Richard Willis, lead producer of ALI, the new musical celebrating the life and legacy of the heavyweight boxing champion and humanitarian Muhammad Ali, is proud to announce the addition of Grammy Award-winner Q-Tip as Music Producer and Co-Lyricist to the creative team of the musical.
Also joining Teddy Abrams in the music department of ALI are Grammy AwardÒ-winning saxophonist and vocalist Casey Benjamin as Associate Music Producer, and Sean Mayes (MJ, Hadestown) as Music Supervisor. ALI will be presented in Ali’s hometown of Louisville, at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, in Fall 2024.
Q-Tip said “Muhammad Ali has been an inspiration for me my entire life. I look forward to working with Teddy, Clint, Casey, Sean, and the entire creative team in telling the great man’s story in this form.
Clint Dyer, ALI director and book writer, added “I am thrilled to be working with Q-Tip, who is one of my music heroes and the perfect person to join us in telling Muhammed Ali’s story, as well as the uber talented Casey and Sean. Q-Tip is most definitely one of Hip-Hop’s biggest artists and a great collaborator/producer. Co-writing the lyrics for ALI with him will be an honour.”
Teddy Abrams, ALI composer, said “We are incredibly fortunate to have Q-Tip, Casey, and Sean join the music team. They are all world-class talents with tremendous musical vision and knowledge; they are already bringing exceptional energy and inspiration to the musical!”
Richard Willis said “We are beyond delighted and grateful to have the living legend, Q-Tip, join this extraordinary creative team on ALI. Q-Tip’s artistry, knowledge and experience is unmatched. If that wasn’t enough, to also have the incredible Casey Benjamin and brilliant Sean Mayes joining the team makes this all feel a bit surreal yet fitting for The Greatest.”
Casting and performance dates will be announced soon. For more information, visit www.TheAliMusical.com
