In 1985 a bunch of young, local musicians got together and began playing blues songs in a three-story house in Philadelphia. They took the act on the road as The Dukes of Destiny, a name they got from a matchbook cover urging the reader to “Be the Captain of Your Own Destiny.” At first, The Dukes of Destiny played house parties in the Germantown and Mt. Airy sections of Philly, generating interest by word of mouth. A gig at Taker’s Café in Germantown launched their public career. 33 years later, they are still playing the hottest, most danceable blues and old school soul in Philadelphia. Today The Dukes of Destiny reign as Philadelphia’s longest-lived and best loved blues act.
There have been changes; guitarists, bass and sax players left the band, and sadly, singer/ founder Steve Brown died in 2000. But the approach and commitment of the band has remained constant, resulting in a band with a unique tightness and original approach to the music. With powerful originals and unique arrangements of blues standards, The Dukes continue to grow sharing their music through performances and recordings.