Former Albany resident, publisher hosts ‘well-received’ book signing

ALBANY — Cal Duke, a publisher currently residing on St. Simons Island, held a signing event for his book, “Keep on Smilin’: The Life & Adventures of a Road-Hog Publisher,” in Albany recently. Duke has lived and worked around the country but grew up in Albany and graduated from Albany High School in 1965.

“I always tell people at book-signings (that) this is my celebration of life,” Duke said.

When Duke was young, he said, his parents divorced. After he lost contact with his father, he and his mother moved around until deciding to stay near her family in Albany. And Albany was one of the first communities Duke served once he opened his publishing business in 1976.

Starting his publishing company is only part of the story Duke tells in his memoir. He also tells stories about events that happened while he drove around Georgia and Alabama, how sports and music positively influenced his life, his “free-spirited high school and college days” and even tales from his time as a teacher and coach.

“I wanted to make something people would feel good about,” he said. “The big lesson of the book is to turn everything over to the Lord.”

Paula Deen, a friend of Duke’s, provided remarks on the book’s back cover.

The book-signing was “well-received.” Several of Duke’s classmates from the ’60s were present, and most of the books were sold at a private party for the attendees.

“We had a good crowd,” Duke said. “People had read the book and commented positively on it.”

Those interested in obtaining a signed copy of “Keep on Smilin’” can reach Duke at [email protected] or (229) 938-8212.