Who Was Sonji Roi? The Untold Story of Muhammad Ali’s First Wife

When people think of Muhammad Ali, they picture the greatest boxer of all time — fast, loud, proud, and unbeatable. But before all the world titles, before the fame grew too big, there was Sonji Roi, the woman he married after just one meeting. Their story was short but full of drama, love, and strong choices. It felt like a fairy tale in the beginning. A famous champion meets a beautiful woman and falls in love instantly. But sadly, the fairy tale didn’t last long.

So, who was Sonji Roi? Why did she marry Muhammad Ali so fast? And what really happened between them? This article will tell you everything — her early life, her love story with Ali, why they split, and what happened after. Let’s dive into the story of this strong, bold woman that many people never got to know.

Sonji Roi Quick Bio

Sonji Roi’s Early Life

Sonji Roi was born in the United States in either 1941 or 1945 (some reports say different years). Her early life was not easy. She lost both of her parents at a young age, which forced her to grow up fast. With no one to support her, she had to take care of herself early on.

To survive, Sonji worked different jobs. One of those jobs was working as a cocktail waitress at nightclubs. She wasn’t rich or famous, but she was strong, confident, and beautiful. She had the kind of personality that made people notice her. And one of those people was a rising boxing star — Cassius Clay, who later became Muhammad Ali.

How Sonji Roi Met Muhammad Ali

Their first meeting was like something out of a movie. It happened in July 1964. At that time, Ali had just won his first heavyweight title and was becoming a household name. Sonji, on the other hand, was working at a club, serving drinks. She wasn’t looking for anything big — just living her life.

Ali was introduced to Sonji through his manager, Herbert Muhammad. The moment he saw her, he was taken in by her beauty and confidence. According to Sonji, he proposed to her the very night they met. Yes — on the same night. It sounds crazy, but that’s what happened. And just a month later, they were married.

The Wedding Everyone Talked About

On August 14, 1964, Sonji Roi and Muhammad Ali tied the knot in Gary, Indiana. At that time, he was still known as Cassius Clay — he hadn’t yet made his full religious shift to Islam. Their wedding was a Christian ceremony, and the media loved covering this sudden love story.

People were excited. The world’s most exciting boxer had just gotten married to a stunning, bold woman. They looked great together and were often seen smiling and posing for the cameras. But while things looked perfect on the outside, problems were starting to grow behind closed doors.

Sadly, the marriage between Sonji and Muhammad Ali didn’t last very long. After just less than two years, they were divorced in January 1966. Some fans were shocked. Others felt it was too fast from the beginning. After all, they got engaged after just one night and married after one month.

During their short time together, they didn’t have any children. Still, their relationship had a big impact on both of them. For Ali, it was his first marriage. For Sonji, it was a moment that put her in the spotlight — but also brought a lot of pressure.

Why Sonji Roi Left Muhammad Ali

So, what really caused the split? The main issue was religion. After their wedding, Ali started becoming more serious about his Islamic faith. He joined the Nation of Islam, changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, and began living by new rules. He expected Sonji to follow those rules, too.

But Sonji wasn’t comfortable with that. She liked her independence. She didn’t want to change how she dressed or lived just because of religion. In one interview, she said, “I wasn’t going to take on all the Muslims. If I had, I probably would have ended up dead.” That’s a strong statement — and it shows just how serious the tension had become.

She didn’t want to feel controlled. She wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself, even if it meant leaving one of the most famous men in the world. And that’s exactly what she did.

Sonji Roi’s Life After Leaving Ali

After the divorce, Sonji moved to Chicago from Miami, ready to start a new chapter. She kept her head high and didn’t try to stay in the spotlight. She later met Reynaldo Glover, a successful corporate lawyer and business advisor. The two got married and had a son together named Brian Reynaldo Jr.

Unfortunately, this marriage didn’t last either. They later separated, and Sonji didn’t marry again. She stayed private, away from the cameras, and focused on her life and children. Even though she had once been married to the world’s biggest boxing star, she never tried to use that fame for attention.

Did Sonji Roi Have Any Kids?

After her marriage to Muhammad Ali ended, Sonji Roi did go on to have children — just not with the famous boxer.

With her second husband, Reynaldo Glover, she had a son named Brian Reynaldo Jr.. Brian grew up mostly away from the public eye. Sonji kept her personal life private, especially when it came to her children.

Later, Sonji had another son named Herman Griffin. The father of Herman has never been made public. Many people have asked about him, but Sonji never shared those details. Herman also stayed out of the spotlight, and not much is known about his life. Still, Sonji raised both boys while continuing to live quietly in Chicago.

Sonji Roi Tried Singing and Modeling

Even before she met Muhammad Ali, Sonji Roi had a dream of doing more than waitressing. After her divorce, she decided to try something new — music and modeling.

She recorded a few songs, and her most well-known track was “Here I Am and Here I Stay.” It didn’t become a huge hit, but it showed her creative side. She also recorded “I Can’t Wait (Until I See My Baby’s Face),” which some fans still remember today.

Alongside music, she did some modeling work. Sonji had the looks and confidence to stand out in front of the camera. But even though she had talent, she didn’t chase fame for long. Her career in entertainment was short. It seemed like she preferred a quiet, normal life more than a busy one in the spotlight.

Was Religion the Main Problem?

Yes, religion was the biggest reason Sonji Roi and Muhammad Ali broke up. When they got married, