LINER011 F Context. Comedians often imitate..and he's talking about 50 years ago. Ali could laugh at himself and welcome Crystal as a close and lasting friend. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Imitation is a
Billy's impression of Ali has the audience laughing, not at Billy himself, but at Billy's perfect ability to emulate Ali's poetic humor, making Billy so invisible that you actually think you're laughing at Ali. That is extraordinary talent!
It is extraordinary talent as you put it, and Billy actually became "invisible" as you also put it. That was "quite literally" Muhammad Ali on the stage, not Billy Crystal. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 27th December 2023.
@@MundiaKamau At Ali's funeral tribute, Billy Crystal said: "....it is one of my favorite performances that I have ever done in my life, I sort of got lost in him and didn't even know where I was at the end of the performance".
One of the most brilliant pieces of work. Who is still admiring this in 2020? I hope that I get to meet Billy Crystal one of these days. Just for the sake of respect for his body of work. Especially this. I truly hope that I get thechance to meet him.
Yes, yes, yes!!! It's mid-2022, and am so delighted that I get to watch this great tribute of a talented actor/comedian Billy Crystal to the Greatest Muhammad Ali. Both great men in their own right. Awesome!!!👏🤗
I was really surprised I have to say. Knew nothing of his relationship with Ali or of his ability from early days to do stand up and impressions. Back in the 70s there were some really good people doing impressions (Mike Yarwood is one name here in the UK that springs to mind), it was popular and you even had whole TV shows based around impressionists. Crystal put in a really good performance. As always it is a lot tougher to do when whoever you are impersonating is sitting right in front of you!
While many people know about Billy Crystal's friendship with Ali, it is worth mentioning that when Crystal was in high school, he played pick up basketball games with a high school mate called Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They remain friends to this day. Crystal's family ran a jazz store that produced and sold records of great artistes, including Louis Armstrong. Crystal's mother once told Armstrong, "Louis, it's okay. you can spit it out." You know where he gets his humor from! I encourage everyone to read Crystal's autobiography, 'Still Fooling' em'
Learned about him playing with Kareem and his jazz roots in the book 700 Sundays. Currently reading Still Foolin’ ‘Em and learning soooo much more about Billy! It’s such a good book, I’m only 60 pages in right now but I am thoroughly enjoying it.
It's seeing Ali's reaction that makes it so much sweeter. Check out Billy's speech at Ali's funeral and you get a greater appreciation for the bond between those two.
Ali's reaction is so good .. makes this a masterpiece. Billy is a legend. Why isn't he appreciated more? Such talent is rare these days. Billy mustve been nervous but he never faltered .. his comedic genius is breathtaking!! And I'm so happy that Ali was right there to see it .. to know how much we loved him .. RIP Champ!!
I cried with happiness and laughter. I guess I am getting old at 50 but no one will ever pay a tribute as Billy Crystal did. Ali the greatest sportsman that ever lived. Trust me no one will ever match up to Ali. You know why? Cuz it's 2022 and we live in a horrible world. God bless you Ali. What a massive inspiration to all people Ali was.
Ali held anti-all-white beliefs which make me consider him a racist. Don't get me wrong, he's a hero. Not because he was a racist lmao, but because, yes, he did stand up for he believed in. He caused chaos, conflict. Even if he wasn't right, he prompted discussion using his ol' American freedom of speech. Through that conflict came growth and a societal paradigm shift to the point where we can now assume that a random person on the street is not racist. But don't glamorize the past. Problems exist in all eras, the 70s were not a period where everyone was somehow morally superior. Change is being made, and more problems keep coming up, but it's not a horrible world, it's a beautiful one we are lucky to be part of. And you're right, this is a great video, personally, I think it's the greatest on TH-cam. But still don't lose hope. If you want to find good in the world, you can. And in fact, thanks to 2019 (2020) and TH-cam, it's not that "Ali was" an inspiration, he still is one. If you want to say, well people are greedier now, or they care only about money and politics and drugs, I would say we as a species have always been the same - we want the same things, we have the same desires. Just the backdrop we've all been born into is different. I will say that I do think that technology has changed us, but that's more psychology than it is the devil. I know you specifically didn't crucify the present day that much, but your comments felt like they were part of the larger common attitude that is taken by people high on nostalgia.
Billy Crystal 15 rounds is A MASTER PIECE...Mohammad Ali was A FIGHTER in & Out of The Ring...He Fought Opponents & Oppression...Grreatest Boxer of All Time..GOD BLESS You.
He fought for common sense. Now oppressed become opressors while those who oppressed from beginning hide outside radar. Like in war rulers don't fight only the ruled fight and die. Name of the game
Oh how did we go from such a noble way of thinking from sone one who did it - to a world of Woke where our young need safe spaces and judge them selves by the colour of their skin.
Over the years I've watched this at least 10 times. Ali and Billy were good friends. I've never seen a better tribute. Billy Crystal's impressions of both Ali and Howard Cosell were immaculate. Btw there was a closeness between Ali and Howard that was very noticeable. A friendship which grew stronger as each year passed. Watching Ali in the background; I seriously doubt he ever laughed as hard or as much in such a short amount of time. The "Rocky" sound track playing at it concluded was sublime. Billy's words and emotions did justice to the great Muhammad Ali and on a level so high I doubt it will ever be matched. One has to wonder just how much effort Billy put into this. I'm sure it was monumental. Everything had to be perfect. I can only imagine how Ali felt. Billy showed so much admiration and respect for his improbable and extraordinary friend, especially so as he ended this impeccable and inspirational homage.
An impeccable tribute it is indeed, and Billy put a lot of work into it, as you also put it. You mention the friendship between Howard Cosell and Muhammad Ali, which I've heard was very good, so much so that Cosell regularly jokingly used the N word on Ali without Ali minding it one bit. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 27th December 2023.
Well written, both of you. Also Billy’s touching eulogy at Ali’s funeral. It was heartfelt, passionate, and you got the real sense of their close relationship and friendship. The Champ is gone but certainly not forgotten, and to bring this full circle, I’m watching Billy receive his Kennedy Center Honor right now. RIP Champ.
Nah, it was before this a few years, when Crystal did his Kosell/Ali interview sketch and was introduced as Ali's best friend (they'd never met at that stage) Ali came up after it. gave Crystal a bear hug, and said 'you are my little brother'. I just watched Crystal telling the story.
YEAH DAMN! HE WAS IN IT. He went through the whole thing without really even a hiccup... very awesome, especially because it's in front of all those people, including the person he's imitating.. most people take a brake for a few seconds, with the audience, but he kept going... no wonder Billy said he was on another level, watching himself, doesn't even know he did it.
Ali and Crystal had a long beautiful friendship,.. Ali referred to Crystal as "My Little Brother" and Crystal to Ali as "My Big Brother" ;) -- I have met many famous people, but in general they did not struck me as anything but ordinary people with fame attached to them. When I was a young teen I did meet Mohammed Ali and it was memorable because it was like being struck by a lighting bolt he had so much charisma and charm -- everyone in the room was in awe because it was like the sun had just walked into the room and everyone felt overwhelm by the human warmth he had and how he just shined!!! I never will forget it -- I have never in my 40-years since that day encountered a human with more charisma or shine than him -- a beautiful soul! God bless him and his very special and loverly family, as well. May he RIP. The Greatest -- indeed!
By chance, I saw BC at Ali's funeral on U tube. The date 9.23.22. I'm 78, and have never seen the funeral speech. Then 15 rounds came on. Tears of laughter in my eyes. Yes, I watched as many of Ali's fights as I could. To all of us then and now, he will always be the CHAMPION.
I'm of an age where I remember Ali at his pomp in the 70's. One of the greatest human beings ever to grace this earth. I feel so privileged to have lived at the same time as Ali !
@@llwyde1104 We'll have to agree to disagree, which is ok 🙂. The so called "fight of the Century, the rumble in the jungle, thrilla in Manilla were all in the 70's and are what most people would recognise Ali for. The 60's were mired (IMO) by his stripping of the title. He didn't fight for a large part of the 60's, so for me the 70's were his pomp but it's fine if you believe the 60's were too 😏
@@Nite-owl as a boxer...re watch the great Ali...what made him different. The movement, the speed. Lots of boxers can do the epic and courageous but only Ali could do...'Ali' !!!
Had to watch this...AGAIN ! Sheer genius from Billy Crystal...not only brilliant entertainment, but, a powerful piece of inspiration !! God bless Muhammad Ali and Billy !
Mr. Crystal looked so young. He did an awesome joke that started their 40 years friendship. Afterwards, Mr. Ali hugged him and said "you're my little brother..." Classic...
I'm from Bangladesh🇧🇩 and my grandmother saw Muhammad Ali up close and we will never forget how he treated us as a nation while America was calling us a bottomless basket . Muhammad Ali said, “If you want to go to heaven, come to Bangladesh,” And also He has another famous quote regarding Bangladesh - “If I get kicked out of America, I have another home.” To men like Ali who don't come often, you are too precious for this world.
Yep! ....and now it's time to take on the Fight against Climate Change. Ever heard of the Darwin award?...we are in the running...have to wake up!! Fight!...like Muhammad...with fierce intelligence.
I love the little square in the corner...........the video of Ali watching him doing the whole thing, and just LOVING it. This is the truest example of "Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of Flattery".......
Muhammad Ali is the Great of All Time for his ability to speak and express himself so eloquently, the way that he carried himself, the way he treated others, standing up for his beliefs despite the consequences, the manner which he addressed adversity in his boxing career. The world has lost a great man.
SO VERY WELL DONE from a comic genius who knew both the man and the legend. It's been a very difficult year for Mr. Crystal - with the loss of his dearest friend, Robin Williams, and now Ali. And yet he was able to rise up on both occasions, and open a door for all of us so that we could catch a glimpse of two special people that he called friend. And when he's not making us laugh, he is working for justice and peace in this world. I'm sure that wherever Mohammed Ali is, he is laughing at his "little brother". God Bless, Billy.
Canuckmom1958 I literally have tears running down my face. Muhammad Ali was my hero, and still today is! He inspired me to start boxing at age 13. I have met him personally on 3 occasions and took pictures with him that I still have today and cherish. May Allah grant you Paradise.
Didn't realise Billy had such a long friendship with Ali. His eulogy at the funeral, as well as being funny, was also very thought provoking. What a great thing Billy did to remind us of Ali's greatness outside of the ring.
