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Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

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E. Renard Jackson pays tribute to his hero with a one man show designed to take the reader on a poetic and biographical journey of a boxing legend whose greatest battles were oftentimes fought outside of the ring. For children and adults alike, you'll meet Muhammad Ali for the very first time through a series of poems that chronicles one of the most colorful, controversial and beloved athletes of all time.

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  • E. Renard Jackson presents

    The story of a boxing legend as you've never heard it before.

    A One Man Performance

    Ali! Ali! Ali!

  • 1: THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND2: DEFINING MOMENTS3: THE NEW FACE OF BOXING4: THE TALE OF TWO MEN5: TRUE CONVICTIONS6: RELIGION & SACRIFICE7: THE VOICE OF A GENERATION8: VINDICATION9: THE COMEBACK KID

    10: WHEN WE WERE KINGS11: RIVALRY & RESPECT12: MEMORIES, MAGIC & ALI13: WHEN OPPOSITES ATTRACT14: TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE15: THE REBIRTH OF A LEGEND16: HONOR & REWARD17: LEGACY

    A One Man Performance: Part I A One Man Performance: Part II

    Ali! Ali! Ali! Ali! Ali! Ali!

    Written By E. Renard Jackson Written By E. Renard Jackson

  • 1: THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND2: DEFINING MOMENTS3: THE NEW FACE OF BOXING4: THE TALE OF TWO MEN5: TRUE CONVICTIONS6: RELIGION & SACRIFICE7: THE VOICE OF A GENERATION8: VINDICATION9: THE COMEBACK KID

    10: WHEN WE WERE KINGS11: RIVALRY & RESPECT12: MEMORIES, MAGIC & ALI13: WHEN OPPOSITES ATTRACT14: TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE15: THE REBIRTH OF A LEGEND16: HONOR & REWARD17: LEGACY

    A One Man Performance: Part I A One Man Performance: Part II

    Ali! Ali! Ali! Ali! Ali! Ali!

    Written By E. Renard Jackson Written By E. Renard Jackson

  • "Float Like A Butterfly,Sting Like A Bee.

    Rumble, Young Man, Rumble."

    Good evening everyone, my name is E. Renard Jackson. Today, I'd like to take you on a poetic and biographical journey of a MAN who is no less than my hero; A BOXER who changed his sport forever; A SOCIAL ACTIVIST who gave voice to the poor, the downtrodden and the oppressed.

    That man is MUHAMMAD ALI:The Boxer, The Legend...The Greatest.

    "It is safe to say that my life would be vastly different had there not been a Muhammad Ali. Coming of age during the late sixties and seventies, it was commonplace for the black athlete to use his or her voice to challenge the status quo, which meant speaking out against the extreme injustices that ruled the day. For many of my generation, no voice loomed larger than Muhammad Ali. His voice spoke directly to the people. His voice spoke with a certain truth and clarity that helped to heal the wounds of a divided nation. As such, his voice was driven by a greater purpose than his own."

    I N T R O D U C T I O N

    ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

    --E. Renard Jackson

  • "Float Like A Butterfly,Sting Like A Bee.

    Rumble, Young Man, Rumble."

    Good evening everyone, my name is E. Renard Jackson. Today, I'd like to take you on a poetic and biographical journey of a MAN who is no less than my hero; A BOXER who changed his sport forever; A SOCIAL ACTIVIST who gave voice to the poor, the downtrodden and the oppressed.

    That man is MUHAMMAD ALI:The Boxer, The Legend...The Greatest.

    "It is safe to say that my life would be vastly different had there not been a Muhammad Ali. Coming of age during the late sixties and seventies, it was commonplace for the black athlete to use his or her voice to challenge the status quo, which meant speaking out against the extreme injustices that ruled the day. For many of my generation, no voice loomed larger than Muhammad Ali. His voice spoke directly to the people. His voice spoke with a certain truth and clarity that helped to heal the wounds of a divided nation. As such, his voice was driven by a greater purpose than his own."

