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Portrait of Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali

b. 1936

American free jazz drummer

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About Muhammad Ali

Born 1936. Muhammad Ali is an American jazz musician.

Muhammad Ali (born Raymond Patterson, December 23, 1936) is an American free jazz drummer.

Early life Ali was born and raised in Philadelphia where he, along with his father and brothers, converted to Islam. His older brother, Rashied Ali, was also a drummer.

Career He recorded with Albert Ayler in 1969 on the sessions released as Music Is the Healing Force of the Universe and The Last Album. Like many Jazz musicians of the 60's, he moved to Europe in 1969 along with Frank Wright, Noah Howard, and Bobby Few.

In October 2006, Ali participated in a concert to celebrate John Coltrane's 80th birthday in his hometown of Philadelphia. Also featured were his brother, pianist Dave Burrell, and bassist Reggie Workman. He also played with alto saxophonist Noah Howard in the summer of 2008. In 2010, he recorded Planetary Unknown in a quartet led by David S. Ware, Ali's first recording in nearly thirty years.

Discography As sideman With Idris Ackamoor, Rashied Al Akbar, and Earl Cross Ascent of the Nether Creatures (NoBusiness, 2014) recorded in 1980

With Albert Ayler Music Is the Healing Force of the Universe (Impulse!, 1969) The Last Album (Impulse!, 1971) Holy Ghost: Rare & Unissued Recordings (1962–70) (Revenant, 2004)

With Hans Dulfer El saxofón (Catfish, 1971)

With Bobby Few More or Less Few (Center of the World, 1973) Rhapsody in Few (Black Lion, 1983)

With Noah Howard The Black Ark (Freedom, 1971) Space Dimension (America, 1971) Live in Europe Vol. 1 (Sun, 1975)

With Steve Lacy Associates (Musica Jazz, 1996)

With Michel Pilz Jamabiko (M.P., 1984)

With Saheb Sarbib Live In Europe Vol 1 (Sasa, 1976) Live In Europe Vol 2 (Marge, 1976)

With Archie Shepp Pitchin Can (America, 1970) Coral Rock (America, 1973) Live At The Festival (Enja, 1975) (one track) Doodlin' (Inner City, 1976)

With Alan Shorter Orgasm (Verve, 1969)

With Alan Silva The Shout - Portrait for a Small Woman (Sun Records, 1979)

With David S. Ware Planetary Unknown (AUM Fidelity, 2011) Live at Jazzfestival Saalfelden 2011 (AUM Fidelity, 2012)

With Frank Wright Your Prayer (ESP-Disk, 1967) One for John (BYG, 1970) Church Number Nine (Odeon, 1971) Center of the World (Center of the World, 1972) Last Polka in Nancy? (Center of the World, 1973) Adieu, Little Man (Center of the World, 1974) For Example - Workshop Freie Musik 1969 - 1978 (FMP, 1978) (one track) The Complete ESP-Disk Recordings (ESP-Disk, 2005) Unity (ESP-Disk, 2006)

With Bobby Zankel Celebrating William Parker @ 65 (Not Two, 2017)

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Also known as
Raymond Patterson

People in Muhammad Ali's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Muhammad Ali's

Frequently asked questions

Who is Muhammad Ali?

American free jazz drummer

When was Muhammad Ali born?

Muhammad Ali was born on 23 December 1936 in Philadelphia.

What is Muhammad Ali's occupation?

Muhammad Ali is a jazz musician.

What nationality is Muhammad Ali?

Muhammad Ali is American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Muhammad Ali

· Wikidata: Q1951824

· DBpedia: Muhammad Ali (drummer)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Muhammad Ali. https://biography.guide/muhammad-ali-jazz-musician/

MLA: "Muhammad Ali." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/muhammad-ali-jazz-musician/.

Chicago: "Muhammad Ali." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/muhammad-ali-jazz-musician/.

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