Taste of Country » Billy Dukes

Lady Antebellum Share Backstage Footage of Final Show Before Baby Break

Billy Dukes — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:00:49 +0000

Following Lady Antebellum‘s Saturday (June 15) performance at the Taste of Country Music Festival, Hillary Scott officially went on maternity leave. The singer is set to deliver her little girl sometime next month. The group’s final set was much more than just another show. In their latest episode of Lady A TV, both Scott and [...]

Can You Guess Which Country Artist This Kid Grew Up to Be?

Billy Dukes — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:00:55 +0000

How cute is this dapper dude? Long blond hair and a sneaky grin are two clues as to who this little boy is today. His music is among the best in country, and he’s recently taken his sound and sense of humor nationwide. Do you think you recognize the little kid in this picture? It’d [...]

Esteemed Country Music Journalist Chet Flippo Dies

Billy Dukes — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:30:16 +0000

Chet Flippo, a respected music writer who worked for Rolling Stone, Billboard, CMT and others during a four-decade-long career, has died. Flippo didn’t write the book on country music, but he did write the book on one of country music’s pioneers before adapting to digital media in the late ’90s and ’00s. Music Row reported [...]

Toby Keith, 'Drinks After Work' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:00:34 +0000

Some believe the R&B-influenced country sound of the '70s and '80s is poised to make a big comeback, and recent releases from Trace Adkins and Joe Nichols are evidence of that. Toby Keith's new song 'Drinks After Work' jumps the flashback needle, however. He's a bit ahead of his time in being behind the times.

Singer, TV Pitchman and Cinematic Hero Slim Whitman Dead at 90

Billy Dukes — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:00:57 +0000

Slim Whitman, a country singer who found new, inventive ways to gain fame in five different decades, has died. The ‘Rose Marie’ and ‘Have I Told You Lately That I Love You’ singer was known in his later years for a distinguished look and television commercials that became a frequent target for talk show host [...]

Brad Paisley Joins the Rolling Stones to Sing 'Dead Flowers' in Philadelphia

Billy Dukes — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:30:12 +0000

Brad Paisley is the latest country star to join the Rolling Stones on stage during their 50 and Counting Tour. The 'Beat This Summer' singer jammed with guitarist Keith Richards and traded verses with Mick Jagger during the rock group's 1971 hit 'Dead Flowers' on Tuesday (June 18).

Taylor Swift vs. Trace Adkins – The Showdown

Billy Dukes — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:00:29 +0000

Two new challengers will square off today, as Drake White's 'The Simple Life' has been retired to the Showdown Hall of Fame following a fifth straight win. Once again, the feel-good track blew away the competition, taking over 75 percent of the vote against David Nail's new song.

Movie About George Jones' Life in the Works

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:30:35 +0000

The life story of one of country music's most celebrated singers is going to be told in a feature film. George Jones and his wife Nancy were working with a screenwriter in the years leading up to the legend's death. The biopic has the singer's blessing, and now has a production company to produce it.

Cute Kids Singing Country Songs – Eric Church, 'Drink in My Hand'

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:00:54 +0000

Meet Keyli, a 3-year-old ball of fire that turns Eric Church's 'Drink in My Hand' into the ultimate toddler anthem. She not only knows all the words, she captures the essence of the bad boy singer's attitude while her equally adorable little brother dances around in the background. It's so sweet you'll sweat sugar.

Taste of Country Music Festival 2013: 10 Things We Learned From This Year's Event

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:00:53 +0000

The first-ever Taste of Country Music Festival is now behind us. What started as a rainy weekend ended with country music fans spread across the hill, dancing along with songs by Lady Antebellum, Billy Currington, Hunter Hayes and many more. Real estate was difficult to come by for the entire three-day festival, but Saturday's nice weather really packed Hunter Mountain.

