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
Blake Shelton’s Other 40th Birthday Surprise [Watch]
Even before Gwen Stefani joined Blake Shelton on stage at Country Jam Saturday night (June 18), the singer got a birthday surprise. Shelton headlined night No. 3 of the four-day country and camping festival in Grand Junction, Colo.
Brad Paisley Helps Orchestrate Marriage Proposal After Failed First Try [Watch]
A Tucson, Ariz., man learned that when your first plan to propose marriage falls through, it’s best to contact Brad Paisley.
Cyndi Lauper’s New Album Isn’t the Detour It Seems to Be
Cyndi Lauper's new album of country standards seems like a strange left turn for a singer who's twisted through much of her career. Detour is an album of classics, with guest appearances from legends like Willie Nelson, Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris. Detour is a natural progression.
Brad Paisley Confirms Demi Lovato for ‘Without a Fight’
Brad Paisley has confirmed that Demi Lovato is his mystery collaborator on his new single, "Without a Fight." The song is expected to be released to country radio on Friday morning (May 13). It's the first single from his upcoming 11th studio album.
Jennifer Nettles Explains How She Convinced Jennifer Lopez to Sing With Her
Jennifer Nettles remembers having just five minutes to convince Jennifer Lopez to sing on "My House," the last song on her new Playing With Fire album. Now she has a new friend, collaborator and recipe for fried chicken.
Carrie Underwood Sends Flowers, Personal Note to Family of Isley Thibodeaux
Carrie Underwood dedicated her ACCAs win to 10-year-old Isley Thibodeaux on Sunday night (May 1), but the Female Vocalist of the Year had the little girl on her mind all week.
7 Unforgettable Kelly Clarkson Moments
Simply put, Kelly Clarkson is must-see TV.
Carrie Underwood + Isaiah Step on the Ice to Celebrate Mike Fisher’s 1,000th Game
Carrie Underwood and her son Isaiah stepped on the ice to help Mike Fisher celebrate his 1,000th game in the NHL on Monday night (March 21).
Joey Feek’s Public Memorial Full of Laughter, Applause and Song
Joey Feek’s hometown planned to celebrate the late Joey + Rory singer’s life on Sunday (March 13), and it was quite a celebration.
Carrie Underwood Pops Up in Lonely Island’s ‘Popstar’ Trailer [NSFW]
Carrie Underwood turns up among a few celebrity faces in the trailer for Andy Samberg and Lonely Island's new movie, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.
Dolly Parton to Renew Wedding Vows in Style
When Dolly Parton married husband Carl Dean in 1956, they did so secretly and quietly. That won't be the case when the singer celebrates 50 years of marriage later this year.
2016 ACM Awards Nominations Surprises and Snubs
For anyone sick of the same-old-same-old each awards season, the nominations for the 2016 ACM Awards felt like a cleansing rain. New artists replaced old in several key categories. Additionally, the structure of the show changed. Some fan bases have reason to complain however, while others feel their efforts have been justified.