WEDNESDAY CLUB meets the great men, Muhammad Ali V Old Pa and John lennon
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| My mate Ali |
CASSIUS CLAY - Stand By Me (1964)
Living in Jeddah in the eighties, many interesting things happened that would not normally be available to me if I lived in the U.K.
Probably one of the greatest things was one day Shellhunter came home from School and said that Muhammad Ali was coming to her School that night to give a talk and we can all go.
Muhammad Ali, he was my hero, or one of them. I saw every fight (see previous post) from the very beginning, I had posters on my wall. It was an opportunity not to be missed.
With excitement I turned up with all the other fight fans. Ali was introduced to us and we were asked to give him some questions. It was all routine stuff ie what was your hardest fight etc.
It was so tragic hearing Ali try and give answers. He was slurring and had difficulty giving any coherent reply. However there was an unmistakeably twinkle in his eye. It was still the Ali we all new and loved.
After, he signed autographs for the kids. I managed to get close for a picture with my arm round him. He did not look too pleased about being touched. I mumbled how great he was and that I have always been a fan. In the photo I actually look taller than Ali. He was there for the taking.
I would have danced like a donkey and stung like a hen, Muhammad Ali would have fallen in ten. I found this track apparently sung by a then Cassius Clay of the great Ben E King classic, it is actually not that bad.
If you don't like the Cassius version here is a little treat to make up for it, the intro by Bob Harris is just fabulous.
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| Imagine if Old Pa was here? |
JOHN LENNON - Stand By Me (1975)
WEDNESDAY CLUB - Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali/Old Pa and John lennon -Stand by Me
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Oleh
sfw
5 comments
Tulis commentsTS - no big deal..it is just that Old Ma found the pic...no secrets.. but a lot of funny things did happen..watch this space!
Replyand come on I love you guys posts...
You met Ali? That is just incredible. next you'll be telling us of the time you drank with Bob at the Cafe Wha? Great story, sir. His version of 'Stand By Me' wasn't that shabby either. Love Lennon's too.
ReplyFunny you said that SB Old Ma worked in the information Desk at Heathrow T3 she came home one day and told me they had Bob himself in their back room for over 30 mins...trying to avoid somthing...why did she not phone me I will never know.
ReplyAn absolute classic, I remember it well! It's also one of the smartest you have ever looked, you've got your Sunday best on, combed your hair, I'm not sure about the shirt though. I hope Ali noticed you made an effort! It looks like he's looking at your hand.
ReplyThe school were alwayds getting visitors. I met Bruce McCandless the astronaut who made the first Space Walk and a young Kasey Keller, with full barnet, when the under 18's USA team came to town for the youth World Cup. Not as glamourous As meeting a legend such as Ali I might add.
Oh, and his version is not bad at all!
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