Sonji Roi is often remembered as the bold, independent woman who briefly became Muhammad Ali’s first wife. But her story goes far beyond a short-lived marriage. Before stepping into the public eye, she was a nightclub model and aspiring jazz singer. After her headline-making relationship with Ali ended, she lived a quieter life, remarried, and left behind a legacy of grace and resilience. While her time with Ali was brief, it was significant—marking one of the most complex periods in the boxing legend’s life.
In this article, we explore Sonji Roi’s full story—from her early struggles and artistic ambitions to her intense relationship with Ali and the life she built afterward. Her life was a window into issues of identity, faith, fame, and personal freedom in 1960s America. Here’s everything you need to know about the woman who captured the heart of The Greatest—and then walked away.
Quick Bio Information
| Full Name | Sonji Roi Glover (formerly Clay) |
|---|---|
| Known As | Sonji Roi |
| Date Of Birth | November 23, 1945 |
| Place Of Birth | United States |
| Date Of Death | October 11, 2005 |
| Place Of Death | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Age At Death | 59 years old |
| Cause Of Death | Believed to be a heart attack |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Black |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (161 cm) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Father | Deceased (died when she was 2) |
| Mother | Deceased (died when she was 8) |
| Marital Status (At Death) | Married |
| First Husband | Muhammad Ali (1964–1966) |
| Second Husband | Reynaldo Preston Glover |
| Children | Two (Herman Griffin and Brian Glover Jr.) |
| Profession | Model, Jazz Vocalist, Nightclub Performer |
| Burial | Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens South |
Early Life And Background
Sonji Roi was born on November 23, 1945, in the United States. Her childhood was shaped by deep loss. She lost her father at the age of two and her mother when she was just eight. This left her orphaned at a young age, forcing her to grow up quickly and make her own way in the world. To survive, she began working in nightclubs while still a teenager. These early hardships made her fiercely independent—something that would later become a defining feature of her identity.
Much of her early life remains private, and there are few public records about her schooling or upbringing. But what’s clear is that Sonji built herself from the ground up, using her beauty, charisma, and ambition to carve out a career in nightlife and entertainment.
From Nightclubs To Spotlight
By the early 1960s, Sonji Roi was working as a cocktail waitress and nightclub model in Chicago. She stood out not only for her striking looks but also for her poise and confidence. Her presence attracted attention from entertainers, sports figures, and promoters. One of those connections would soon lead her to the most famous boxer in the world.
She also dreamed of a singing career. In 1966, not long after her divorce, she made her debut as a jazz vocalist at Frankie’s Band Box in Pittsburgh. Managed by the legendary George Treadwell—who also managed Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday—Sonji recorded several songs including I Can’t Wait (Until I See My Baby’s Face) and Here I Am & Here I’ll Stay. She worked with notable jazz musicians such as Willis from the Eddie Willis Trio, further showing that her musical aspirations were serious and backed by real talent.
The First Meeting With Muhammad Ali
Sonji Roi met Muhammad Ali—then still known as Cassius Clay—on July 3, 1964, through his manager, Jabir Herbert Muhammad. At the time, Ali was 22 and already the reigning world heavyweight champion. Roi, 18 months older, was confident, outspoken, and used to standing her ground. Their connection was instant. Ali reportedly proposed on the same night they met, though Sonji initially thought he was joking.
In later interviews, she recalled feeling needed by him and believed she could be more than just his wife—she wanted to be his best friend. Their romance moved at lightning speed, setting the stage for a dramatic relationship that would soon clash with cultural and religious expectations.
A 41-Day Whirlwind Romance
Only 41 days after they first met, Sonji and Ali were married. Their fast-paced courtship was filled with passion and optimism, but also layered with tension. Ali had recently joined the Nation of Islam and was in the middle of redefining his identity as Muhammad Ali. Sonji, a strong-willed woman raised Catholic, did not share those beliefs.
Although they were in love, their values and worldviews clashed from the beginning. Still, they were hopeful that their bond could withstand the pressure. For a short time, they were a picture-perfect couple, drawing attention wherever they went.
The Wedding Of Muhammad Ali And Sonji Roi
The couple married on August 14, 1964, in a private ceremony at a courthouse in Gary, Indiana. To avoid media chaos, the event was low-key. Sonji wore a simple summer dress; Ali wore a business suit. Because of Indiana’s mandatory three-day waiting period, they used blood tests from Miami to get a waiver and marry immediately.
On the marriage license, Ali listed his race as “Asiatic” and used his Muslim name, while Sonji remained legally Catholic. The ceremony was symbolic of the differences they tried to overlook—but those differences would soon become impossible to ignore.
Life As Mrs. Muhammad Ali
Being married to a global icon came with expectations—and for Sonji, those expectations were especially high. Once Ali formally joined the Nation of Islam, he and those around him expected his wife to follow Muslim customs. Sonji, however, refused to wear ankle-length dresses, cover her hair, or stay silent when she disagreed.
