Ned Sublette splits his time between writing books about history and writing and performing music. A two day visit to Kalamazoo has allowed him a chance to show off both talents.
Sublette read from his forthcoming book America's Slave Coast at Western Michigan University Tuesday night. He will perform music and have a book signing at the Old Dog Tavern in Kalamazoo Wednesday night. That will be from 5:00 until 8:00.
Sublette says America's Slave Coast grew out of previous work on the history of New Orleans. He says the subject of the slave trade needed to be its own book.
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Extended interview with Ned Sublette
Musically, Sublette has also tackled controversial subjects in his music. That includes the song Sally about Thomas Jefferson's slave Sally Hemmings.