Rolling Stone reported that by 1976 Muhammad Ali was “a household name, a superstar, an icon,” and adding to his list of accomplishments, he also “battled child tooth decay” in a children’s album. Released in 1976, The Adventures of Ali and His Gang vs. Mr. Tooth Decay featured “the voice talents of Ali,” Frank Sinatra, Howard Cosell, and Ossie Davis, combining “music, narration and PSA preachiness.” According to the article, not only did the album receive an endorsement from the American Dental Association, “it was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Recording for Children category.” The ADA endorsement from the album cover reads: “The information on dental health contained in this children’s record is considered by the American Dental Association to be in accord with current scientific knowledge—1976.” The article added, “The album’s heart is in the right and noble place, something that could always be said of the late champ himself.”
An article in the ADA News from December 10, 1979, Ali KOs Tooth Decay, featured a story regarding the promotional event presented in connection with this recording, which took place in Washington, DC and included Muhammad Ali boxing with another heavyweight boxing champion Chuck Wepner masquerading as Mr. Tooth Decay.
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