The Album That Joined Muhammad Ali and Frank Sinatra
By Mahnuel Muñoz
In 1976, the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) released an educational album titled “The Adventures Of Ali & His Gang vs. Mr.Tooth Decay“, a project created to raise awareness about dental health. The album was published by Saint John’s Fruit And Vegetable Company and featured the official support of the American Dental Association and the collaboration of several music and media stars, including the legendary sportscaster Howard Cossell, the singer-songwriter Richie Havens and… our beloved Frank Sinatra!
The story tells how Ali prepares for an upcoming fight against “Mr. Tooth Decay“, who is accompanied by his companions, Sugar Cuber and Willie Plaque. Ali then convinces a group of children not to buy from an ice cream man (played by Frank Sinatra), and takes them to an organic farm where they learn the importance of eating healthy and natural from farmer Brother St. John. The album concludes with the fight between Ali and Mr. Tooth Decay, in which the former emerges victorious.
Anyone who is surprised by this side of Ali should know that he had released his first album in no less than 1963, when he was still calling himself Cassius Clay. The album is called “I Am The Greatest” and it is a series of monologues with Ali’s particular arrogant style, peppered with a horrible version of “Stand By Me“
Frank was a big boxing fan and knew Ali personally. He recorded his portion of the album in early March 1976, and the album was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Children’s Recording at the 19th Annual Grammy Awards in 1977.
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