Rumble: Ali/Foreman and The Soul of '74

SMOKIN' JOE FRAZIER: THE HELLRAISER

Ali’s time in exile only strengthens his position as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. James Brown plays his first show in Paris, and his dancer, Lola Love!, recalls seeing The Godfather of Soul for the first time at The Apollo Theater. Muhammad Ali befriends heavyweight champion, Joe Frazier, only to realize that in order to win his title back, he must face his comrade in the ring.  FILM REFERENCES “When We Were Kings” (documentary, 1996) directed by Leon Gast  “Soul Power” (documentary, 2008) directed by Jeffrey Kusama–Hinte (available on YouTube) BOOKS "The Greatest, My Own Story" by Muhammad Ali (autobiography) "King: A Life" by Jonathan Eig "Smokin’ Joe" by Joe Frazier and Phil Berger (autobiography) "Smokin’ Joe: The Life of Joe Frazier" by Mark Kram Jr.  "The Rumble in the Jungle" by Lewis ErenbergSee <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Fall 2024 marks 50 years since both the legendary Rumble in the Jungle fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, and the Zaire’ 74 music festival, headlined by the likes of James Brown, BB King, Miriam Makeba and myriad other stars.
 
Muhammad Ali’s life bobs and weaves through an era of revolutions and disruptive social change in both the US and Africa. In the lead up to this highly politicized superfight, Ali and many other freedom fighters are forced to confront old truths and build bridges toward understanding while they learn to wield the power of influence and sacrifice. Featuring personal accounts of the monumental effort it took to put on these events, Rumble walks backstage with a staggeringly powerful group of fighters, performers, producers and activists, uplifting the legacy of Black Excellence.