    I N T R O D U C T I O N

    ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

    --E. Renard Jackson

  • 1: THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND

    He was bornCASSIUS MARCELLUS CLAY, JR.

    on January 17, 1942,in Louisville, Kentucky.

    Born Is The ChildOf Destiny's OwnBorn Is The Prince

    Who Inherits The Throne

    His Brazen FuryWould Not Be Defied

    His Road To GreatnessCould Not Be Denied

    Born Is The ChildOf Destiny's Own

    In This Blue Kentucky LandWhere The Butterflies Roam

    "Cassius Marcellus Clay"

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • 1: THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND

    He was bornCASSIUS MARCELLUS CLAY, JR.

    on January 17, 1942,in Louisville, Kentucky.

    Born Is The ChildOf Destiny's OwnBorn Is The Prince

    Who Inherits The Throne

    His Brazen FuryWould Not Be Defied

    His Road To GreatnessCould Not Be Denied

    Born Is The ChildOf Destiny's Own

    In This Blue Kentucky LandWhere The Butterflies Roam

    "Cassius Marcellus Clay"

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • Someone Made Him MadBy Stealin' His Precious Bike

    So He Summoned The Likes Of Men In BlueAnd Learned His Way To Fight

    He Danced And Pranced For Hours

    To Perfect His Jabs And SwingLife Would NEVER Be The Same Again

    For This Boy Who Would Be King

    2: DEFINING MOMENTS

    Imagine your FIRST bicycle. For ANY child it's a symbol of pride, a treasure to behold. And now imagine someone taking it away. You see, that's what happened to 12-year-old Cassius Clay. And what he does next, believe it or not,will change the course of history...

    "Sweet Revenge"

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • Someone Made Him MadBy Stealin' His Precious Bike

    So He Summoned The Likes Of Men In BlueAnd Learned His Way To Fight

    He Danced And Pranced For Hours

    To Perfect His Jabs And SwingLife Would NEVER Be The Same Again

    For This Boy Who Would Be King

    2: DEFINING MOMENTS

    Imagine your FIRST bicycle. For ANY child it's a symbol of pride, a treasure to behold. And now imagine someone taking it away. You see, that's what happened to 12-year-old Cassius Clay. And what he does next, believe it or not,will change the course of history...

    "Sweet Revenge"

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "Ain't I Pretty"Ain't I Pretty?Ain't I Fine?

    Not A Mark On My FaceNot A Hair Out Of Line

    Don't Mean To Brag

    But Take A Good Look At MeAin't I The Prettiest Thang

    You Ever Did See?

    3: THE NEW FACE OF BOXING

    Cassius Clay shattered ALL stereotypes when it came to boxing. You see, not only was he a handsome fighter, but as Clay himself would often remind us...he was downright pretty!

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "Ain't I Pretty"Ain't I Pretty?Ain't I Fine?

    Not A Mark On My FaceNot A Hair Out Of Line

    Don't Mean To Brag

    But Take A Good Look At MeAin't I The Prettiest Thang

    You Ever Did See?

    3: THE NEW FACE OF BOXING

    Cassius Clay shattered ALL stereotypes when it came to boxing. You see, not only was he a handsome fighter, but as Clay himself would often remind us...he was downright pretty!

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "I'm A Bad, Bad Man"I Am Sworn To My Faith

    I Am Devout Where I StandBut Make No MistakeI'm A Bad, Bad Man

    Go Ahead Bad Man, Do Your Thang

    Go Ahead Bad Man SwingGo Ahead Bad Man, Do Your Thang

    Go Ahead Bad Man Swing

    I Am Cain And AbelI Am Jekyll And Hyde

    I Am All Of These ThingsYou Fear And Despise

    I Will Riddle You With KindnessI Will March To Your Command

    But Make No MistakeI'm A Bad, Bad Man

    Go Ahead Bad Man, Do Your Thang

    Go Ahead Bad Man SwingGo Ahead Bad Man, Do Your Thang

    Go Ahead Bad Man Swing

    4: THE TALE OF TWO MEN

    Cassius Clay represents the tale of two men. On one hand he is a man of conviction, boasting a kind and gentle soul. But once he steps into the ring he is undeniably THE BADDEST MAN ON THE PLANET.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "I'm A Bad, Bad Man"I Am Sworn To My Faith

