2008 digitally remastered reissue of this album from the man who would soon become Mohammad Ali. I Am The Greatest! Yep, it's no empty boast...as the sportsman of the last century does his thang in a hilarious and amazing ... more »collection of standup, poetry and rapping, just prior to entering the history books by becoming the greatest ever heavyweight champ of all time! Well on his way to becoming the idol of boxing fans and kids worldwide, and a role model to millions, the brash young Ali is as hilarious, insightful, and wise as ever; a moment of history captured forever! As a bonus, this CD includes the stunning take on Ben E. King's 'Stand By Me', an idea conceived by the great Sam Cooke, where Ali shows he could have been a contender in the charts too! In the specially prepared stereo remix done exclusively for the RevOla release, it sounds stunning.« less
2008 digitally remastered reissue of this album from the man who would soon become Mohammad Ali. I Am The Greatest! Yep, it's no empty boast...as the sportsman of the last century does his thang in a hilarious and amazing collection of standup, poetry and rapping, just prior to entering the history books by becoming the greatest ever heavyweight champ of all time! Well on his way to becoming the idol of boxing fans and kids worldwide, and a role model to millions, the brash young Ali is as hilarious, insightful, and wise as ever; a moment of history captured forever! As a bonus, this CD includes the stunning take on Ben E. King's 'Stand By Me', an idea conceived by the great Sam Cooke, where Ali shows he could have been a contender in the charts too! In the specially prepared stereo remix done exclusively for the RevOla release, it sounds stunning.
CD Reviews
Hang on to your sides-Mighty funny stuff!
Andre M. | Mt. Pleasant, SC United States | 10/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Even those unfamiliar with boxing or the topical events of the time cannot help but roar at most of the humor in this as the former Mr. Clay delivers a series of hilarious rhymes about his modesty (or lack thereof) and likelihood of beating then-champ Sonny Liston. Ali would have made a great comedian. The added bonues is that he's just as funny when he tries to sing. His attempt to sing Ben E. King's "Stand By Me" straight with his incredibly hoarse voice and poor timing is hilarious! Ditto for his Beatle-esque, raucous version of "The Gang's All Here" celebrating his victory over Sonny Liston (check out the Paul McCartney-like WHOOOO! in the backgound on this one).This one will have Ali fans rolling on the floor in laughter. Those who are not in the know may also find this amusing. Enjoy!"
For the Ali fan only
jdpedersen | Seattle, WA | 07/16/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you are a devoted Ali fan, you need this. Aside from the importance to the collector, it really IS quite funny. Definitely a kind of pre-rap. You might think this kind of endless bragging would be obnoxious, but he keeps it entertaining. If you aren't an Ali fan or boxing fan, you won't like it. But admirers of "The Greatest" will find this bringing back memories(and encouraging them to pop in the Clay-Liston fight)."
He is the greatest.
Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 01/18/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This spoken word album was recorded by Cassius Clay before he became Muhammad Ali, and even before he became World Heavyweight Champion. It's pretty entertaining stuff, with Clay reading poetry and bragging about how great he is. The album was recorded in front of a live audience, and their laughter and applause definitely helps out with the atmosphere. The CD includes three bonus tracks tracks. The single version of "I am the Greatest" is shorter than the album version, plus it is set to music. "Stand By Me" is Clay's legendary Golden Throats version of the Ben E. King's classic. "The Gang's All Here" is a previously unreleased recording of Clay leading a sing-along. Fans of Muhammad Ali should really enjoy this CD."
It Ain't Bragging, If You Can Back It Up
David Wayne | Santee, CA United States | 06/15/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This may shock and amaze ya! It is young Cassius Clay, before he shook up the world by actually defeating Sonny Liston for boxing's heavyweight championship; before he changed his name to Muhammad Ali. What comes across is this: Clay truly believed he would upset the overwhelming odds and win the fight! In this public performance, Clay comes off as being bright, witty, funny, verbose, and full of himself (without taking himself too seriously). He charms and delights the live audience throughout, with a fine sense of timing and a childlike smile. Clay would become, as Ali, the most charismatic sports figure in history (he is, in fact, one of the most well-known and best-loved men in the world, period). That charisma is on full display here. Clay, but 21 years old, handles this role of comedian with surprising ease. On this album, you can hear some of his classic rhymes in their earliest forms. And poor Sonny Liston! Clay used him as a verbal punching bag all night. You can't help but feel that anyone who has this kind of chutzpah, and who believes in himself that much, just might be able to do anything. At the very least, you know that if Clay had been a bust as a fighter, he could have been a fine stand-up comic, with his gift of gab. (Okay... His turns at singing on this record aren't The Greatest.) But Clay was no bust as a fighter. He was, in fact, more than anyone would have thought, at the time these brash boastings were recorded and released. But then again, they say it ain't bragging, if you can back it up!"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1