Trace Adkins (Feat. Colbie Caillat), 'Watch the World End' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:00:42 +0000

There’s an intentional darkness that lingers over Trace Adkins‘ new single ‘Watch the World End,’ a duet with pop singer Colbie Caillat. It’s an effective love song that also succeeds in painting a vivid picture of the apocalypse. The ballad is both heartwarming and terrifying. Tempo, arrangement and performance all add to the details Adkins [...]

Hunter Hayes, '(Encore)' – Album Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:30:03 +0000

Hunter Hayes‘ ‘(Encore)’ is his debut album in its entirety plus two additional vocalists, one additional pass through the studio and five new tracks. With 17 songs, it’s a monster for those who don’t already own ‘Hunter Hayes.’ The additions and changes make it worth the effort. It’s difficult to find better duet partners than [...]

Darius Rucker Hoping to Tour With Sheryl Crow

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:00:56 +0000

Darius Rucker is one month into his True Believers Tour, but he's already got an eye on his next round of live shows. The singer says a tour with Sheryl Crow is being discussed, but he's not sure if the plan will come together.

Watch: Justin Moore Talks 'Dad Laws,' New Music at ToC Music Fest 2013

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:00:39 +0000

Justin Moore open up about his “Dad laws” and dance moves before his set at the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival on Friday (June 14). The ‘Point at You’ singer also dished on his upcoming ‘Off the Beaten Path’ album, due Sept. 17. Among the highlights from this video interview are how Moore plans [...]

Watch: Dustin Lynch Shows Us How to 'Bicep Chug' at 2013 ToC Fest

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:00:27 +0000

The “bicep chug” is catching on among Dustin Lynch fans. For the first time ever, the ‘Cowboys and Angels’ singer gave a tutorial on how the move is performed. During an interview before his set at the 2013 ToC Music Festival on Saturday (June 15), Lynch talked about his band’s signature move, the strangest place [...]

Bronze Radio Return, 'All In' – Exclusive Song Premiere

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:30:55 +0000

Next week, Bronze Radio Return will release their new album 'Up, on & Over,' and the alt-country group from Hartford, Conn. is sharing a song exclusively with Taste of Country readers before the record hits. 'All In' isn't a mainstream country sound, but it's one fans of groups like the Lone Bellow and the Civil Wars will enjoy.

Dakota Bradley, Austin Webb Face Off in Ultimate Bull Riding Challenge

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:43 +0000

Country newcomers Dakota Bradley and Austin Webb are fairly new to bull riding. OK, it's pretty obvious that neither has saddled up before, but they agreed to square off to determine who should be crowned the first-ever Taste of Country Music Festival bull riding champion at the 2013 event.

Watch: Joe Nichols Talks About Randy Travis Duet and Raising Daughters Before ToC Music Festival Set

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:00:38 +0000

Joe Nichols was handpicked by Randy Travis to record the new George Jones tribute 'Tonight I'm Playing Possum.' Before his set at the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival, the 'Sunny and 75' singer told ToC that the two only recently developed a relationship, and Travis likely picked him because he knew he'd appreciate the opportunity.

Vote to Determine the Top 10 Videos of the Week in Taste of Country's Countdown

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:30:52 +0000

The Taste of Country video countdown poll adds two new videos this week. Gary Allan's 'Pieces' makes the poll for the first time, as does 'Point at You,' the new clip from Justin Moore. It's an impressive lineup of choices for fans to make a Top 10 list from. Although, no one artist's fanbase has been able to top Carrie Underwood in months. Can one of these two men do it?

Dustin Lynch Drops in on ToC Festival Campers for Surprise Visit, Performance

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:00:37 +0000

Before his set at the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival on Saturday, Dustin Lynch hopped in a Ram truck and toured the campground. He started the day early, playing beer pong with wild country fans and even doing a Jello shot as he made his way through the campers. Then, hundreds gathered for a [...]

Watch: Gloriana Dish on Tom Gossin's Bachelor Party, Rachel Reinert's Sexiest Men in Country at 2013 ToC Music Festival

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:30:19 +0000

Gloriana's Rachel Reinert responded to making the 2013 Taste of Country Sexiest Females in Country Music list at the Taste of Country Music Festival over the weekend. The lone female in the trio said she's both honored and embarrassed by all the attention, but she wasn't too overcome to quickly rattle off four names who top her personal Sexiest Males list.

