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Lot # 148: 1969 Cassius Clay aka Muhammad Ali "Buck White" Rare Theater Poster by Mozelle Thompson (One of Two Known)

Starting Bid: $300.00

Bids: 2 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed

Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Fall 2016",
which ran from 9/21/2016 12:00 AM to
10/28/2016 9:00 PM



One of only two we have seen in 40+ years, this poster is from Buck White, the short-lived 1969 Broadway show that closed after only seven performances. Ali moved into this unsuccessful and ironic musical theater role as a slave simply because he needed the money after being stripped of the title and having his boxing license taken away. Ali refused military service during the Vietnam War era and took his fight to avoid imprisonment all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The Champ famously won that fight, his greatest victory. Thrilling graphics are courtesy of important African-American artist Mozelle Thompson (1927-1969). This Pittsburgh artist's work has had a huge revival of late and he is noted for his 80 album covers, book jackets (Shaft 1st edition) and now this poster. The huge "Cassius Clay" headline is surprising after all those years as Muhammad Ali and with Ali seemingly having some control in the starring role. There is an original circular stamp on the verso, "Bill Posters & Distributors, Union Label." It measures 14x22" and has a small crease, otherwise NRMT, making this the finest specimen we know of.

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