    I Am Devout Where I StandBut Make No MistakeI'm A Bad, Bad Man

    Go Ahead Bad Man, Do Your Thang

    Go Ahead Bad Man SwingGo Ahead Bad Man, Do Your Thang

    Go Ahead Bad Man Swing

    I Am Cain And AbelI Am Jekyll And Hyde

    I Am All Of These ThingsYou Fear And Despise

    I Will Riddle You With KindnessI Will March To Your Command

    But Make No MistakeI'm A Bad, Bad Man

    Go Ahead Bad Man, Do Your Thang

    Go Ahead Bad Man SwingGo Ahead Bad Man, Do Your Thang

    Go Ahead Bad Man Swing

    4: THE TALE OF TWO MEN

    Cassius Clay represents the tale of two men. On one hand he is a man of conviction, boasting a kind and gentle soul. But once he steps into the ring he is undeniably THE BADDEST MAN ON THE PLANET.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "I Am Muhammad Ali"I Am No Longer Bound

    To A Slave Master's NameI Am No Longer Bemused

    By A Nation's Guilt And ShameI Am Strong! I Am Proud!I Am Gifted! I Am Free!

    I Am The Messenger Of HopeI AM MUHAMMAD ALI!

    5: TRUE CONVICTIONS

    Shortly after defeating Sonny Liston in February of 1964, the newly crowned Heavyweight Champion of the World would acknowledge his association with The Nation of Islam. Declaring himself a FREE man, the new champ was determined to march to the beat of a different drum. In doing so, he would NEVER AGAIN answer to the name of Cassius Clay.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "I Am Muhammad Ali"I Am No Longer Bound

    To A Slave Master's NameI Am No Longer Bemused

    By A Nation's Guilt And ShameI Am Strong! I Am Proud!I Am Gifted! I Am Free!

    I Am The Messenger Of HopeI AM MUHAMMAD ALI!

    5: TRUE CONVICTIONS

    Shortly after defeating Sonny Liston in February of 1964, the newly crowned Heavyweight Champion of the World would acknowledge his association with The Nation of Islam. Declaring himself a FREE man, the new champ was determined to march to the beat of a different drum. In doing so, he would NEVER AGAIN answer to the name of Cassius Clay.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "Stripped"STRIPPED Of My Title

    For My Unwavering StandSTRIPPED Of My Passions

    For My Indifference Toward ManSTRIPPED Because Of A War

    Of Intolerance And UnjustSTRIPPED Because Of A Nation

    Bearing Deceit And MistrustSTRIPPED Because Of A Pride

    More Prevalent Than FameSTRIPPED So I Can Live...

    And Not Have To Die In Shame

    6: RELIGION & SACRIFICE

    At the height of the Vietnam War, Ali refused induction into the military based upon his religious beliefs. Subsequently, he was STRIPPED of his title. He was STRIPPED of his means to earn a living. But he would NEVER, EVER allow himself to be STRIPPED of his dignity.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "Stripped"STRIPPED Of My Title

    For My Unwavering StandSTRIPPED Of My Passions

    For My Indifference Toward ManSTRIPPED Because Of A War

    Of Intolerance And UnjustSTRIPPED Because Of A Nation

    Bearing Deceit And MistrustSTRIPPED Because Of A Pride

    More Prevalent Than FameSTRIPPED So I Can Live...

