This is the best of two worlds, the most recognizable figure in the world mixed with the 60's rock scene. This event is one of the more mysterious events in San Francisco rock history, only known to historians from a poster in Paul Grushkin's fine book The Art Of Rock (plate 2.245, p.206).
Muhammad Ali had a unique status at that time. Besides his enormous status as an athlete, he had refused induction into the US Army as a Conscientious Objector, saying that it went against the teachings of The Koran. His famous remark "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong" made him a hero to many people who were not boxing fans.
In 1964, Ali had changed his name from Cassius Clay, and this alone was unprecedented (most sports headlines still called him Clay), and making his religious beliefs the basis for refusing to be drafted made him a figure much larger than a mere a sports hero.
In April, 1967 Ali was arrested for formally refusing his draft notice, and his trial was set for June 20. He was convicted, and although he was not jailed, he was stripped of his heavyweight title and did not box again until 1970 (first match against Jerry Quarry in October). As a result, Ali crystallized opposition to the War, reflecting a man so principled that he gave up money and fame to do it.
In October, 1974 (Zaire Festival 1974) Ali reclaimed the heavyweight title after the 'Rumble in the Jungle' fight against George Foreman in Zaire.
Muhammad Ali had a unique status at that time. Besides his enormous status as an athlete, he had refused induction into the US Army as a Conscientious Objector, saying that it went against the teachings of The Koran. His famous remark "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong" made him a hero to many people who were not boxing fans.
In 1964, Ali had changed his name from Cassius Clay, and this alone was unprecedented (most sports headlines still called him Clay), and making his religious beliefs the basis for refusing to be drafted made him a figure much larger than a mere a sports hero.
In April, 1967 Ali was arrested for formally refusing his draft notice, and his trial was set for June 20. He was convicted, and although he was not jailed, he was stripped of his heavyweight title and did not box again until 1970 (first match against Jerry Quarry in October). As a result, Ali crystallized opposition to the War, reflecting a man so principled that he gave up money and fame to do it.
In October, 1974 (Zaire Festival 1974) Ali reclaimed the heavyweight title after the 'Rumble in the Jungle' fight against George Foreman in Zaire.
