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
It’s Kevin Cronin’s Yearbook Photo!
Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon was in charge of the entertainment for his high-school prom, so he called up Jim Peterik of Ides of March, later of Survivor. The Chicago area was flush with rock talent in the late '60s and '70s, and apparently some were willing to play proms. REO Speedwagon was formed by University of Illinois students Neal Doughty and Alan Gratzer. Cronin would join five years lat
Can You Guess the Artist in This Yearbook Photo?
The teeth are a good place to start when trying to identify this classic rocker in his youth. Not that the singer has bad teeth now -- they weren't even awful then -- but his smile today pretty much matches the one he flashed 45 or 50 years ago. He was a key part of one of the most successful bands of the late '70s and early '80s, but he wasn't the original singer. Do you think you know who it is?
Can You Guess the Artist in This Yearbook Photo?
It's not an overstatement to call this man a southern-rock icon. He's in his mid-30s in this picture taken from Robert E. Lee High School. While at first his name was a punch line, it later became his ticket to fame and fortune. Do you think you know whose yearbook photo this is?
It’s Leonard Skinner’s Yearbook Photo! We Can Explain …
Forby Leonard Skinner is the man who inspired a southern-rock band to call itself Lynyrd Skynyrd. The gym teacher and high-school coach famously came down on Ronnie Van Zant and his friends for wearing their hair too long, although he later said that his alleged behavior was exaggerated. “They were good, talented, hard-working boys,” the late Skinner told the Florida Times Union. “They worked hard
Alice Cooper in Talks to Join ‘Spider-Man’ Musical
If all goes according to plan, Alice Cooper will be wearing a Green Goblin costume by the new year. The rocker is in talks to join the cast of 'Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,' the pricey New York musical that has been plagued by injuries, lawsuits and poor reviews since it opened.
Can You Guess the Artist in This Yearbook Photo?
This young man seems like the kind of guy you'd want to marry your daughter. He was clean-cut, dressed conservatively and active in his high school's choir and student council. He played several sports on his school's football team before moving on to become a long-haired rock singer. Do you you know who he is?
It’s Meat Loaf’s Yearbook Photo!
Marvin Lee Aday graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas in 1965. After a spell in college, he headed to L.A. to begin his music career and found success fairly quickly, although his signature album 'Bat Out of Hell' wouldn't be released until 1977. It featured hits like 'Paradise by the Dashboard Light' and 'Two Out of Three Ain't Bad.'
Alice Cooper, Kiss and Vince Neil to Perform at Rock Academy Benefit
Almost eight months after opening its doors with a superstar week of rock music, the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy is lining up more talent to raise money for the music school. Alice Cooper and Kiss will be there again, as will Vince Neil, Rob Zombie and others.
It’s Jack Black’s Yearbook Photo!
Jack Black is half of the comedy rock duo Tenacious D, and has had a starring role in two important rock movies. He stole every scene of 2000's 'High Fidelity,' his breakthrough role, but 2003's 'School of Rock' made him a star.
Can You Guess the Artist in This Yearbook Photo?
He's not exactly a classic rocker, but this dark-eyed boy is certainly a favorite in rock crowds. He's known for his music, but also for his comedy. One movie in particular is enough to boost his rock-cred to our standards. Do you think you can figure out who this is?