That was a great tribute to a great fighter…Ail and Billy did become friends, I remember a story that Billy told how a certain club didn’t allow his kind when Ali asked him to go running with him at this club, Muhammad said “if they won’t let you in little man, it looks like I won’t be coming here no more either” that’s a friend.
Brilliant piece of work.....I cried and laughed. What a tribute to the greatest boxer ...who ever lived.And Ali...at the time loved the tribute...you could see it on his face.Thank you Mr. Crystal...For a performance that will stand the test of time....❤
Man. An amazing tribute by Billy Crystal. What`s happened to our heroes??? Where are the greats to be had today?!? Why do our young lose themselves in ecstasy, crack, ice, meth, coke and all manner of bull sh*t? There`s just so much beauty and joy to be had in this world. So much you can achieve. You lived by example. Rest in peace Muhammad Ali.
This is one of the best pieces of ART, I've ever seen. Beautiful........to do this, amount of practise that he must have gone through. His genuine love for Ali, shows.
@@j.h.lowery7934 I have no doubt and completely agree. Billy Crystal is magnificent. I haven't seen 700 Sundays but would love to. My understanding is that it was only a live performance that he no longer does on tour, so how can we see it?
Billy Crystal has two of the most profound examples of honoring someone you will ever see and they are both aimed at the same person. Speaks volumes...
Watching Ali's funeral and it is so moving. He was, in my opinion, one of, if not THE greatest of all time. I remember watching him fight as a kid and he was an inspiration to me. May he rest in peace.
I just watched this marvellous tribute of Ali by Billy Crystal. It was just great .Feels like watching continuously. Never would get bored Feels like watching
You ARE the greatest of allll times, Billy Crystal. Your performance is simply BEYOND MORTAL. Inspired by a higher power obviously. Beyond awesome. I loved Ali. I was soooooo grateful to have lived through the divinely inspired career of young Cassius Marcellus Clay . WHO could have made up or dreamed up Ali but God? A freak of athleticism, also beautiful, also graced with a soothingly poetic voice and mesmerizing charismatic power of speech. Billy Crystal, you made my old eyes cry. I am soooo delighted that the lightening in a bottle that was Ali lives in your voice and soul. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You ARE the badest….of ALL times.
Guy ... You mentioned an important attribute that Ali had that gets overlooked; the sound of his speaking voice. Billy Crystal understood and copied it perfectly. Ali would be remembered differently in a way, if his voice had not been as unique as it was. A little southern flavor, but distinct in his syntax. Almost childlike, but so very penetrating. He definitely knew what presence that his voice had, and from the time he said - after the firsy Liston fight, "I'm a baaaad man", we knew it was true.
inspired by a higher power "obviously" ? really man. do you have to assume that anyone with a hard-earned ability is simply given it by some higher power, when the more obvious answer is that they have a certain lucky drawing of genes, the right upbringing, and the persistence and hard work necessary to pull off this kind of human achievement? both Billy and Muhammad may have been "inspired" to greatness because of their faith, but that is merely one aspect of humanity. one part of their brain. and it took all aspects of their brains and body to do what they have done. the higher power you talk about is not "obvious" and it is not the defining reason for their success. God is our creation. he does not exist except in our imagination. and a thing of imagination did not make up or dream up Ali. Ali is not a freak. there have been many athletes of his caliber, and many of them above his caliber, and there will continue to be so. he simply did more with his talent and work ethic, and that is what stands out. there are so many false assumptions and such lack of critical thought in your admiration for these two human beings and it's just so insulting when you attribute it all to a fictional idea that was also created by human beings a long time ago. please stop acting like a child who can't think for themselves and can only repeat what their parents told them to say.
What an incredible performance by Billy Crystal!!! My goodness gracious what an absolute epic moment forever embedded in boxing's greatest history and achievements of all time!!! Will never ever get old!!! How beautiful it must have been for Muhammad Ali there. What a champion and great tribute!!!✨
One legend complementing another legend. Both are truly inspiring men. I could watch this over and over and never get tired of it. R.I.P. Muhammad. Your truly was the greatest of all time.
I cried the morning I awoke and heard the Greatest passed. I just saw this on ABC News a minute ago and just could not hold it back.. It's such a beautiful tribute to The Greatest and all of us who go through life facing its trials and tribulations. I pray that God gives his family comfort. RIP my hero .
It's never too late to start all over again. NEVER forget that, and you'll never forget me... Damn Ali just spewed beautiful timeless quotes off the cuff. Such a beautiful mind heart and soul
Ali. forever the Greatest Heavyweight Champ of all time! I witnessed him light the 96' Olympic Torch in Atlanta & will never forget it! Rest In Peace Champ!
I feel blessed to have met Ali and made him smile and give me an unrequested, personalized autographed copy of something of his...and to have watched many of his fights as C. Clay...and M. Ali ...and feel such happiness to have just now, finally seen this awesome tribute by the brilliant Billy Crystal...after watching his amazing tribute to Ali at his funeral (also here on TH-cam...equally unbelievable)!!!
![อาจารย์ยอด : ลุงแว่วเล่าเรื่องผี [ผี]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Fd2Qsy4dqpM/mqdefault.jpg)
Fixed Audio:
th-cam.com/video/XSB7qGzOk_c/w-d-xo.html
John D'Ark 1
IT is racist when Crystal mocks Ali's voice...... these vid's must all be banned.