She did try to adapt. She followed dietary rules, stopped drinking and smoking, and stayed in the background when needed. But she still wanted to live life on her own terms. This created mounting tension between her and the men in Ali’s inner circle, who disapproved of her independence and appearance.
A Marriage Torn By Belief
As Sonji later explained, religion—not love—ended their relationship. She said she loved Ali deeply and wanted to save their marriage, but she couldn’t compromise her personal freedom. Meanwhile, Ali’s camp believed she had broken a promise to embrace Islam.
Sonji was honest about the sacrifices she made but said she couldn’t change everything about herself. In her words, “I’m normal like other women. I don’t like to wear that stuff.” This honest admission revealed her desire to remain true to herself, even if it meant losing the man she loved.
The Divorce And Its Fallout
In June 1965, Muhammad Ali filed for an annulment in Dade County, Florida. By January 1966, the divorce was finalized. The court awarded Sonji $172,000, including $15,000 per year in alimony for ten years and $22,000 in legal fees. She and Ali had no children together.
The divorce was widely reported in Jet Magazine and other outlets. For many, it marked one of the few times Ali had been publicly vulnerable. He later admitted that his toughest fight wasn’t in the ring—but with his first wife, Sonji.
Sonji Roi’s Life After Muhammad Ali
Following the divorce, Sonji stepped away from the spotlight. She later married Reynaldo Preston Glover, a Chicago businessman and attorney. The couple had a son named Brian Reynaldo Glover Jr. Sonji also had an older son, Herman Griffin, a rhythm-and-blues singer from a previous relationship during her teenage years.
She continued to live in Chicago, largely away from the public eye. Though her career in music did not reach major fame, she remained proud of her work and identity.
The Quiet Later Years And Her Death
Sonji Roi passed away on October 11, 2005, at her home in Hyde Park, Chicago. She was 59 years old. Her death was ruled natural, likely caused by a heart attack. She was buried in Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens South in Glenwood, Illinois.
Her passing was noted by fans and historians who remembered her as more than just a famous wife—she was a woman of strength, style, and self-respect.
Remembering Sonji Roi In Pop Culture
Sonji Roi’s story lived on through pop culture. She was portrayed by Jada Pinkett Smith in the 2001 film Ali, which earned Jada an NAACP Image Award nomination. In 2018, actress Shenyse LeAnna Harris played her in the stage production Fetch Clay, Make a Man, which explored Ali’s early relationships and identity struggles.
Through these portrayals, new generations have come to appreciate her place in history—not just as Muhammad Ali’s first wife, but as a woman who stood her ground.
Misunderstandings And Legacy
There are many misconceptions about Sonji Roi. Some believe she left Ali for money or fame, but her life tells a different story. She gave up comfort, security, and love rather than sacrifice her beliefs. She didn’t want to be molded into someone she wasn’t, even if it cost her everything.
Her marriage may have been short, but its impact on Muhammad Ali was lasting. It shaped his view of relationships and faith—and revealed his vulnerabilities as a man still coming into his identity.
Final Thoughts
Sonji Roi’s life is a story of strength, individuality, and choice. In a time when women—especially Black women—were expected to conform, she chose authenticity over obedience. She loved Muhammad Ali, but not more than she loved herself. That decision, bold for any era, defines her legacy.
While the world remembers her briefly as Ali’s wife, her story stands strong on its own. Sonji Roi was a talented artist, a devoted mother, and a woman who refused to compromise her identity. Her chapter in Ali’s life may have been short—but it was unforgettable.
FAQs About Sonji Roi
Who Was Sonji Roi?
Sonji Roi was an American model, jazz singer, and the first wife of Muhammad Ali. She was known for her independent spirit and brief but impactful marriage to the boxing legend.
Did Sonji Roi Convert To Islam?
No, Sonji Roi never fully converted to Islam. Although she followed some customs, she resisted the dress code and other expectations, which led to conflict in the marriage.
How Long Was Sonji Roi Married To Muhammad Ali?
They were married from August 1964 to January 1966—about a year and a half.
Did Sonji Roi Have Children With Muhammad Ali?
No, she and Muhammad Ali did not have any children together.
What Did Sonji Roi Do After Divorcing Muhammad Ali?
She remarried a businessman named Reynaldo Glover, had a second child, and lived a quieter life in Chicago. She also continued singing and stayed out of the spotlight.
How Did Sonji Roi Die?
She died of natural causes at her home in Chicago on October 11, 2005. She was 59 years old.
Where Is Sonji Roi Buried?
She is buried at Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens South in Illinois, United States.
People Also Read: Who Is Miles McFly? Inside the Life and Rise of the Young Star Everyone’s Talking About