    And Not Have To Die In Shame

    6: RELIGION & SACRIFICE

    At the height of the Vietnam War, Ali refused induction into the military based upon his religious beliefs. Subsequently, he was STRIPPED of his title. He was STRIPPED of his means to earn a living. But he would NEVER, EVER allow himself to be STRIPPED of his dignity.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "The People's Champ"Don't Need No Title

    To Validate My FameDon't Want Your Pity

    But Thank You Just The Same'Cause I'm A Man Of The People

    The People's Champ I AMWhere Voices Cry Foul

    That's Where I'm Dutifully Bound

    Don't Need No WarTo State My Convictions

    Hate Me If You WillBut I'm A Man Of Few RestrictionsAnd I'm A Servant Of The People

    The People's Champ I AMWhere Voices Cry Foul

    That's Where I'm Dutifully Bound

    7: THE VOICE OF A GENERATION

    Once Muhammad Ali was STRIPPED of his title, for all intent and purposes, he became a champion without a home. But instead of throwing in the towel, Ali would take his fight DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "The People's Champ"Don't Need No Title

    To Validate My FameDon't Want Your Pity

    But Thank You Just The Same'Cause I'm A Man Of The People

    The People's Champ I AMWhere Voices Cry Foul

    That's Where I'm Dutifully Bound

    Don't Need No WarTo State My Convictions

    Hate Me If You WillBut I'm A Man Of Few RestrictionsAnd I'm A Servant Of The People

    The People's Champ I AMWhere Voices Cry Foul

    That's Where I'm Dutifully Bound

    7: THE VOICE OF A GENERATION

    Once Muhammad Ali was STRIPPED of his title, for all intent and purposes, he became a champion without a home. But instead of throwing in the towel, Ali would take his fight DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • It Was A Time Of AngerOf Bitterness And Escape

    It Was A Time Of WarAnd Of Deeply Rooted Hate

    It Was A Time When A Young Man

    Who Towered Above Them AllWas Bitten By A Serpent's Blow

    And Suffered A Most Painful Fall

    HALLELUJAH!It Was A Time To Rejoice

    But O' What A Time To DespiseAnd For A Champion Once Scorned

    It Was A Time To Rise And Rise And Rise

    "A Time To Rise"8: VINDICATION

    On June 28, 1971, the United States Supreme Court (by a margin of 8 to 0) would overturn the government's conviction, effectively restoring Muhammad Ali's right to box. For a nation still largely divided, it was a time of healing. And for a champion who had fallen from grace,it was A TIME TO RISE.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • It Was A Time Of AngerOf Bitterness And Escape

    It Was A Time Of WarAnd Of Deeply Rooted Hate

    It Was A Time When A Young Man

    Who Towered Above Them AllWas Bitten By A Serpent's Blow

    And Suffered A Most Painful Fall

    HALLELUJAH!It Was A Time To Rejoice

    But O' What A Time To DespiseAnd For A Champion Once Scorned

    It Was A Time To Rise And Rise And Rise

    "A Time To Rise"8: VINDICATION

    On June 28, 1971, the United States Supreme Court (by a margin of 8 to 0) would overturn the government's conviction, effectively restoring Muhammad Ali's right to box. For a nation still largely divided, it was a time of healing. And for a champion who had fallen from grace,it was A TIME TO RISE.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "Ali! Ali! Ali!"It's Madison SquareOn A Saturday Night

    Where The Stars Come OutJust To See Him Fight

    As He Parades Through The GardenIt Is Evidently Clear

    He's A Boxer Without EqualHe's A Man Without Fear

    When The Bells All Sound

    He Circles The RingLightnin' Soon Strikes

    And The Fat Lady SingsTo The Awe-Struck CrowdHE Is As COOL As Can Be

    While He Listens To Their Chants Of"Ali! Ali! Ali!"

    9: THE COMEBACK KID

    With his legal troubles behind him, Ali is back and ready to prove that he belongs on the biggest stage. And what stage could be bigger than New York's Madison Square Garden, where the former champ is greeted with a hero's welcome.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "Ali! Ali! Ali!"It's Madison SquareOn A Saturday Night

    Where The Stars Come OutJust To See Him Fight

    As He Parades Through The GardenIt Is Evidently Clear

    He's A Boxer Without EqualHe's A Man Without Fear

    When The Bells All Sound

    He Circles The RingLightnin' Soon Strikes

    And The Fat Lady SingsTo The Awe-Struck CrowdHE Is As COOL As Can Be

    While He Listens To Their Chants Of"Ali! Ali! Ali!"