LINER011 F Context. Comedians often imitate..and he's talking about 50 years ago. Ali could laugh at himself and welcome Crystal as a close and lasting friend.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Imitation is a
Shaken not stirred you go join your grandmother in hell
That one has no audio for me?
Billy's impression of Ali has the audience laughing, not at Billy himself, but at Billy's perfect ability to emulate Ali's poetic humor, making Billy so invisible that you actually think you're laughing at Ali. That is extraordinary talent!
It is extraordinary talent as you put it, and Billy actually became "invisible" as you also put it. That was "quite literally" Muhammad Ali on the stage, not Billy Crystal. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 27th December 2023.
@@MundiaKamau At Ali's funeral tribute, Billy Crystal said: "....it is one of my favorite performances that I have ever done in my life, I sort of got lost in him and didn't even know where I was at the end of the performance".
Such Talent🧡
One of the most brilliant pieces of work. Who is still admiring this in 2020? I hope that I get to meet Billy Crystal one of these days. Just for the sake of respect for his body of work. Especially this. I truly hope that I get thechance to meet him.
🙋🏾♀️
Here.
Me
Well, I have a newfound respect for Mr. Billy Crystal, damn!
And this tribute to Ali? Amazing, I never heard about this before and I'm 44.
Me
Still to this day , one of the greatest monologues ever performed
True.
"Little brother, you made my life a little better than it was"
"But then, didn't he make all our lives a little better than they were?"
Billy Crystal's eulogy at the Muhammad Ali funeral brought me here
Me Too, I never new he did this before the funeral, but I Just saw genuine friendship at it's finest!!!
@@justmyobservation8681 me too! I just watched the Billy's eulogy. I never knew what great love and respect they had for each other.
No one gives a shit about what brought you here.
Me also
Me too.
Who's watching it the first time? A man with a master piece of another man... an expression of real talent and great friendship ...
well, I just did it today. 8/7/2022. It is rather late than never.
@@HiFilover168 My first time ---- 8/19/2022
My first time 9/2/22. So great. Watch B Crystals tribute at Ali’s funeral. Also wonderful.
@@pamelarosenblum835 Thanks for this .....
First here, it's 9/11/2022. This was beautiful
Most beautiful tribute I've ever, ever seen. RIP Ali
Was beautiful!
Billy's funeral euolgy..... better.....
He did a final tribute at Mohammed Ali's funeral. Very touching from his "little brother".
will someone hand him the Oscar for this please … he got me at the end …goosebumps everywhere
Billy indeed deserves an Oscar for his outstanding tribute to Ali above. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 27th December 2023.
"It's never too late to start all over again" -greatest message of all time
You should be the top vote getter. This is the real message. Thank you
Yes, yes, yes!!! It's mid-2022, and am so delighted that I get to watch this great tribute of a talented actor/comedian Billy Crystal to the Greatest Muhammad Ali. Both great men in their own right. Awesome!!!👏🤗
Exactly!!!
Billy Crystal himself brought me here when he mentioned this at the funeral service. And I'm not disappointed. This was excellent.
lagerbeer1974 same here! Awesome
Same here. Wonderful to watch that I've first then this.
Same. Here.. I did felt the length of these 2 speeches they flew pretty light into my ears
same here. just excellent
I was really surprised I have to say. Knew nothing of his relationship with Ali or of his ability from early days to do stand up and impressions. Back in the 70s there were some really good people doing impressions (Mike Yarwood is one name here in the UK that springs to mind), it was popular and you even had whole TV shows based around impressionists. Crystal put in a really good performance. As always it is a lot tougher to do when whoever you are impersonating is sitting right in front of you!
While many people know about Billy Crystal's friendship with Ali, it is worth mentioning that when Crystal was in high school, he played pick up basketball games with a high school mate called Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They remain friends to this day.
Crystal's family ran a jazz store that produced and sold records of great artistes, including Louis Armstrong. Crystal's mother once told Armstrong, "Louis, it's okay. you can spit it out." You know where he gets his humor from!
I encourage everyone to read Crystal's autobiography, 'Still Fooling' em'
Learned about him playing with Kareem and his jazz roots in the book 700 Sundays. Currently reading Still Foolin’ ‘Em and learning soooo much more about Billy! It’s such a good book, I’m only 60 pages in right now but I am thoroughly enjoying it.
Watch his tribute at Ali's funeral. Amazing!
The idea of Billy Crystal playing against Kareem is so incredibly funny.
That was sooo brilliant and mesmerizing by Billy Crystal! You can tell how much he admires and respects Ali.
I can't believe I've went my entire life without seeing this!
You made it
>I can't believe I've went my entire life without seeing this
+1 (also....)
viva youtube!
Me too I just watched it. This is a masterpiece.
Because it was uploaded by Billy just before/after Ali's demise.
I've just experienced the same emotion these last 12 minutes, having come straight here from Billy's eulogy to "The Greatest".
This is amazing!! whose here in 2019?
That Rocky music though...
I am !!
@@osman151
Ha ha 2025. Great tribute by Billy. They had a special friendship.
