English
Where Ali Became "The Greatest"
Miami Beach Convention Center
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After the hugely successful launch of GOAT at the Frankfurt Book Fair, TASCHEN celebrated the U.S. launch at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the historic site of Ali's February 1964 triumph over Sonny Liston - the fight that earned him his first world heavyweight title.
What has made the worldwide launch of GOAT so special is the unique acclaim the book has met with in the media globally, and the presence of Muhammad Ali himself. If there was any doubt about the impact his physical presence still generates in the 21st century, one only has to look at the public and press clamor surrounding his appearances at the Frankfurt Book Fair and Art Basel Miami Beach in 2003. He remains untouchable as a global icon.
At Art Basel Miami Beach, Ali presided over two days of celebrations: the host, actor Will Smith, singer, actor and producer P Diddy, celebrated artist Jeff Koons, public speaker Atallah Shabazz (daughter of political leader Malcolm X) and three-time ring opponent Ken Norton, watched, spoke and listened as a crowd of Ali insiders recounted their extraordinary times with the three-time Champ.
Speakers and GOAT contributors, including historian Hank Kaplan, trainer Angelo Dundee, "ring doctor" Ferdie Pacheco, GOAT Principal Photographer Neil Leifer, writers Budd Schulberg, Gregory Allen Howard and Robert Lypsite, Ali's wife Lonnie, manager Bernie Yuman and his closest friend Howard L. Bingham talked about what Ali means to them and to the world.
And as if that wasn't enough, the star-studded gala event was rounded off by a stunning performance from the legendary soul singer Etta James, backed by the Roots Band, who played a set of timeless classics.
"Never before in human history have the impressions and visual evidence been recorded to such extent, then compiled to exhibit in book form the evolution of an authentic icon. As the pages turn in the book it is immediately revealed that the artisan's pride and skill worked with full force in shaping the life of Muhammad Ali. It would be at home in the museum of art. GOAT will prove that a book can be truly immortal."
Hank Kaplan, United States
Page [1]
Page [1]
After the hugely successful launch of GOAT at the Frankfurt Book Fair, TASCHEN celebrated the U.S. launch at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the historic site of Ali's February 1964 triumph over Sonny Liston - the fight that earned him his first world heavyweight title.
What has made the worldwide launch of GOAT so special is the unique acclaim the book has met with in the media globally, and the presence of Muhammad Ali himself. If there was any doubt about the impact his physical presence still generates in the 21st century, one only has to look at the public and press clamor surrounding his appearances at the Frankfurt Book Fair and Art Basel Miami Beach in 2003. He remains untouchable as a global icon.
At Art Basel Miami Beach, Ali presided over two days of celebrations: the host, actor Will Smith, singer, actor and producer P Diddy, celebrated artist Jeff Koons, public speaker Atallah Shabazz (daughter of political leader Malcolm X) and three-time ring opponent Ken Norton, watched, spoke and listened as a crowd of Ali insiders recounted their extraordinary times with the three-time Champ.
Speakers and GOAT contributors, including historian Hank Kaplan, trainer Angelo Dundee, "ring doctor" Ferdie Pacheco, GOAT Principal Photographer Neil Leifer, writers Budd Schulberg, Gregory Allen Howard and Robert Lypsite, Ali's wife Lonnie, manager Bernie Yuman and his closest friend Howard L. Bingham talked about what Ali means to them and to the world.
And as if that wasn't enough, the star-studded gala event was rounded off by a stunning performance from the legendary soul singer Etta James, backed by the Roots Band, who played a set of timeless classics.
"Never before in human history have the impressions and visual evidence been recorded to such extent, then compiled to exhibit in book form the evolution of an authentic icon. As the pages turn in the book it is immediately revealed that the artisan's pride and skill worked with full force in shaping the life of Muhammad Ali. It would be at home in the museum of art. GOAT will prove that a book can be truly immortal."
Hank Kaplan, United States
Page [1]
An audience of thousands watched the spectacle of GOAT being unveiled to the US market at Art Basel Miami Beach in December 2003.
Will Smith holding Ali back in a mock tirade, watched by P Diddy.