John Legend paid tribute to Muhammad Ali at the 2016 Guys Choice Awards on Saturday with a performance of “The Greatest Love of All,” a song inspired by the legendary boxer, who died on Friday at age 74 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Watch a preview of Legend’s tribute below.
“Many of you may not know that the beautiful song we are about to perform was first written for a movie about Ali’s life, called The Greatest,” Legend noted about the track that was originally used as the main theme of a 1977 biopic about the boxer. The singer added, “This anthem has gone on to become a modern standard, and tonight I am honored to sing it with the extraordinary Andra Day in honor of this giant who forever set the standard for what it means to be a true hero.”
And just before Legend and Day began their impassioned and emotional rendition of the classic song, Legend concluded, “Thank you, Muhammad Ali, for showing us all the greatest love of all.” Legend also delivered a poignant speech about Ali prior to his performance, praising the late boxer’s “amazing grace and beauty,” and further expressing, “‘The Champ’ was also the bravest, both in how he chose to fight and in how he chose peace.”
The Guys Choice Awards air Thursday at 9 p.m. on Spike. Watch below a preview of Legend’s tribute to Ali.
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