In the late ‘80’s I was a social worker and did some photography on the side. A friend of mine was a radio talk show host at KDKA in Pittsburgh and had an interview scheduled in-studio with Muhammad Ali. He asked if I would like to be there to be there to take photos for him during the interview. I couldn’t get the word “Yes” out fast enough! My friend invited a cadre of associates who also wanted to be there to meet “The Great One.”
I checked and re-checked my 35mm camera and finally the evening of the interview arrived. The group of friends sat in the green room awaiting the arrival of Ali, swapping stories about him, many of which included Howard Cosell. When security called to say that he had arrived at the station, the host as
ked if I would go to the lobby to greet him. Me? Sure!
I took the elevator and my heart pounded in descent as much as it rose in anticipation. The doors opened and there he was, the Great Muhammad Ali. I was taken aback by the beauty of his face. Not a mark on it. He was tall and stately looking. I introduced myself to him and to his entourage of black-suited, tie-clad businessmen who had accompanied him. I later learned they were some of his Muslim brothers.
We went to the green room and waited till 9:00p.m. when the interview was scheduled to begin. In the interim, I offered Mr. Ali coffee and we chatted about Pittsburgh. His mind was sharp and his body not yet as debilitated as it would later become. I admit that I was completely star-struck. But it was more than that. His manner was that of a gentleman and had I not seen him and his strength in the boxing ring, nor known of his prowess at the sport, I may have thought him to be a spiritual leader in some high capacity or an astute businessman without a hint of arrogance. He was humble and so unlike the persona who would “float like a butterfly; sting like a bee.”
We entered the studio at 9:00 and I introduced him to the host. Quick exchanges were made and the host, known for his sense of humor, ended up bested by Ali who one-upped him with barbs, as he leaned back in his chair laughing. I sat discretely in a corner of the studio snapping shots as quickly as I could. The interview was raucous with stories and laughter.
After the show, we went into the green room and all eyes were lit with delight as Mr. Ali kindly consented to have me take his photo with each person there. He may have been the most gracious person I have ever met. I have thought of him often in the years since. I wonder if he knows the indelible impression he made that night, not only on me but all who were there. He truly is “The Great One.” May his days be filled with comfort and his heart at peace with the knowledge that he is a good man.
—cher
Tags: KDKA radio Pittsburgh, muhammad ali, photographing Ali, The Great One Ali
Cher, this is quite a story! Ali was not only a great boxer and showman, but quite a guy.
[Translate]
Amazing. What a memory you have. Is there anyone who made as big a journey from reviled radical to revered icon in such a short time? I don’t think so.
[Translate]
Politicus,
Ali earned every title he received, even “The Great One”!
[Translate]
Carpetbagger,
I can recall even nuances about Ali from that evening, It was more than a little special. And you’re right; I cannot think of anyone who had public opinion turn around so much in so short a time. I believe Howard Cosell deserves a lot of credit for that.
[Translate]
Well,how exciting is that! I have never met anyone as famous as Ali, but I always wanted to meet George Forman (did I spell that right?. It would be interesting to converse with someone who named all of his sons after himself!
Ali has been a great humanitarian. I know you were honored to be able to photograph and interview him.
Great post, Cher!
xoxo
[Translate]
Wow. What a fascinating story. How incredible it must have been to meet a man like that. I am not surprised you remember so much. Now I’m off to read about just when his mind did go and how quickly it happened.
[Translate]
Judie,
I did not do the interview; I just took the photos during it, but what a thrill.
I’d like to know about all those George’s too. Dinner conversation must have been interesting!
[Translate]
Emm,
What has happened to Ali has been tragic, but through it all in rare public appearances, he has conducted himself with grace and dignity. Such a fine man….
[Translate]
I know he became a Muslim when he changed his name. Do you think he personifies just what the Muslim religion is all about?
[Translate]
Judie,
I have thought about that often during these last years. I believe that Muhammad Ali has embodied what the faith of Islam truly is. I read a quote that states, “”Muslim” is an Arabic word that refers to a person who submits themselves to the will of God.” I saw this in my very brief encounter with Ali and have read about Islam subsequent to that. Ali radiated a spiritual light and had become a Muslim. Every faith has its factions, so we should be cautious about painting any religion with a broad brush, especially with negative judgments. Thanks for your thoughtful question.
[Translate]
Back when he was boxing, I couldn’t stand Ali. My first memory was when I was in 3rd grade and he was about to fight Joe Frazier in their first bout. Now I didn’t know much about anything, but I knew Ali was a bigmouth braggart, and I hated that.
I watched a lot of his fights afterwards, always rooting against him. I’ll never forget watching the fight when Leon Spinks beat him. I was sitting all alone in our living room, long after everyone had gone to bed, silently dancing around the room, so happy that the loudmouth had finally been whupped.
It wasn’t until I’d grown up and began to read more about what had happened behind the scenes… a little context, you might say.
