With the world mourning the passing of Muhammad Ali amid recollections from the great and good being regaled by those who either knew him, or insist they understood him both as a man and as a boxer, a little tale has come 4BR's way about the time 'The Greatest' actually made his mark on the brass band movement — via a fleeting meeting with Grimethorpe Colliery Band.
Bi-centenary celebrations
It came in 1976 when the USA was in the middle of its bi-centennial celebrations. Gerald Ford was President and Ali had just fought the British heavyweight boxer Richard Dunn in Munich to successfully defend his WBC and WBA title.
Six months previously he had beaten Joe Frazier in the epoch defining 'Thriller in Manila'. He was the most famous sportsman on the planet.
Meanwhile, Grimethorpe had just joined Cory in the USA as part of the celebrations, on a three week tour sponsored by the British Council to represent Britain's coal mining communities.
Ambassador
Conducted by Elgar Howarth they performed in New York, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia amongst other cities.
However, the highlight was the invitation to perform at the British Ambassador's garden party at the British Embassy in Washington, with a guest list that included Her Majesty the Queen, President Ford and a long list of American 'royalty' — including Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope and a certain World Heavyweight Champion.
Omar Sharif
The well known adjudicator David Read was a guest player with the band at the time and recalls the occasion.
"It was a little surreal. Prince Philip came up and asked Elgar Howarth what we were playing before telling us there was plenty of beer in the refreshment tent for us for after, whilst a little later I turned around and found myself standing next to Omar Sharif.
It was Muhammad Ali who stole the show though — and during one of the intervals he came up and met some of the band.
Horn player Brian Smith immediately said to him, "Muhammad you're the greatest"and his showbiz persona lit up. "I know I am"he laughed and winked at us. It was like electricity hitting you when he spoke.
You couldn't help but smile and be knocked out by him — although not literally!"
It may have only been a fleeting moment when we met him, but the impression he made on us all lasted a lifetime — and there are very few people in the world you can say that aboutDavid Read
Playful punch
David Read also recalled that trombone player David Bentley did find out though just how powerful a boxer he was after playfully being punched in the shoulder.
"David got up the next day and showed us the bruise. He couldn't believe it — all from just a tap.
Ali was so genuine and good mannered with us though despite him being the centre of everyone's attention — and really interested in who were where and why we were there. He signed autographs and shock hands with players asking them "How you doing?"
It may have only been a fleeting moment when we met him, but the impression he made on us all lasted a lifetime — and there are very few people in the world you can say that about."
