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. In 2014 they moved to Nashville where they now live with their two dogs, Daisy and Clementine, and theirs sons. In his free time, Billy enjoys playing and watching baseball, cycling and exploring nature.
Billy Dukes
Granger Smith Welcomes Baby Boy
Texas country star Granger Smith helped his wife Amber welcome their second child into the world Tuesday morning (Jan. 7). Lincoln Monarch Smith joins 2-year-old London as the singer’s No. 1 fans. Everyone is said to be doing very well.
Lucy Hale, ‘You Sound Good to Me’ – ToC Critic’s Pick [Listen]
Lucy Hale’s country career begins with the official release of her single ‘You Sound Good to Me.’ The ‘Pretty Little Liars’ star chose a song written by three of the top songwriters in Nashville and quickly made it her own with an energetic…
LeAnn Rimes Witnesses Fatal Plane Crash in Aspen
LeAnn Rimes was among the witnesses of a plane crash that resulted in one death and two serious injuries over the weekend. The accident happened on Sunday afternoon (Jan. 5) in Aspen, Colo. The private jet was carrying three people, including crew.
Chris Cagle Arrested in Texas
Singer Chris Cagle was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in Greenville, Texas. He reportedly ran a red light at about 2AM Sunday (Dec. 15) on U.S. 69, prompting a Department of Public Safety officer to pull him over.
Ray Price Dead at 87
Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Price has died. The singer succumbed to complications from pancreatic cancer at his home in Mt. Pleasant, Texas on Monday (Dec. 16), four days after issuing a goodbye letter to his fans and entering home hospice.
Ray Price ‘Failing Steadily’ During Home Hospice Stay
Following premature reports of Ray Price's death on Sunday (Dec. 15), fans have been eager to know how the 87-year-old is faring.
Nine Great Artists Added to 2014 Taste of Country Music Festival Lineup
Nine new artists have just been added to the 2014 Taste of Country Music Festival lineup, which already included Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley and Brantley Gilbert.
2013 American Country Awards Winners – Full List
With 20 honors to announce in just two hours, the 2013 American Country Awards wasted little time in getting to the winners on Tuesday night (Dec. 10). Luke Bryan accepted the first blue Fender guitar of the night for Male Artist of the Year. He also won Touring Artist of the Year before taking home…
Keith Urban Chops His Long Locks
On Monday (Nov. 25), Keith Urban teased fans with a photo that suggested he may have clipped his long blonde hair. Up to three inches of what one assumed were his famous locks were spread around a barber's chair. Then, on Tuesday, he revealed his new look.
Jamie Lynn Spears, ‘How Could I Want More’ – ToC Critic’s Pick [Listen]
Jamie Lynn Spears' country debut is as honest and authentic as many (OK, most) figured it probably wouldn't be. 'How Could I Want More' is a sharp, vulnerable lyric that the 22-year-old little sister to Britney Spears takes full ownership of. There's not a whiff of that pret…
Lindsay Ell, ‘Trippin’ on Us’ – ToC Critic’s Pick [Listen]
Lindsay Ell may be country music's next great guitar slinger, but she's not ready to show off quite yet. Her debut single 'Trippin' on Us' lets her shine as a singer and storyteller. "Sneaky" is a good one word description of this song.
First 2014 Headwaters Country Jam Performers Announced
The first artists for the 2014 Headwaters Country Jam in Cardwell, Mont. have been confirmed!