Not West Ham I know, but fists like hammers for sure. Filthy nudged me to do this and I'm glad he did. I got nothin' but respect for Smokin' Joe. RIP Sir.
Yes, a great boxer indeed,legendary in fact. The first to beat the big Ali. Heard it on BBC radio4 yesterday with a snippet from the Parkinson show, when he was called a gorilla by Ali. Not the done thing on the Home programme or anywhere else for that matter. As you say, respect to Joe and may he rest in peace.
I'd like to think that enough time has passed that we can now see that the influence of Wrestling (Gorgeous George in particular) on Ali was considerable and that his taunting of opponents was "showmanship". Ali dished it out and we lapped it up, but I doubt he never had anything but respect for Joe, after all he went toe to toe with him and lost.
Ali was never stupid. he was always the star and innovator of that sport (Pele, Cryuff,) Part of it was his disdain of others, but he could never be who he was without his "victims". And he knew it. He wouldn't be who he became without Joe Frazier. But Joe Frazier was not just a vehicle for Ali's fame. Different circles, different person, but as much pride and strength. Just look at his face, the hat, the rings, how much influence did he have? For Black and White, it was the most glamour you could get. "our 'Enery" did his bit(the English love their underdogs) but the stars were in the US. Frazier and Ali were equal to me at that time, and both still vital to the history of the world. I'm drinking 'cosmopolitans' if you're interested.
Joe Frazier, style wise I'd say that he was the ultimate American Rude Boy. He was also the subject of more than one reggae record, although I'd have to go through the crates to come up with any hard info, on that front.
Well, I've got some dust on my strides, but I've been through the crates - Studio One, Burning Spear, Dennis AlCapone and Big Youth all paid tribute to Joseph William Frazier. I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few more too.
Not West Ham I know, but fists like hammers for sure. Filthy nudged me to do this and I'm glad he did. I got nothin' but respect for Smokin' Joe. RIP Sir.
ReplyDeleteAnother one gone, it's like our youth is passing away.
ReplyDeleteNever took a step back.
RIP Joe
It's like waiting for the bus...after days of nothing along come 2 at the same time. Nice one Mr P. Look at that face!
ReplyDeleteYes, a great boxer indeed,legendary in fact. The first to beat the big Ali. Heard it on BBC radio4 yesterday with a snippet from the Parkinson show, when he was called a gorilla by Ali. Not the done thing on the Home programme or anywhere else for that matter. As you say, respect to Joe and may he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to think that enough time has passed that we can now see that the influence of Wrestling (Gorgeous George in particular) on Ali was considerable and that his taunting of opponents was "showmanship". Ali dished it out and we lapped it up, but I doubt he never had anything but respect for Joe, after all he went toe to toe with him and lost.
ReplyDeleteAli was never stupid. he was always the star and innovator of that sport (Pele, Cryuff,) Part of it was his disdain of others, but he could never be who he was without his "victims". And he knew it. He wouldn't be who he became without Joe Frazier. But Joe Frazier was not just a vehicle for Ali's fame. Different circles, different person, but as much pride and strength. Just look at his face, the hat, the rings, how much influence did he have? For Black and White, it was the most glamour you could get. "our 'Enery" did his bit(the English love their underdogs) but the stars were in the US. Frazier and Ali were equal to me at that time, and both still vital to the history of the world.
ReplyDeleteI'm drinking 'cosmopolitans' if you're interested.
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ReplyDeleteJoe Frazier, style wise I'd say that he was the ultimate American Rude Boy. He was also the subject of more than one reggae record, although I'd have to go through the crates to come up with any hard info, on that front.
ReplyDeleteWell, I've got some dust on my strides, but I've been through the crates - Studio One, Burning Spear, Dennis AlCapone and Big Youth all paid tribute to Joseph William Frazier. I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few more too.
ReplyDeleteIn case anyone's interested Smokin' Joe put out a few sides he recorded himself - check out below from the NYC beatnik press:
ReplyDeletehttp://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2011/11/joe_frazier_obituary_singing_career.php
I thought I was a Sure Fire Ali girl BUT Ali loved Frazier too. He even said without Frazier, there was no Ali. Anyway RIP good man! Love C&B TG
ReplyDelete