15 October 2019
October 17,2019 fo me
The smile on Ali face is priceless. 💯 Rest in Power King Ali.
The most briljant, genius act i have ever witnessed in my 60 years of life! Nobody on this planet has done something like this... ever!!
He is indeed.
Grrr
It's seeing Ali's reaction that makes it so much sweeter. Check out Billy's speech at Ali's funeral and you get a greater appreciation for the bond between those two.
Brothers for life................. no matter what the skin color or believes. Mutual Respect.
Billy's speech at the funeral brought me here..
Ali's reaction is so good .. makes this a masterpiece. Billy is a legend. Why isn't he appreciated more? Such talent is rare these days. Billy mustve been nervous but he never faltered .. his comedic genius is breathtaking!! And I'm so happy that Ali was right there to see it .. to know how much we loved him .. RIP Champ!!
2021
Yes, it was Beautiful
I cried with happiness and laughter. I guess I am getting old at 50 but no one will ever pay a tribute as Billy Crystal did. Ali the greatest sportsman that ever lived. Trust me no one will ever match up to Ali. You know why? Cuz it's 2022 and we live in a horrible world. God bless you Ali. What a massive inspiration to all people Ali was.
Kid mentality humorous athletic and humanitarian of world
Gut tallent
. I'm
Amen to that brother.
" Cuz it's 2019 and we live in a horrible world." 2020 - "Hold My Beer".
Ali held anti-all-white beliefs which make me consider him a racist. Don't get me wrong, he's a hero. Not because he was a racist lmao, but because, yes, he did stand up for he believed in. He caused chaos, conflict. Even if he wasn't right, he prompted discussion using his ol' American freedom of speech. Through that conflict came growth and a societal paradigm shift to the point where we can now assume that a random person on the street is not racist. But don't glamorize the past. Problems exist in all eras, the 70s were not a period where everyone was somehow morally superior. Change is being made, and more problems keep coming up, but it's not a horrible world, it's a beautiful one we are lucky to be part of. And you're right, this is a great video, personally, I think it's the greatest on TH-cam. But still don't lose hope. If you want to find good in the world, you can. And in fact, thanks to 2019 (2020) and TH-cam, it's not that "Ali was" an inspiration, he still is one.
If you want to say, well people are greedier now, or they care only about money and politics and drugs, I would say we as a species have always been the same - we want the same things, we have the same desires. Just the backdrop we've all been born into is different. I will say that I do think that technology has changed us, but that's more psychology than it is the devil.
I know you specifically didn't crucify the present day that much, but your comments felt like they were part of the larger common attitude that is taken by people high on nostalgia.
I was at this event. I was 14 years old. A lot of tears that night. What a memory.
Billy Crystal 15 rounds is A MASTER PIECE...Mohammad Ali was A FIGHTER in & Out of The Ring...He Fought Opponents & Oppression...Grreatest Boxer of All Time..GOD BLESS You.
He fought for common sense. Now oppressed become opressors while those who oppressed from beginning hide outside radar. Like in war rulers don't fight only the ruled fight and die. Name of the game
@@szymonbaranowski8184 Exactly. Rich man's War, poor man's fight.
Hello,how are you doing,?
"Everyone suffers a loss in life it is the one who overcomes his loss and makes a success of himself that is doing something."-Muhammad Ali
Beautiful.
Just the words I needed to hear.
Oh how did we go from such a noble way of thinking from sone one who did it - to a world of Woke where our young need safe spaces and judge them selves by the colour of their skin.
I had to watch this after his touching tribute at his Funeral. I've been crying all day.
Me too
+oneraceonedestiny What is wrong with you man?
im still crying its sad to say goodbye
he was bigger than life
so site
Yes he was...
I cried tears of joy when I seen this.Billy Crystal hands down the best
Over the years I've watched this at least 10 times. Ali and Billy were good friends. I've never seen a better tribute. Billy Crystal's impressions of both Ali and Howard Cosell were immaculate. Btw there was a closeness between Ali and Howard that was very noticeable. A friendship which grew stronger as each year passed. Watching Ali in the background; I seriously doubt he ever laughed as hard or as much in such a short amount of time. The "Rocky" sound track playing at it concluded was sublime. Billy's words and emotions did justice to the great Muhammad Ali and on a level so high I doubt it will ever be matched. One has to wonder just how much effort Billy put into this. I'm sure it was monumental. Everything had to be perfect. I can only imagine how Ali felt. Billy showed so much admiration and respect for his improbable and extraordinary friend, especially so as he ended this impeccable and inspirational homage.
An impeccable tribute it is indeed, and Billy put a lot of work into it, as you also put it. You mention the friendship between Howard Cosell and Muhammad Ali, which I've heard was very good, so much so that Cosell regularly jokingly used the N word on Ali without Ali minding it one bit. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 27th December 2023.
Well written, both of you. Also Billy’s touching eulogy at Ali’s funeral. It was heartfelt, passionate, and you got the real sense of their close relationship and friendship. The Champ is gone but certainly not forgotten, and to bring this full circle, I’m watching Billy receive his Kennedy Center Honor right now. RIP Champ.
@@brettlanglois8769Thanks Brett.
After this Ali forever called Billy Crystal his "little brother."...
True that?