Drake White vs. David Nail – The Showdown

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:00:44 +0000

Drake White has torched four big-name country stars on his way to the Showdown Hall of Fame. His song 'The Simple Life' is one win away after topping 'Drunk Last Night' by Eli Young Band over the weekend. Today, he takes on the latest from David Nail.

Watch: Blackberry Smoke Share Pre-Show Rituals Before Show at 2013 ToC Fest

Billy Dukes — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:52:16 +0000

Before taking the stage to play the Taste of Country Music Festival on Friday night (June 14), the five men of Blackberry Smoke talked about the burgeoning country music scene in Atlanta and how they take care of their beards.

Montgomery Gentry, Justin Moore + More Share Best Advice From Dad on Father's Day 2013

Billy Dukes — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:56:31 +0000

Stars Justin Moore and the men of Montgomery Gentry are dads, but they're also sons who are no doubt thinking about their fathers this Father's Day. The two acts joined Craig Campbell and Dustin Lynch at the first-ever Taste of Country Music Festival this weekend, where

Lady Antebellum, Billy Currington, Hunter Hayes + More Close 2013 Taste of Country Festival – Day 3 Pictures

Billy Dukes — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 03:35:04 +0000

Lady Antebellum played their last show of the summer at the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival on Saturday night (June 15). With Hillary Scott set to go on maternity leave, the trio held nothing back during a high-energy 90-minute set. Check out pictures from Lady A and all ToC Fest performers below.

Billy Currington Leads 90-Minute Singalong at the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival – Pictures

Billy Dukes — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 02:50:41 +0000

Fans started singing from the very first note of Billy Currington's set at the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival. The Georgia native has put some of the catchiest hits of the last decade on the radio, so it was no surprise to hear the more than 10,000 screaming fans keep up with 'Good Directions,' 'Love Done Gone,' 'People Are Crazy' and love songs like his new single 'Hey Girl.'

Joe Nichols' 2013 ToC Festival Set Includes Covers by Tom Petty, Sir Mix-a-Lot – Pictures

Billy Dukes — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 01:44:23 +0000

Sir Mix-a-Lot didn't have traditional country singer Joe Nichols in mind when he recorded 'Baby Got Back,' but the honey smooth-voiced singer gave the song new life at the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival on Saturday night (June 15). In addition to hits like 'The Impossible' and 'Brokenheartsville,' Nichols mixed in Sir Mix and 'Runnin' Down a Dream' by Tom Petty.

Watch: Craig Campbell Spills on Co-Writing With His Wife at ToC Music Festival 2013

Billy Dukes — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 23:21:27 +0000

Craig Campbell co-wrote the song ‘Topless’ with his wife Mindy, which might be a surprise to fans who’ve heard the slightly risque country cut. At live shows, the singer encourages fans to sing along and interpret the lyrics how they like … to a certain point. Campbell tells Taste of Country “If you take yours [...]

Watch: Montgomery Gentry Open Up About 'Celebrate American Heroes' Campaign Before 2013 ToC Fest Performance

Billy Dukes — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 22:44:11 +0000

Before each show on their summer run of tour dates, Montgomery Gentry are selecting a local hero to showcase during their set. The idea is simple: recognize a man or woman from local fire or police department, or someone who made a difference elsewhere. Then, simply say "thank you."

Watch: Rachel Farley Talks School, Boys and Music During Messy Interview at 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival

Billy Dukes — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 19:52:38 +0000

Rachel Farley dished on her boyfriend situation (sorry, guys) and why she's so over school during a messy interview at the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival on Friday (June 15). The 'Ain't Easy' singer did her best to keep her ice cream from landing with a splat on her stage clothes as the sun had it dripping all over her hand. Moments later, she was on stage thrilling thousands of crazy country fans on Hunter Mountain in New York.