    9: THE COMEBACK KID

    With his legal troubles behind him, Ali is back and ready to prove that he belongs on the biggest stage. And what stage could be bigger than New York's Madison Square Garden, where the former champ is greeted with a hero's welcome.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "Ali's Plan"Naysayers Predicted Ali Would FallSayin' Foreman Was Too Ferocious

    And Unrelenting In His BrawlBut Ali Stood Firm

    And Held Credence To A PlanThat Would Silence All The Critics

    And Shock The Motherland

    Ali, Boo-Ma-Ye!Ali, Boo-Ma-Ye!

    Foreman Struck First With A Punishing Blow

    While Ali Countered With Jabs High And LowThey Rumbled And TumbledTheir Way About The Ring

    Ali Fled To The RopesInviting Big George To Swing

    But Soon Foreman Grew WearyAnd Fell Victim To A Plan

    That Would Silence All The CriticsAnd Shock The Motherland

    Ali, Boo-Ma-Ye!Ali, Boo-Ma-Ye!

    10: WHEN WE WERE KINGS

    Leading up to their 1974 showdown in ZAIRE, AFRICA, critics gave Muhammad Ali little to no chance against the much younger and stronger GEORGE FOREMAN. Nevertheless, Ali became the overwhelming crowd favorite and was serenaded throughout the fight with chants of "Ali, Boo-Ma-Ye!, Ali, Boo--Ma-Ye!" -- which translates into, "Ali, Kill Him!"

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "Ali's Plan"Naysayers Predicted Ali Would FallSayin' Foreman Was Too Ferocious

    And Unrelenting In His BrawlBut Ali Stood Firm

    And Held Credence To A PlanThat Would Silence All The Critics

    And Shock The Motherland

    Ali, Boo-Ma-Ye!Ali, Boo-Ma-Ye!

    Foreman Struck First With A Punishing Blow

    While Ali Countered With Jabs High And LowThey Rumbled And TumbledTheir Way About The Ring

    Ali Fled To The RopesInviting Big George To Swing

    But Soon Foreman Grew WearyAnd Fell Victim To A Plan

    That Would Silence All The CriticsAnd Shock The Motherland

    Ali, Boo-Ma-Ye!Ali, Boo-Ma-Ye!

    10: WHEN WE WERE KINGS

    Leading up to their 1974 showdown in ZAIRE, AFRICA, critics gave Muhammad Ali little to no chance against the much younger and stronger GEORGE FOREMAN. Nevertheless, Ali became the overwhelming crowd favorite and was serenaded throughout the fight with chants of "Ali, Boo-Ma-Ye!, Ali, Boo--Ma-Ye!" -- which translates into, "Ali, Kill Him!"

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • Frazier Stood In The Shadow Of Ali's FameCertain Only Victory Could Erase His Shame

    So He Marched To The Rhythms Of Manila's BeatVowing This Time He Would Escape Defeat

    But In His Quest For RedemptionIt Was Ali Who Took CommandAnd Dealt The Finishing Blows

    To Frazier's Last Stand

    "Frazier's Last Stand"

    11: RIVALRY & RESPECT

    Sonny Liston.Floyd Patterson.Ken Norton.George Foreman.

    Of all of the great boxers Muhammad Ali fought, no one has become as much a part of his lore than "Smokin'" Joe Frazier.

    They fought three classic fights, and their final match, nicknamed "The Thrilla In Manila," is considered to this very day...THE GREATEST FIGHT EVER.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • Frazier Stood In The Shadow Of Ali's FameCertain Only Victory Could Erase His Shame

    So He Marched To The Rhythms Of Manila's BeatVowing This Time He Would Escape Defeat

    But In His Quest For RedemptionIt Was Ali Who Took CommandAnd Dealt The Finishing Blows

    To Frazier's Last Stand

    "Frazier's Last Stand"

    11: RIVALRY & RESPECT

    Sonny Liston.Floyd Patterson.Ken Norton.George Foreman.

