Cassius Clay versus heavyweight champion Sonny Liston, February 25, 1964.
Sheltering in place, with sports on hold during COVID-19, seeing a boxing classic on TV was satisfying.
What a match! Brash, 22-year-old Cassius Clay, who later changed his name to Muhammad Ali, defeated heavily-favored Sonny Liston in perhaps the biggest upset in the history of sports. The fans looked so different; men wore suits and ties.
Hours later, that day, the Global Citizen ‘One World’ concert was on TV. What an event! The Rolling Stones sang “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” There was a grid on the TV screen, with four sections, labeled; Mick cam, Keith cam, Ronnie cam and Charlie cam. You heard a guitar, and Mick Jagger appeared in the first grid. You heard a second guitar, and Keith Richards appeared. And then, Ronnie Wood. And finally, Charlie Watts, on drums.
Even making music remotely, the four Rolling Stones sounded as good as when they’re on tour, with a host of back-up singers and musicians accompanying them. They’re like a fine wine that ages well, over time. They’re masters of their art.
Performances by Lady Gaga, Elton John, Celine Dion, Paul McCartney, John Legend and many more masters of melodies and lyrics were inspirational.
There’s something about artistry, in music, painting and even a boxing championship. Cassius Clay, in that 1964 match, was artistic, in a way. Not just the way he floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee, as he often described his style. There was something about his persona. He was brash, but he delivered, something Sonny Liston seemed to realize, all too well, around the fourth or fifth round of the fight.
The artists who performed during the Global Citizen concert, their melodies and lyrics, stirred emotions. Even goose bumps. The way they came across, their persona, was special.
Persona is hard to figure.
Some people in business, some CEOs, have it. With help, some get it. Others? As New Yorkers might say… forget about it!
And then, there’s the nation’s current chief executive. Understanding his persona, that’s challenging. His speaking style. His facial expressions. His golf swing, in pictures of him, when he’s out playing on weekends. His general appearance. His persona, as a whole.
Whether – or not – you get goose bumps, that’s hard – really hard – to figure.
Harvey Radin is former senior vice president in charge of corporate communications and media relations, Bank of America Western Region. He makes his home in Redwood City, CA.