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Jerry Duke has ranching roots
deep in the heart of Texas. He
was born in a small town that
some say is in the middle of
nowhere, Oletha Texas.
But just because he's now living
30 miles from that small Texas
town does not mean that his
story starts and ends here.
Just talk to Jerry Duke's friends
to find out about him. They will
say that he is a humble
approachable guy and one of
the finest lead guitar players
around. All agree there is a
celebrity quality about him and
many say he resembles
George Jones.
His band is called The
Dukes Country Band. Their
regular performances include
places such as the East Texas
Opry in Jewett, Tommy's Music
in Centerville for country music
jam sessions, at Oletha
Jamboree, and he is the sound
producer for the Ephesis
Church in Jewett which
broadcasts to KUZ'N 105.9 on
Sunday mornings.
As a young boy, Jerry taught
himself to play his father's
"french harp". He knew where
his father's kept it and took it
out to play when his Father was
at work. Jerry also taught
himself to play the guitar and
had his first playing gig when
he was 18 years old.

He was inspired by his all time
favorite singer/guitarist Hank
Williams. Buck Owens and
George Jones came in as
close seconds. Jerry began
playing gigs in Texas City,
Galveston, Houston,
Pasedena, for trail rides, and
at Regal Ranch. He played for
Floyd Tillman and Johnnie
Lee.
More recently, in 2006, he
played for Country Music
legend, Claude Gray in
Madisonville, Texas and
in 2007, Jerry and Sherrie
Duke were guest performers at
the Houston Livestock Show &
Rodeo - Destination Agventure
in the Reliant Center.
Jerry Duke said that his most
memorable experience was
playing lead guitar for his good
friend, Walter Laythem. They
played together at the
Sheriden Hotel in Houston .
Now Jerry's talent goes beyond
playing the electric/ acoustic
guitar. He also plays
mandolin, harmonica (french
harp) and fiddle and often has
the opportunity to showcase
these abilities at Praise Wind
Studios. He is the owner and
producer of this fully equipped
professional studio.
Any one who is standing on the
outside looking in will
see that Jerry Duke's pride

and joy is his incredibly
talented musical family.
His wife, Sherrie Duke, is a
singer/ songwriter and
professional artist. The Dukes
Country Band consists of his
two sons: Jerry Lloyd (Bass
guitar), Eddie (singer
/songwriter/ guitarist/
saxiphonist). Occasionally, his
daughter, Karyn (singer,) will
perform. More recently , his
grandsons, Jessie (drummer)
and Eddie Dean Jr. (singer/
guitarist) have become
regulars in the group. TR

Praise Wind Studios
P.O. Box 5545 PR 3395
Jewett, Texas
Tel: 903.626.4697




*ARCHIVES July-sept 2007* Jerry Duke The Dukes Country Band Musician / Singer/ Record Producer Jewett, Texas





	Claude Gray and Jerry Duke 2006 Concert in Madisonville, Texas

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