Billy Dukes

Billy Dukes' music background includes jobs as Music Director and night DJ 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. They live in northeast Wake County with their two dogs Daisy and Clementine and their son. In his free time Billy enjoys playing and watching baseball, cycling, and exploring nature.

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2013 CMA Awards Performances – Full List

By Billy Dukes November 6, 2013 | Taste of Country

Two scoops of Florida Georgia Line, a pinch of Taylor Swift and heaps of rock-inspired country music turned performances at the 2013 CMA Awards into one surprise after another.

Category: Music News Tags: 2013 cma's

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Man Killed After Being Hit by Jason Aldean’s Tour Bus

By Billy Dukes October 28, 2013 | Taste of Country

Jason Aldean was onboard his tour bus when a man who reportedly walked in front of it was struck and killed early Monday morning (Oct. 28). Albert Kennedy was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured.

Category: News Tags: Jason Aldean

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Garth Brooks’ Final Las Vegas Show to Air Live on Television

By Billy Dukes October 28, 2013 | Taste of Country

Garth Brooks is giving fans an early Christmas gift! The singer announced Monday that his final Garth Brooks, Live From Las Vegas show will air live on television.

Category: Music News, Television Tags: garth brooks

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Willie Nelson Stars Alongside Harry Connick, Jr. in ‘Angels Sing’ Christmas Movie Clip – Exclusive Premiere

By Billy Dukes October 28, 2013 | Taste of Country

Willie Nelson plays a mysterious character named Nick in one of the year's more anticipated Christmas movies. 'Angels Sing' will be available on demand and in select theaters beginning Nov. 1. Watch the country legend star alongside Harry Connick, Jr. in this clip, premiering exclusively on Taste of Country.

Category: Music News Tags: Willie Nelson

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Colt Ford Takes Fans in Studio for ‘Ride Through the Country Revisited’ Recording – Exclusive Video

By Billy Dukes October 25, 2013 | Taste of Country

John Anderson helps Colt Ford rework 'Waffle House' as the Georgia-born singer's band plays along during this behind-the-scenes clip of the recording of 'Ride Through the Country Revisited.' The 16-track album offers a second take on many of the songs Ford released five years ago. Brantley Gilbert, Ronnie Dunn and Wynonna are three of the other special guests who appear.

Category: Music News

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Sara Evans Goes Behind the Scenes of New ‘Slow Me Down’ Video, and It’s Hilarious – Exclusive Premiere

By Billy Dukes October 21, 2013 | Taste of Country

The video for Sara Evans' new single 'Slow Me Down' co-stars NASCAR driver Carl Edwards as the singer's love interest. It's a breakup song, so there's no hot and heavy between the two, only animated arguing. Watch it all unfold, and find out what they're really saying as the music plays in this ToC exclusive behind-the-scenes clip.

Category: Music News Tags: sara evans

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Corey Smith, ‘Ain’t Going Out Tonight’ – Exclusive Song Premiere [Listen]

By Billy Dukes October 14, 2013 | Taste of Country

Singer-songwriter Corey Smith is set to release his new single 'Ain't Going Out Tonight' to iTunes on Tuesday (Oct. 15), but fans can listen to the song in its entirety now with this Taste of Country exclusive song premiere. Like all songs from his previous eight albums, the country-rocker wrote every word to this uptempo, banjo-heavy rambler.

Category: Music News

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Tropical Nights: Boots in the Sand Getaway Tickets on Sale Now

By Billy Dukes October 3, 2013 | Taste of Country

Tickets for country music's getaway party at the Riviera Maya in Mexico will go on sale Friday (Oct. 4) morning. Dierks Bentley, Brantley Gilbert, Billy Currington and Jana Kramer are the four headliners for Tropical Nights: Boots in the Sand, the ultimate vacation escape. It's five days and four nights of nothing but white sand, blue skies and country music.

Category: Events Tags: Billy Currington, Brantley Gilbert, Dierks bentley, jana kramer

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First-Ever Tropical Nights to Bring Dierks Bentley, Brantley Gilbert + More to Beautiful Mexico

By Billy Dukes September 12, 2013 | Taste of Country

The inaugural country music adventure Tropical Nights in Riviera Maya, Mexico will include performances and exclusive opportunities to hang with some of country's biggest stars -- Dierks Bentley, Brantley Gilbert, Billy Currington and Jana Kramer.

Category: Contests Tags: Billy Currington, Brantley Gilbert, Dierks bentley, jana kramer

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2013 CMA Awards Nominees Announced

By Billy Dukes September 10, 2013 | Taste of Country

The 2013 CMA Awards nominees have been announced, with stars like Jason Aldean and Taylor Swift once again leading a pack of talented Entertainer and Male/Female Vocalist of the Year contenders. The reveal included one big surprise in the Entertainer of the Year category, as George Strait earns a nomination for the first time since 2009.

Category: Music News Tags: cma awards

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George Strait’s 2014 Tour Dates Announced

By Billy Dukes September 9, 2013 | Taste of Country

George Strait's 2014 Cowboy Rides Away Tour dates were revealed during a press conference on Monday (Sept. 9). This is Strait’s final tour, and the singer announced 26 shows, set to begin on Jan. 9, 2014 and end in June or later with a to-be-determined date in Dallas, Texas.

Category: Celebrities, Music News Tags: George Strait