As about 350 people mingled in a lobby of the Muhammad Ali Center in Ali's hometown, he walked out to a second-floor balcony overlooking them. The crowd began to clap, chant his name and then sing "Happy Birthday" to him. Not long after that, the crowd began heading into a banquet hall where the party is taking place.
Among the notable guests is University of Kentucky men's basketball coach John Calipari. Calipari said that he grew up as a fan of Ali and loved the boxer because of his confidence.
Rocker John Mellencamp is scheduled to entertain the crowd.