Nah, it was before this a few years, when Crystal did his Kosell/Ali interview sketch and was introduced as Ali's best friend (they'd never met at that stage) Ali came up after it. gave Crystal a bear hug, and said 'you are my little brother'.
I just watched Crystal telling the story.
Not after this. He called him "you are my little brother" long back, 1st time they met.
Listen to Billy's speech on his funeral
look at the joy on Ali's face
Did you see how pumped up Ali got when Billy was talking about regaining that title???
Billy’s impressions of Ali were the Greatest of All Time!!!
YEAH DAMN! HE WAS IN IT. He went through the whole thing without really even a hiccup... very awesome, especially because it's in front of all those people, including the person he's imitating.. most people take a brake for a few seconds, with the audience, but he kept going... no wonder Billy said he was on another level, watching himself, doesn't even know he did it.
Ali and Crystal had a long beautiful friendship,.. Ali referred to Crystal as "My Little Brother" and Crystal to Ali as "My Big Brother" ;) -- I have met many famous people, but in general they did not struck me as anything but ordinary people with fame attached to them. When I was a young teen I did meet Mohammed Ali and it was memorable because it was like being struck by a lighting bolt he had so much charisma and charm -- everyone in the room was in awe because it was like the sun had just walked into the room and everyone felt overwhelm by the human warmth he had and how he just shined!!! I never will forget it -- I have never in my 40-years since that day encountered a human with more charisma or shine than him -- a beautiful soul! God bless him and his very special and loverly family, as well. May he RIP. The Greatest -- indeed!
seems like you took a lot of things out of Billy's speech at Ali's memorial service and passed it off as your own memory
Steve Beimler, you, Sir, just posted a beautiful tribute to Ali yourself! From all accounts, he was a beautiful soul! Much respect!!!
His eulogy at Ali's service was the most heartwarming of any guest.
The absolute brilliance and skill in this piece is unbelievable
By chance, I saw BC at Ali's funeral on U tube. The date 9.23.22. I'm 78, and have never seen the funeral speech. Then 15 rounds came on. Tears of laughter in my eyes. Yes, I watched as many of Ali's fights as I could. To all of us then and now, he will always be the CHAMPION.
I got here the same way. Just a month later. 08.09.22 🤣🤣🤣🤣. Greatest in the world!
Billy crystal is a genius !
👍🏾❤️
He absolutely is..... it was funny, sad , introspective all rolled into one
I'm of an age where I remember Ali at his pomp in the 70's. One of the greatest human beings ever to grace this earth. I feel so privileged to have lived at the same time as Ali !
🌷🌷
His courage was seen in the 70s...his boxing pomp was in the 60s.
@@llwyde1104 We'll have to agree to disagree, which is ok 🙂. The so called "fight of the Century, the rumble in the jungle, thrilla in Manilla were all in the 70's and are what most people would recognise Ali for. The 60's were mired (IMO) by his stripping of the title. He didn't fight for a large part of the 60's, so for me the 70's were his pomp but it's fine if you believe the 60's were too 😏
@@Nite-owl as a boxer...re watch the great Ali...what made him different. The movement, the speed. Lots of boxers can do the epic and courageous but only Ali could do...'Ali' !!!
Me too!!!
Had to watch this...AGAIN ! Sheer genius from Billy Crystal...not only brilliant entertainment, but, a powerful piece of inspiration !! God bless Muhammad Ali and Billy !
Mr. Crystal looked so young. He did an awesome joke that started their 40 years friendship. Afterwards, Mr. Ali hugged him and said "you're my little brother..." Classic...
Hello Jackie, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the Virus??
@@user-tv1xj5ji6x🤡
I'm from Bangladesh🇧🇩 and my grandmother saw Muhammad Ali up close and we will never forget how he treated us as a nation while America was calling us a bottomless basket . Muhammad Ali said, “If you want to go to heaven, come to Bangladesh,”
And also He has another famous quote regarding Bangladesh - “If I get kicked out of America, I have another home.”
To men like Ali who don't come often, you are too precious for this world.
He is the greatest
Relax
If you ever need motivation in life you got Muhammad Ali, he will always be there to remind you that nothing is impossible.
true
true, he even encouraged Billy to "stay in the ring" fans cheering. he is truly great man and a good hearted creature.
"If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it, I can achieve it." - Muhammad Ali
Good, that means I can conquer the world.
Precise i want to grow to 6'3
Amazing tribute to truly "The Greatest!"
Billy Crystal hit it out of the park like nobody ever did. Best bit "EVER"
Two incredibly talented men. How lucky we are to have lived in their time.
I agree with you.
Yep! ....and now it's time to take on the Fight against Climate Change.
Ever heard of the Darwin award?...we are in the running...have to wake up!!
Fight!...like Muhammad...with fierce intelligence.
Soo lucky
Indeed.
indeed
Seeing Ali laughing made my day. RIP Champ.
"Every head must bow, every tongue must confess, Muhammad Ali is the greatest boxer ever" - Mike Tyson.
August 2022 and still this gives me goosebumps. The greatest tribute of all time
I love the little square in the corner...........the video of Ali watching him doing the whole thing, and just LOVING it. This is the truest example of "Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of Flattery".......
agreed!
Muhammad Ali is the Great of All Time for his ability to speak and express himself so eloquently, the way that he carried himself, the way he treated others, standing up for his beliefs despite the consequences, the manner which he addressed adversity in his boxing career. The world has lost a great man.
