Death of a King by David Ritz

Death of a King

Tavis Smiley’s Gripping Narration Brings MLK’s Final Year to Life

Written byDavid Ritz
Narrated byTavis Smiley
Length6h15m
Release dateSeptember 9, 2014
Languageenglish
★★★★☆ 4.5 (1,030 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorDavid Ritz
NarratorTavis Smiley
Runtime6h15m
PublishedSeptember 9, 2014
Rating★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5 (1,030 ratings)
CategoriesBiographies & Memoirs, Politics & Activism, Activists, Politicians, History, Americas, United States, Black & African American
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Delve into the turbulent last year of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life through the eyes of his closest collaborator and friend in 'Death of a King' by David Ritz. This intimate portrait captures the political and personal struggles that defined this pivotal period before his tragic assassination. Tavis Smiley’s nuanced narration adds depth, ensuring every moment feels as raw and urgent as it was back then. Listeners will be captivated by the drama and historical significance of these final months.

Tags: Biographies & MemoirsHistoricalActivismAudiobook ReviewNarration

Why Listen to Death of a King?

  • Expert narration by Tavis Smiley brings every character and scene to life across 6h15m of immersive audio.
  • Bestseller-quality story from David Ritz, rated 4.5 stars by 1,030 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

Tavis Smiley's performance in 'Death of a King' is nothing short of brilliant. His deep, resonant voice perfectly captures both the intensity of the political climate and the emotional weight of Dr. King’s personal battles. The pacing is impeccable, allowing for moments of dramatic tension to build without losing momentum. Each chapter feels like a new discovery, revealing previously untold stories about the civil rights leader's last year. However, some may find Smiley's sometimes overly theatrical delivery slightly distracting from the quieter, more reflective passages. Despite this minor quibble, 'Death of a King' remains an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the complex legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Download: Death of a King

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Death of a King by David Ritz is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Tavis Smiley with a runtime of 6h15m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.