On Friday, the world lost an absolute icon. One of the most influential human beings of the 20th century, Muhammad Ali, died at the age of 74. A superstar boxer, outspoken activist and genuine force of positivity in the world until his last breath, Ali was a champion in absolutely every way one can be measured. Naturally, whenever any force like that hits the world, we as humans tend to immortalize them in song. Given Ali’s own lifelong gift of gab, as well as the rhythm he brought in absolutely everything he did, there’s been quite a few songs made about his legacy, including some by the man himself. Thus, we look back at Muhammad Ali’s musical legacy.

Cassius Clay – ‘I Am the Greatest,’ 1963 

Believe it or not, Ali was a recording start before he even had any gold on his waist. Released under his then-name Cassius Clay, I Am the Greatest is an album with eight tracks (listed as rounds) predicting his upcoming world championship victory over Sonny Liston. The album also features a cover of “Stand By Me,” which someone uploaded to YouTube with a fantastic video tribute that’s absolutely worth watching.

Ali and J. Tucker - “Shuffle With Ali,” 1966

Whenever something of consequence happens in pop culture, the novelty songs tend to roll out. Detroit’s Diamond Jim Recordings dropped “Shuffle With Ali” with the B-side instrumental “Champs Jerk” in 1966, credited to “M. Ali and J. Tucker.” The lack of Ali’s full name makes us question exactly how much the boxer was involved with its release, but it makes for a great jam that captures his energy at the time.

Johnny Wakelin and The Kinshasa Band - “Black Superman,” 1975 

Perhaps the most famous song about Ali that Ali wasn’t a part of, Johnny Wakelin and The Kinshasa Band’s “Black Superman” has been covered numerous times by many artists across genres, who all share Wakelin’s zeal for the icon. Inspired by Ali’s infamous “Rumble in the Jungle” fight, the track reached No. 21 in the US, No. 7 in the UK and No. 1 in Austrailia. He has further chart success with another song about Ali, “In Zaire.”

The Best Ever and Muhammad Ali - “The People’s Choice,” 1975 

As for the most famous song Ali himself was a part of, that’d have to be “The People’s Choice.” Joined by The Best Ever, it’s the best sounding of all of Ali’s grooves, with an opening “I’m a baaaaaad brother” that makes getting swept up in the fun unstoppable. While it’s a hit single, Ali would follow up on record with a much different approach than one would expect.

Muhammad Ali Fights Tooth Decay, 1976

Muhammad Ali is perhaps the only boxer to release two albums for children about the importance of proper dental health. “I’m the Greatest (Ali’s Bicentennial Freedom Song)” is the signature jam off of the first, Ali and His Gang vs. Mr. Tooth Decay which also happens to feature Frank Sinatra and Ali’s longtime inseparable broadcast journalist buddy Howard Cosell. After its success, Ali hit the jaw once again with May the Brush Be With You. Adorned with a sticker reading “Won’t Brush? Don’t Fuss. Sink your kids’ teeth into this album!” it somehow featured President Jimmy Carter, Lily Tomlin and Arlo Guthrie.

Muhammad Ali introduces Michel - “Child in the Wilderness,” 1978

 In 1978, Muhammad Ali met Canadian singer-songwriter Michel on the set of the film Freedom Road, and was so taken by him he decided to help him craft his album The First Flight of the Gizzelda Dragon. It seems somewhat peculiar that such a brash outspoken boxer is introducing such a light folksy Canadian record, but Ali’s introduction of each song is a testimony to how complex the man was.

Michael Jackson - “HIStory” 1995

Amidst his comeback following his numerous allegations and controversies, Michael Jackson’s title track from his album HIStory, utilized samples of Ali declaring himself the greatest as both a reaffirmation of his place in pop music, as well as a form of motivation for the listener to achieve all that they can.

Ween - “Powder Blue,” 1996

Known for albums that cross genres several times at once, Ween surprised fans with a country-only album in 1996, 12 Golden Country Greats. Featuring only 10 tracks, some believe the title refers to the 12 musicians (some of which being country studio legends) who worked on the album, all of which get named at 3:12. While the sampling of one of Ali’s famous interviews was removed from the album after its original pressing, it’s still an absolute treat to hear.

Faithless - “Muhammad Ali,” 2001

In fall 2001, British electronic outfit Faithless released the titular tribute “Muhammad Ali.” The group’s frontman Maxi Jazz raps a highly personal tribute to the man. The single had two very different, very cool cover arts that showed two different side of Ali as well.

R. Kelly - “The World’s Greatest,” 2001

From the soundtrack to Will Smith’s biopic on the boxer, Ali, singer R. Kelly decided to take his own try at emulating the icon with his first-person Ali account, “The World’s Greatest.” The video has a very cool Ali motif as well.

The Flaming Lips - “The Supreme Being Teaches Spider-Man How to Love,” 2007

Just about the only good thing to come from the third Spider-Man film was this soundtrack cut from The Flaming Lips. Not depicted in any way in the movie whatsoever, the song tells the tale of Muhammad Ali’s boxing match with Spider-Man, in which he learns about the tenderness of relationships.

Brother Ali - “Good Lord,” 2009

Finally we have Minneapolis rapper Brother Ali, who’s referenced Muhammad Ali (no relation) several times over his career. From the cover art of his Champion EP to several nods sprinkled throughout his lyrics, our favorite might be “Good Lord,” thats lyrics pay tribute to some of the greatest Muslim contributions to the arts and pop culture, culminating with naming Muhammad Ali as the greatest of all time.