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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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SEPTEMBER 22, 2008 (NASHVILLE, TN) – Nashville songwriter and aspiring country artist Dustin James had the opportunity of a lifetime when the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky asked James to sing his Ali-inspired original composition “It Ain’t Braggin (If You Can Back It Up)” for the man himself. James honored boxing legend, humanitarian and global icon Muhammad Ali on September 18 as part of the Muhammad Ali Welcome Celebration to kick-off the 2008 Ryder Cup golf tournament in Muhammad’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. |
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“The whole thing was just amazing and sort of surreal. I remember looking back over my shoulder during the second verse and seeing Mr. Ali leaning forward in his seat, grinning over at me and really getting into the tune. How do you describe the feeling from something like that?” says James. “I’ll be telling this story to my great-grandkids.” |
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The Ali Center invited James to perform “It Ain’t Braggin” as a surprise for Muhammad and Lonnie Ali after hearing the song and conceiving the idea as a unique and meaningful way to publically honor the champion’s life and legacy. James was inspired to write the song after a visit to the Muhammad Ali Center. |
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In addition to the Alis, the other attending dignitaries included Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister of Wales; Louisville Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson; and Jonathan Blum, Chair and Greg Roberts, President/CEO of the Ali Center. |
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The community celebration was held at the Muhammad Ali Center Plaza in downtown Louisville and welcomed over 300 national and international visitors, including several representatives of both US and international media outlets, including USA Today, BBC Sport (UK), The Toronto Star (Canada), The Independent (Ireland), and many more. ###
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