Billy Dukes

‘Rose Garden’ Songwriter Joe South Dead at 72
Grammy Award-winning songwriter Joe South has died. The popular singer, songwriter and studio musician wrote for hitmakers like Lynn Anderson, Elvis Presley and Billy Joe Royal after charting his own hit with ‘Games People Play’ in 1969. He had been in failing health, according to MusicRow.com.

Kellie Pickler Shaves Her Head to Support Friend Battling Breast Cancer
Kellie Pickler has shaved her head. In a video that aired on ‘Good Morning America’ this morning, Pickler walked viewers and fans through the story of her friend Summer Holt Miller — who is currently fighting breast cancer — before revealing footage captured in these photos of both women with their beautiful locks buzzed.

Dixie Chicks’ Emily Robison Welcomes Baby Girl
Dixie Chick Emily Robison is resting today after giving birth to her fourth child, a girl, this morning. The singer delivered Violet Isabel Strayer at 3:01AM. A note at the trio’s page on Facebook says both baby and mom are doing well, and father Martin Strayer is happier than ever.

Kix Brooks Says ‘Bring It on Home’ Is Tribute to His Wife – Exclusive Video
The new single from Kix Brooks‘ first solo album since 1989 is a tribute to his wife, Barbara. In a video exclusive to Taste of Country, the singer explains the song, which is featured on ‘New to This Town,’ which will be released next Tuesday (Sept. 11). Fans can listen to the entire album right now at Amazon.

Trace Adkins Says New Song ‘Tough People Do’ Is for Anyone Who Believes in Hard Work
Trace Adkins says he wasn’t trying to make a political statement when he performed his new song, ‘Tough People Do,’ at the Republican National Convention earlier this week. The singer says the tube — referred to as a red, white and blue anthem of strength and courage at his website — is meant to remind Americans that the solution to fix this country is within all of us, regardless of political af

Trace Adkins Performs ‘GOP Theme Song’ ‘Tough People Do’ at Republican National Convention
Trace Adkins performed what at least one news outlet called the GOP theme song after Ann Romney’s speech at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Tuesday night. ‘Tough People Do’ is a new song that reminds listeners that while times might be tough, so are we.

LeAnn Rimes Enters 30-Day Treatment Facility
One day after celebrating her 30th birthday, LeAnn Rimes announced she will be taking 30 days off to “cope with anxiety and stress” in an in-patient treatment facility. The singer voluntarily entered the facility on Wednesday (August 28) with full support from her husband, actor Eddie Cibrian.

Country Music Fashion Police – Readers Poll
Next Wednesday (Sept. 5), the nominees for the 2012 CMA Awards will be announced. That leaves stars less than two months to plan for the Nov. 3 broadcast. That’s two months to find the perfect dress, the perfect shoes or the perfect jacket. We’ve found the most adventurous outfits from previous CMA Awards and paired them side by side, just begging for your opinion. You get to play country music fa

Shania Twain: Pictures Through the Years
Happy birthday to Shania Twain today, August 28! The singer has offered cutting-edge country music and fashion in the 18 years since releasing ‘The Woman With Me’ in 1995. While this wasn’t her debut album, its success (over 12 million copies sold in the U.S. alone) changed the landscape of country music forever.

Gloriana, ‘Can’t Shake You’ – Song Review
Gloriana’s new single ‘Can’t Shake You’ takes time to build, but by the second verse, the trio is able to put real hurt into a mid-tempo song about failed love and regret. The second-to-last chorus finds a Gossin brother (Tom, Mike… who can tell them apart without looking at them?) digging deep for what may be the most vulnerable moment on their new ‘A Thousand Miles Left Behind’ album.

Favorite Jake Owen Song? – Readers Poll
Jake Owen celebrates his birthday today (Aug. 30), and as the singer looks back on many years of life and steps toward 31, he will find reason to argue it was his best ever. Two No. 1 hits, a marriage, a baby on the way and a spot on the biggest summer tour of the year with Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw? It doesn’t get better. The ‘Barefoot Blue Jean Night’ singer has set a high bar, releasing some

Darius Rucker, ‘True Believers’ – Song Review
Darius Rucker takes a simple story of two lovers who defy odds and skeptics and places it gently on a cloud in the stratosphere — a place few others can reach. ‘True Believers’ begins as a mild and unremarkable pop-country song before clever production and Rucker’s unforgettable voice find one soaring in the euphoria.