Original 1963 CASSIUS CLAY I Am The Greatest *SPOKEN WORD VINYL RECORD ALBUM*

$

49

>Offered here for your consideration is an old & original 1963 Cassius Clay "I Am The Greatest!" vinyl record! Please see all seven photos, as they are an important part of my item description. This vintage sports record is accompanied by the original Columbia Records inner paper sleeve, and the cardboard album cover comes with a clear plastic protector. This is listed as a Monaural recording - CL 2093, and will play on the "phonograph of your choice, new or old" (so says the liner notes).  <>History: I Am The Greatest is a spoken word album by the very young boxer from Louisville, Kentucky, Cassius Clay. The "live" recording was released in August, 1963 - six months before he won the world heavyweight championship versus Sonny Liston. Clay then announced his conversion to Islam, and changed his name (and history!) to Muhammad Ali. This "spoken word" and extremely entertaining and humorous record album was released by CBS Columbia. The album helped establish Clay's reputation as an eloquently poetic "trash talker" (quite possibly the first sports trash talker ever!). The liner notes on back of album cover were written by American poet Marianne Moore. The album idea had been proposed to Clay by the William Morris Agency, and the recording was conducted at Columbia Records New York City studio before an audience of 200 people. <>Condition: the record plays through just fine, with minor crackles typical of old vinyl. There are NO skips on either side! The inner paper sleeve shows edge tears of varying degrees at top (see scan), along with a small two inch split at the bottom. The cardboard record sleeve is solid, showing only minor scuffs and corner bumps/wear (NO splits!). The red labels on the vinyl are in fine shape with minimal age/handling faults! Please check my eBay feedback and Bid With Confidence - I have Happy Customers with over 5,000 items sold! >Please Read BEFORE Bidding (you may be at a disadvantage if you don't):  >Will ship safely & securely via Media Mail for $4.00. International shipping may be more. I do offer honest descriptions, friendly service and quick shipping (usually within 24 hrs. of cleared payment received). I gladly combine shipping to save you money! Have a question? Don't hesitate to drop me an email as I am a "Buyer-Friendly" seller! Serious bidders only, please (I report non-paying bidders to eBay). <>I send out invoices promptly, and prefer payment after you receive the invoice (if you don't hear from me, please check your spam folder). *Good Luck* in the Auction!!! (...and please 'click' onto SELLER'S OTHER ITEMS above, for more classic collectibles and oLdE sTuFf!!).