3 and 1/2 year exile, passport revoked and he was never bitter
Fantastic performance, Billy! Academy Award winning stuff!
This was the start of a long, enduring friendship.
I love how the piano in the background plays the Rocky theme
Yea Rocky some more make believe Bullshit.
that was truly phenomenal.
wake up bitch
863 florida
?
Perfect. Billy Crystal's finest work.
One of the greatest moments in television history 🙌...Billy Crystal impression was just unbelievably outstanding 👏
Had to run here after watching Billy Crystal's tribute. Just Brilliant. I mean Awesomely Brilliant
Billy Crystal is a beast
Wow! First time I ever saw this. What an amazing tribute from a first-class professional to a living legend! Ali 4ever!
Hello Dear, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the Virus??
That was Poetry and a true Ttibute to the Greatest of all Time!!
"You my little brother."
SO VERY WELL DONE from a comic genius who knew both the man and the legend. It's been a very difficult year for Mr. Crystal - with the loss of his dearest friend, Robin Williams, and now Ali. And yet he was able to rise up on both occasions, and open a door for all of us so that we could catch a glimpse of two special people that he called friend. And when he's not making us laugh, he is working for justice and peace in this world. I'm sure that wherever Mohammed Ali is, he is laughing at his "little brother". God Bless, Billy.
He has lost more than these two people.
If he ever retires, he should consider becoming either become a pulpit rabbi or funeral director.
Anyone know the piano song at 8:30?
It's the Theme from the movie "Rocky".
I know it's difficult to recognize it in this stripped-down acoustic piano version, but that's what it is.....
great i love billy
Canuckmom1958 I literally have tears running down my face. Muhammad Ali was my hero, and still today is! He inspired me to start boxing at age 13. I have met him personally on 3 occasions and took pictures with him that I still have today and cherish. May Allah grant you Paradise.
Muhammad Ali's reactions are priceless... RIP you beautiful soul !! The world misses you....a lot!
This was MASTERFUL!!! So glad Billy mentioned this at Ali’s funeral which was also just as timeless.
Didn't realise Billy had such a long friendship with Ali. His eulogy at the funeral, as well as being funny, was also very thought provoking. What a great thing Billy did to remind us of Ali's greatness outside of the ring.
How do you know you've done something extraordinary in your lifetime? You get a standing ovation from Muhammad Ali....
Shut your mouth you lying liberal
Anyone else choked up? This is a biographical tribute. Watching Billy is great. But watching Alis reaction. It's just a great moment. Very moving
Wow...never knew about this until I watched the tribute at Muhammed Ali’s funeral by Billy Crystal a few minutes ago. Awesome tribute.
Ali was the greatest. America could use him now. Billy Crystal is the best comedian ever
@Harry Cunth Tyson the greatest cocaine consumer of all time, Ali pure energy and skills no substance needed.
@Harry Cunth often imitated never duplicated while Tyson was just a stronger floyd patterson.
What a great performance by Billy Crystal, capturing the essence of Muhammad Ali.
What a treasure this video is. Billy was on fire.
hands down, still the best tribute to anyone I have ever seen. Long Live ALI!!!
Love Billy Crystal, a genius in his craft
Look up 500 Hours with my father and be surprised of this man's talent.
Rudolf Trost I will-Thank you
@@nlight101 how are you doing today my name is Bryan cooker
watching the funeral and listening to Billy Crystal speak so eloquently on Muhammad. BEAUTIFUL
That was a great tribute to a great fighter…Ail and Billy did become friends, I remember a story that Billy told how a certain club didn’t allow his kind when Ali asked him to go running with him at this club, Muhammad said “if they won’t let you in little man, it looks like I won’t be coming here no more either” that’s a friend.
Brilliant piece of work.....I cried and laughed. What a tribute to the greatest boxer ...who ever lived.And Ali...at the time loved the tribute...you could see it on his face.Thank you Mr. Crystal...For a performance that will stand the test of time....❤
This is what Billy was talking about that the Funeral.
Ali is the Greatest and the BEST
Man. An amazing tribute by Billy Crystal. What`s happened to our heroes??? Where are the greats to be had today?!? Why do our young lose themselves in ecstasy, crack, ice, meth, coke and all manner of bull sh*t? There`s just so much beauty and joy to be had in this world. So much you can achieve. You lived by example. Rest in peace Muhammad Ali.
This is one of the best pieces of ART, I've ever seen. Beautiful........to do this, amount of practise that he must have gone through. His genuine love for Ali, shows.
Yes, I agree. I think that is why it was so good.
Very Good
Go check out his 700 Sundays. Billy Crystal is seriously slept on and he's brillant.
@@j.h.lowery7934 I have no doubt and completely agree. Billy Crystal is magnificent. I haven't seen 700 Sundays but would love to. My understanding is that it was only a live performance that he no longer does on tour, so how can we see it?
@@MsBahbii th-cam.com/video/Xc47bX6g_3s/w-d-xo.html
Those of us who remember the time of The Greatest, Howard Cosell, and the young Billy Crystal were so lucky to have lived in their time.
Billy Crystal has two of the most profound examples of honoring someone you will ever see and they are both aimed at the same person. Speaks volumes...
