Sound and Fury

Two Powerful Lives, One Fateful Friendship

By: Dave Kindred

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Muhammed Ali and Howard Cosell, a legendary athlete and a television icon, were individually interesting, but together they were mesmerizing. They were profoundly different, young and old, black and white, a Muslim and a Jew, Ali barely literate, Cosell an editor of his university's law review. Yet they had in common forces that made them unforgettable: both were unprecedented performers who covered enormous insecurities by demanding, loudly and often, public acclaim.

Theirs was an extraordinary alliance that produced drama, comedy, controversy, and a mutual respect that helped shape both men's lives. Dave Kindred draws on his experiences with Ali and Cosell over nearly four decades, as well as new reporting and interviews, to break new ground in our understanding of these two giants who changed sports and television forever.

©2006 Dave Kindred (P)2006 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"[This book] shows so effectively how each man helped create the legend surrounding the other". (Publishers Weekly)

Outstanding!!

One of the best books I’ve ever listened to. Narrator was great and the story outstanding.

Without question, the best and most in-depth look at these two icons of my generation.

I was 12 in 1968. I watched and listened to all the on-air TV shows, interviews, olympics, MNF games, roasts, guest appearances and newspapers articles about these two giants individually and collectively. This work, by a committed and objective journalist, fleshes out the background lives and stories, which aren’t seen on the superficial TV appearances.

It’s what I truly love about non fiction, first hand accounts written by men who witnessed in real time, the accomplishments and the tragedies which befell them both, together and within their own personal lives. This work dispels untrue rumors which had been what I had taken as true, before this book. The narrator is excellent and his depictions of the speakers was true to the texture and tone of the actual voices, without obviously trying to be perfect, due to his respect for those he imitated, who he knows are unimitatible.

A third person story like this, respectfully and responsibly told, honoring great men who shaped the lives and times of those of us fortunate enough to have shared their milieu, is why I am so grateful to Audible for what they do. This, even though they sold out to Amazon. Scott Kennedy, with 850 Audible books purchased since 2013.

Great insight into Ali & Cosell

Among the many biographies of Ali and Cosell this is the best. Kindred does a masterful job in capturing the interplay between the two and provides superb insight into two of the 20th century's greatest men in sport.

The style of covering first one and then the other of these two men as they worked for themselves and used each other to attain and remain in the spotlight is fabulous.

A biography of Ali without Cosell or Cosell without Ali would not accurately represent the life of either man.

Even for someone who was Kindred's neighbor during his time in Atlanta, I can recommend in a most unbiased fashion this book. If you like the human aspect of sport - even if you don't like boxing you still will enjoy this book. My wife who could not care less about boxing has enjoyed the book as well.

Thanks Dave!

Great book and good performance

While you think you must know everything about these two, this book really showed a depth and comprehensive coverage of two very interesting individuals. As someone who grew up during this time I really enjoyed this book.

Great narration, superb story.

I was 11 years old when Ali first fought Frazier. There was a huge dispute in my neighborhood about who to root for. I had no idea of the racial, political, and religious controversy regarding Muhammad Ali. This story brings it all to life in a way that honors both the broadcaster and the athlete. When the narrator dropped into his Cosell impersonation I laughed out loud several times. It amazed me that he could do Ali equally as good! Very believable and very good performance by the narrator.

wow

couldn't stop listening great book Howard and Ali what a great story a must have

Enlightening

What a great listen and book. The story was concise and hit the mark on both mens lives in so many ways. Such turbulence they lived through yet both were forced against that turbulence.

Really Good

This was a wonderful book for a kid who grew up in the 70s and 80s watching Ali and Cosell dominate the sports stories. Lots of great background, along with some really fun and entertaining history.

The Story of 2 G.O.A.T.S.

Insightful so many stories I have not heard. I lived through those times and I was happy to relive them again.
Thanks.

Very interesting and informative

This was a great listen. A somewhat melancholy trip down memory lane.

I found the information about the producer telling Cosell things that might happen in a football game pretty interesting. I have to assume this is a common thing. It makes one wonder about the intelligence of sportscasters. It sounds like they are nothing special, just fortunate to be making money talking about other people playing a game.