'Merv Griffin Show': rare Martin Luther King interview airs tonight on GetTV

getTV is celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr with a rare rebroadcast of his appearance on the Merv Griffin Show which first aired on June 6, 1967. The program will air on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 18 at 10 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

King joined Merv in conversations of the times with such topics as addressing the victories of the Civil Rights Movement, as well as his views on riots, race relations, and the Vietnam War. 

The rarely seen extended sit-down interview, which originally aired June 6, 1967, was one of Dr. King’s first appearances on an entertainment-based talk show. 

On the show Dr. King promotes the release of his latest fifth book at the time, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?.” Also appearing on the panel of judges is Harry Belafonte. program.

In this rare look at King’s personal life, the activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner jokes about the limitations that being a clergyman has placed on his ability to experience the “fun” side of New York, before talking about his move to Atlanta, his young family, and his job as co-pastor at his father’s church. From here, he moves on to tackle the blame he has incurred for inciting violent riots, despite his fervent emphasis on peaceful demonstrations.

In addition to the special episode of  “The Merv Griffin Show,” GetTV will also air an appearance by bandleader, composer, and musician Count Basie on “The Judy Garland Show” at 8 p.m. ET followed by Lena Horne performing on a classic episode of “The Perry Como Show.”