I looked for this video because of the eulogy....2 legends Ali and crysyal
Same here.
Anyone know the piano song at 8:30?
yep
+Justin Moua it's the Rocky theme song
@@sorellman Cause none of us knew about it until the eulogy. Glad I saw it tho.
WOW. Billy Crystal is incredible.
It´s 2021 and I see this for the first time! A mixture of laughing & goosebumps! From today on Billy is the 2nd greatest to me!
This is one of the greatest things I’ve seen, Rest In Peace Ali. I wish he could’ve stayed alive and healthy forever. What a man.
I have only one word to say: MAGNIFICENT!!!!
Watching Ali's funeral and it is so moving. He was, in my opinion, one of, if not THE greatest of all time. I remember watching him fight as a kid and he was an inspiration to me. May he rest in peace.
This is beautiful..
The best ever..
Thanks Billy..
Muhammad Ali always in our heart..
Outstanding
I just watched this marvellous tribute of Ali by Billy Crystal. It was just great .Feels like watching continuously. Never would get bored
Feels like watching
Phenomenal stuff; love you Billy and Muhammad.
You ARE the greatest of allll times, Billy Crystal. Your performance is simply BEYOND MORTAL. Inspired by a higher power obviously. Beyond awesome. I loved Ali. I was soooooo grateful to have lived through the divinely inspired career of young Cassius Marcellus Clay . WHO could have made up or dreamed up Ali but God? A freak of athleticism, also beautiful, also graced with a soothingly poetic voice and mesmerizing charismatic power of speech. Billy Crystal, you made my old eyes cry. I am soooo delighted that the lightening in a bottle that was Ali lives in your voice and soul. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You ARE the badest….of ALL times.
Guy ... You mentioned an important attribute that Ali had that gets overlooked; the sound of his speaking voice. Billy Crystal understood and copied it perfectly. Ali would be remembered differently in a way, if his voice had not been as unique as it was. A little southern flavor, but distinct in his syntax. Almost childlike, but so very penetrating. He definitely knew what presence that his voice had, and from the time he said - after the firsy Liston fight, "I'm a baaaad man", we knew it was true.
Very true!
inspired by a higher power "obviously" ? really man. do you have to assume that anyone with a hard-earned ability is simply given it by some higher power, when the more obvious answer is that they have a certain lucky drawing of genes, the right upbringing, and the persistence and hard work necessary to pull off this kind of human achievement? both Billy and Muhammad may have been "inspired" to greatness because of their faith, but that is merely one aspect of humanity. one part of their brain. and it took all aspects of their brains and body to do what they have done. the higher power you talk about is not "obvious" and it is not the defining reason for their success. God is our creation. he does not exist except in our imagination. and a thing of imagination did not make up or dream up Ali. Ali is not a freak. there have been many athletes of his caliber, and many of them above his caliber, and there will continue to be so. he simply did more with his talent and work ethic, and that is what stands out. there are so many false assumptions and such lack of critical thought in your admiration for these two human beings and it's just so insulting when you attribute it all to a fictional idea that was also created by human beings a long time ago. please stop acting like a child who can't think for themselves and can only repeat what their parents told them to say.
Ali’s reactions are priceless
Probably the best tribute anyone has ever done captured on recorded media.
What an incredible performance by Billy Crystal!!! My goodness gracious what an absolute epic moment forever embedded in boxing's greatest history and achievements of all time!!! Will never ever get old!!! How beautiful it must have been for Muhammad Ali there. What a champion and great tribute!!!✨
Thank you TH-cam for making it possible for us to see this. Long live the little brother of the king
I just saw the funeral speech after watching it i came and saw this.
Absolutely Brilliant! 😊👍
So do I
One legend complementing another legend. Both are truly inspiring men. I could watch this over and over and never get tired of it.
R.I.P. Muhammad. Your truly was the greatest of all time.
Hello Theresa, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the Virus??
Is a nice one l really love it too,so his are you doing?
Billy is off the charts talented, what a tribute to Ali. Legend honoring another Legend.
I cried the morning I awoke and heard the Greatest passed. I just saw this on ABC News a minute ago and just could not hold it back.. It's such a beautiful tribute to The Greatest and all of us who go through life facing its trials and tribulations. I pray that God gives his family comfort. RIP my hero .
It's never too late to start all over again. NEVER forget that, and you'll never forget me... Damn Ali just spewed beautiful timeless quotes off the cuff. Such a beautiful mind heart and soul
Greatest tribute iv ever seen!!!
You can tell from Ali's expression at the end that he really liked this performance from Billy Crystal.
Billy is so talented. Just watched his tribute at Ali's funeral and now this one. Good job to both of you...RIP
How are you doing today my name is Bryan cooker
Ali. forever the Greatest Heavyweight Champ of all time! I witnessed him light the 96' Olympic Torch in Atlanta & will never forget it! Rest In Peace Champ!
I feel blessed to have met Ali and made him smile and give me an unrequested, personalized autographed copy of something of his...and to have watched many of his fights as C. Clay...and M. Ali ...and feel such happiness to have just now, finally seen this awesome tribute by the brilliant Billy Crystal...after watching his amazing tribute to Ali at his funeral (also here on TH-cam...equally unbelievable)!!!