Then I saw that documentary, “When We Were Kings,” about his epic fight with Foreman, who many in Ali’s own camp thought might injure or even kill him. No one, not even his own corner, knew what Ali was going to do, but Ali. And it worked… Big George punched himself out and Ali won with a magnificent flurry and knockout.
I read behinds the scenes features about the Thrilla in Manilla, that incredible back-and-forth 3rd fight with Frazier. Joe said, “I hit him with shots that should have knocked down mountains.” But he kept coming.
Over the years, I’ve changed my opinion of Ali. I still don’t like the way he treated Frazier, but overall, he has my respect and admiration. I’m glad to hear he was a gentleman when you met him. It helps add credence to the notion that all the mouthiness was just for show, to sell tickets.
[Translate]
bluzdude,
I can understand how you would have been put off by the braggadocio of Ali. I was fairly young when I started watching him. I had developed a liking for Howard Cosell and his caustic but interesting style. Through his commentaries, I learned about Ali and his behind-the-scenes real persona. That is when I gained some perspective. I have no idea why as a young girl I was so interested in all this, but I was. I think my parents had something to do with it. They loved watching him and being in the room with them, I guess I caught their vibes. My Mom was thrilled when I was able to meet him. Not so thrilled when I cut school in 6th grade to see JFK at Pittsburgh Airport. The plane landed fine, but I was grounded!
[Translate]
It sounds like an exciting evening Cher, good for you. Ali’s dip to the unfamous for a short while was a badge of honor as I see it, I have respect for the man.
As a bellhop at Mount Airy Lodge I met Georgie Gessel and Milton Berle(together), it was interesting and somewhat of a thrill. In 1977 Milton Berle looked like he was ready to drop dead then(I’m smiling, stage makeup must do wonders). He spent about 10 min. with us telling us jokes and just being a nice guy. Georgie Gessel never said a word(I think he was closer to death), he was this cute, short, dressed in jacket with tails, derby hat with a feather in it with a cane that he needed, slow motion moving just memorable cute sight.
[Translate]
KAK,
What great stories! Isn’t it funny that we can recall them in such detail? You met some of the “greats” in comedy, especially the old Vaudeville types. Their time had come and gone, but at least they hung in there for a while.
I remember seeing Larry King checking into the Hilton Hotel here in Pittsburgh once. All I could think of was, “He’s so short!” Because he is such a huge presence on CNN, I just thought he would be tall, skinny but tall. Ain’t life grand!
[Translate]
How can you live without boxing! One of my earliest memories is sitting on the porch with my Mom on a warm summer night and listening to a Joe Louis/Billy Conn fight. We always rooted for Joe. The “Brown Bomber” was our hero.
Calling Cassius Clay Mohammed Ali is still hard for me. That beautiful bodacious man is imprinted on my mind as Cassius. Maybe I like the alliteration. I definitely love him, by any name. He is the most perfect boxer I have ever seen. Magical to watch, he was poetry in motion.
Thank you for sharing your encounter with this good, gracious athlete.
[Translate]
Mary Ann,
“Bodacious” is the perfect word for him! You are an artist with words and I so admire that. For me, it seemed that Cassius Clay was meant to become Muhammad Ali. The person I met seemed transformed somehow. He exuded a spiritual essence along with a fabulous sense of humor. Now that’s a one/two punch!
[Translate]
Oh wow! How fantastic for you. My father was a boxer during his Air Force days and always followed the sport. Ali was one of his great heroes. In the UK, we have a very famous TV interviewer called Michael Parkinson, he interviewed Ali twice and those shows have been shown so many times. Parkinson retired a couple of years ago and his farewell show consisted of what were for him his 10 greatest interviews. He had done some mega mega interviews. But the number one slot went to Ali. Parkinson said not only was he a great sportsman and entertainer, he was also one of the truest gentlemen he had ever met.
When Ali lit the flame at the Atlanta Olympic stadium, wracked with Parkinson’s disease, I wonder how many oceans all our tears could have filled?
A true inspiration of a human being.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Smiles.
[Translate]
Ladygoodwood,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. It is true that above all what impressed me, as well as Michael Parkinson, was the true gentleman Ali is. It is such a rare character trait for those in the spotlight and also a wonderful role model for all.
Hugs to you!
[Translate]
What a great experience that was! Thank you for sharing that. I have always liked Ali, though too young to say I ever saw him fight or any of him “live” while he was in his prime.
Many a sports star today should look into Ali’s public life, I think they could learn from him.
[Translate]
Hank,
You are so right. Sports “stars” of today show take notes from Ali’s playbook. Good character, along with skill, will get them much further along. Great seeing you here!
[Translate]
Hi Cher, Wow, what a thrill that must have been. There are so many things that I like and admire about “The Greatest”, inside and outside of the ring. It’s a very nice photo too. Ray
[Translate]
Ray,
It was the thrill of a lifetime! I completely turned into a girl, but tried to maintain my composure in the company of such an exquisite person. I do remember people in the room telling me to stop blushing. But how?
[Translate]