|
 The
Early Years
In
the early years Duke played original Rock/R&B instrumentals,
which featured their signature dual lead-guitar sound.
The band was playing clubs in the Upstate NY area and
gradually expanded their territory.
With
the release of Sweet Cheeks, their first album (1978),
Duke started touring with national acts. Some of the
bands they toured with during their 13 year career
included; ZZ
Top, Stevie Ray Vaughan, David Bowie, Bob Seeger, Robert
Palmer, BB King, Toto, Sea Level, Huey Lewis and the
News, Reo Speedwagon, Foreigner, Blue Oyster Cult,
The Charlie Daniels Band, The Outlaws, John Lee Hooker,
and countless others
 Two additional albums were recorded on the Mercury Record label. Earl
Jetty left the band in 1977 and was replaced by Dave Hanlon. Jetty died
three years later due to a serious illness.
The
Middle Years
The
first major change occurred in 1980 when the band
left Mercury Records after three albums and sought a
more streamlined rock style. Dave Hanlon (Duke's 2nd
drummer) and Don Maracle (guitar) went on to other ventures,
and drummer Dave Corcoran joined the band.
Marshall, Dave Corcoran, George, Greg
 The
band signed with CBS affiliate Coast to Coast and recorded
two excellent records - the curiously named Duke Jupiter
1 (considering it was their fourth album) and You Make
it Look Easy.
Tragedy
struck in early 1981 when George Barajas
contracted a brain tumor!! After a very difficult year George died in August 1982. Rickey Ellis came on board
as bassist. |
