LOS ANGELES – A new audio series dedicated to the enduring legacy of the iconic Muhammad Ali is set to launch, led by his widow, Lonnie Ali, along with close friend John Ramsey. Titled “Ali in Me,” this series will premiere on January 23 on Audible, coinciding with what would have been Ali’s 83rd birthday. The announcement was made on Friday by Mercury Studios and Treefort Media. This eight-episode series aims to explore Ali’s profound influence that transcended boxing, featuring his own unheard audio clips and focusing on his fight against injustice.
Through personal stories and reflections, Lonnie and Ramsey seek to illuminate the human side of Muhammad Ali, bringing his essence back into public discourse. In addition to celebrity guests such as Will Smith and Mike Tyson, the series will host discussions with notable figures including Billy Crystal, Common, Rosie Perez, Killer Mike, Bob Costas, and Laila Ali, the boxer’s daughter.
Lonnie Ali expressed her belief that this series will revive her husband’s spirit during a time when societal divides seem particularly pronounced. She recalled the emotional moment when Ali, despite his battle with Parkinson’s disease, ignited the Olympic flame at the 1996 Atlanta Games, symbolizing unity for the nation. Lonnie remains committed to promoting the humanitarian values that defined Ali’s life beyond his boxing career.
“He represented hope, compassion, and aspiration, embodying the ideals that can inspire all Americans to strive for greatness,” she remarked. Lonnie emphasized that Ali’s voice carries significant weight and aims for the series to not only entertain but to deepen listeners’ understanding of his life through an engaging mix of music, sound design, and poetry.
John Ramsey highlighted that the personal anecdotes shared by guests — from Tyson’s emotional tribute to Smith’s backstage experiences while filming the 2001 movie “Ali” — contribute to the richness of the series, keeping Ali’s memory vibrant. “The guests’ interactions with Muhammad were deeply personal, yet they shared a contagious impact,” Ramsey stated.
Ali achieved monumental success over three decades, capturing and defending the heavyweight title in legendary bouts against opponents like Sonny Liston, George Foreman, and Joe Frazier. He was a powerful advocate for the African American community and made headlines when he declined military service during the Vietnam War based on his beliefs as a Muslim.
Lonnie Ali believes that the audio series will encompass the breadth of her husband’s remarkable journey, making it accessible and meaningful, especially to younger audiences who may not have witnessed his boxing prowess firsthand. “Even those unfamiliar with his fights know who he was,” she remarked while co-executive producing this project alongside Ramsey and Josh Wakely for Grace: A Storytelling Company. “My hope is that as people engage with this podcast, they will be inspired by Muhammad’s legacy and recognize the ongoing influence he possesses today.”
