comes from Monday (July 1), Canada Day. Clark indicates he was paying tribute to Canadians everywhere with his unabashed version of the hit song.
‘Sammy Hagar and Friends’ Album to Include Kid Rock, Nancy Wilson, Neal Schon + More
Sammy Hagar has invited nearly a dozen friends, current and former bandmates to join him on 'Sammy Hagar and Friends,' his new studio album due in stores Sept. 24. Kid Rock, Journey's Neal Schon, Chickenfoot's Chad Smith and Joe Satriani and members of Montrose are amongst the stars announced this morning.
Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert Blu-Ray to Include Previously Unavailable Performances
In 1992 the surviving members of Queen invited friends and fellow musicians to pay tribute to the late Freddie Mercury. The concert included performances from over a dozen top rock and pop artists of the day, from David Bowie to Guns N' Roses to Metallica and Def Leppard. Later this summer 34 different performances from that night will be available on 'The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert: The Defi