    Of all of the great boxers Muhammad Ali fought, no one has become as much a part of his lore than "Smokin'" Joe Frazier.

    They fought three classic fights, and their final match, nicknamed "The Thrilla In Manila," is considered to this very day...THE GREATEST FIGHT EVER.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • 12: MEMORIES, MAGIC & ALI

    During his heyday, a Muhammad Ali fight became THE EVENT OF ALL EVENTS. It was a magical moment, when families would often gather around the television, waiting for that first glimpse of their hero. It was a time way back when. And it was a place...BACK IN THE DAY.

    Remember WhenMotown Was Magical

    When The Front Porch Still Had Its GrooveWhen Soul Train Was Hip

    And Taught Us All How To Move

    Remember WhenSunday Mornings Were Like Easy

    When Our Heroes Could Do No WrongWell, Take Us Back In The Day, Muhammad

    Take Us Back Where We Belong

    Give Us Just One More RhymeLike A Shakespeare With Soul

    Take Us Back In The Day, MuhammadMan! What A Time To Behold

    "Back In The Day"

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • 12: MEMORIES, MAGIC & ALI

    During his heyday, a Muhammad Ali fight became THE EVENT OF ALL EVENTS. It was a magical moment, when families would often gather around the television, waiting for that first glimpse of their hero. It was a time way back when. And it was a place...BACK IN THE DAY.

    Remember WhenMotown Was Magical

    When The Front Porch Still Had Its GrooveWhen Soul Train Was Hip

    And Taught Us All How To Move

    Remember WhenSunday Mornings Were Like Easy

    When Our Heroes Could Do No WrongWell, Take Us Back In The Day, Muhammad

    Take Us Back Where We Belong

    Give Us Just One More RhymeLike A Shakespeare With Soul

    Take Us Back In The Day, MuhammadMan! What A Time To Behold

    "Back In The Day"

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "Cosell And Me"I Don't Know Why

    Or How It Came To BeGuess Fate Brought Us Together

    That Cosell And Me

    He Was Pompous And ArrogantMy God! Can't You See!

    This Man With The ToupeeWants To Be Like Me!

    But All Kidding AsideWhat A Great Memory

    Of Those Days Gone ByWith Cosell And Me

    13: WHEN OPPOSITES ATTRACT

    Whenever the champ needed support, a man just as brash, and just as controversial, would oftentimes come to his aid. It would prove the beginning of an unlikely friendship that would last a lifetime.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "Cosell And Me"I Don't Know Why

    Or How It Came To BeGuess Fate Brought Us Together

    That Cosell And Me

    He Was Pompous And ArrogantMy God! Can't You See!

    This Man With The ToupeeWants To Be Like Me!

    But All Kidding AsideWhat A Great Memory

    Of Those Days Gone ByWith Cosell And Me

    13: WHEN OPPOSITES ATTRACT

    Whenever the champ needed support, a man just as brash, and just as controversial, would oftentimes come to his aid. It would prove the beginning of an unlikely friendship that would last a lifetime.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "The End Of An Era"Time, In Her Waning Glory

    Makes It Painfully ClearFor A Legend Born Of Bluegrass Soil

    The End Is Drawing Near

    The Rounds Of Sweet ContentionAre Slowly Seeping Away

    While A Champion SurrendersTo The Hands Of FateAnd To The DawningOf A Brand New Day

    No Less Is The End Of An Era

    Where Reality Dims All Second ChanceAnd The Music Plays A Sad, Sad Song

    For A Hero's Bow...And Final Dance

    14: TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE

    Make no mistake, Muhammad Ali was a GREAT fighter who forever changed the landscape of boxing. But the one opponent he could NOT defeat, is the one opponent NONE of us will defeat...

