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
Jake Owen, ‘Mele Kalikimaka’ – Song Review
The Hawaiian Christmas song has always been a chance to imagine the smell of coconut oil and the breeze from a grove of palm trees during a cold, continental U.S. winter. Jake Owen's interpretation of 'Mele Kalikimaka' is more of a strict two-four march that John Philip Sousa would admire. It has all of the warmth of an out-of-tune horn section.
Tim McGraw, ‘Christmas All Over the World’ – Song Review
Tim McGraw's first release from his post-Curb Records days is a Christmas song called 'Christmas All Over the World.' The pop-country song -- released on McGraw's own StyleSonic Records -- was sent to radio today.
Sunny Sweeney, ‘One More Christmas Beer’ – Song Review
Fans of Sunny Sweeney's would be horrified to hear her sing a jolly Christmas traditional like 'Silent Night' or 'O Come All Ye Faithful.' That sort of song fits the East Texas singer like a dress fits Blake Shelton. 'One More Christmas Beer' is, if nothing else, honest.
All-Star Lineup Closes ‘CMA Country Christmas’ Special With ‘Jingle Bells’
The second annual 'CMA Country Christmas' special on ABC finished with all the evening's performers returning to the stage to sing a snazzy rendition of 'Jingle Bells.' Host Jennifer Nettles wore yet another new outfit as she introduced what turned out to be an awards show-worthy lineup.
Vince Gills Joins Wife Amy Grant to Sing ‘Breath of Heaven’ on ‘CMA Country Christmas’
The Vince Gill/Amy Grant marriage showed no signs of strain after Gill's earlier indiscretion with Miss Piggy at the 'CMA Country Christmas' special on ABC. The two turned in one of the more intimate performances of the evening, singing Grant's 'Breath of Heaven.'