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "The End Of An Era"Time, In Her Waning Glory

    Makes It Painfully ClearFor A Legend Born Of Bluegrass Soil

    The End Is Drawing Near

    The Rounds Of Sweet ContentionAre Slowly Seeping Away

    While A Champion SurrendersTo The Hands Of FateAnd To The DawningOf A Brand New Day

    No Less Is The End Of An Era

    Where Reality Dims All Second ChanceAnd The Music Plays A Sad, Sad Song

    For A Hero's Bow...And Final Dance

    14: TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE

    Make no mistake, Muhammad Ali was a GREAT fighter who forever changed the landscape of boxing. But the one opponent he could NOT defeat, is the one opponent NONE of us will defeat...

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • Trembling In Quiet DignityHe Stood Before The Sovereign Game

    Determined To Light The Olympic TorchAnd Give Birth To The Mighty Flame

    A World Transfixed By His Hard Fought Grace

    Shed Tears For Their Intrepid FriendBut At Least One Night

    In This Chivalrous Domain...The LEGEND Would Shine Again

    "The Olympic Torch"

    15: THE REBIRTH OF A LEGEND

    The Place: Atlanta, Georgia.The Event: The opening ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.In just one moment the entire world will witness...THE REBIRTHOF A LEGEND.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • Trembling In Quiet DignityHe Stood Before The Sovereign Game

    Determined To Light The Olympic TorchAnd Give Birth To The Mighty Flame

    A World Transfixed By His Hard Fought Grace

    Shed Tears For Their Intrepid FriendBut At Least One Night

    In This Chivalrous Domain...The LEGEND Would Shine Again

    "The Olympic Torch"

    15: THE REBIRTH OF A LEGEND

    The Place: Atlanta, Georgia.The Event: The opening ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.In just one moment the entire world will witness...THE REBIRTHOF A LEGEND.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "The AthleteOf The Century"

    Because He Fought For IdealsWith More Passion Than His Game

    Because He Never Took For GrantedThe Enormity Of His Fame

    Because He Challenged A Nation's Youth

    To Garner Strength In PrideBecause He Chose To Move Mountains

    Where Others Have Merely Tried

    Indeed, The Athlete Of The Century:MUHAMMAD ALI

    Truth Be Told...Who Else Could It Be?

    16: HONOR & REWARD

    On December 2, 1999, the editors of Sports Illustrated chose Muhammad Ali as the recipient of an award so prestigious, that it can only be given ONCE in a hundred years.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "The AthleteOf The Century"

    Because He Fought For IdealsWith More Passion Than His Game

    Because He Never Took For GrantedThe Enormity Of His Fame

    Because He Challenged A Nation's Youth

    To Garner Strength In PrideBecause He Chose To Move Mountains

    Where Others Have Merely Tried

    Indeed, The Athlete Of The Century:MUHAMMAD ALI

    Truth Be Told...Who Else Could It Be?

    16: HONOR & REWARD

    On December 2, 1999, the editors of Sports Illustrated chose Muhammad Ali as the recipient of an award so prestigious, that it can only be given ONCE in a hundred years.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "The Greatest"As Legends Go

    He Stands AloneDraped In His Glory

    While Nestled Upon His Throne

    Nostalgia Forever BeckonsJust One Glimpse Of His PrimeFor A Boxer Not Just Great...But The Greatest Of All Time

    17: LEGACY

    Today, Muhammad Ali is leading the fight in helping to find a cure for Parkinson's Disease. He also travels the world, spreading a message of peace, love, and tolerance, for people of ALL races and religions to embrace. Indeed, he is today, what he boldly proclaimed himself to be more than one-half century ago...THE GREATEST.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance

  • "The Greatest"As Legends Go

    He Stands AloneDraped In His Glory

    While Nestled Upon His Throne

    Nostalgia Forever BeckonsJust One Glimpse Of His PrimeFor A Boxer Not Just Great...But The Greatest Of All Time

    17: LEGACY

    Today, Muhammad Ali is leading the fight in helping to find a cure for Parkinson's Disease. He also travels the world, spreading a message of peace, love, and tolerance, for people of ALL races and religions to embrace. Indeed, he is today, what he boldly proclaimed himself to be more than one-half century ago...THE GREATEST.

    Ali! Ali! Ali!: A One Man Performance


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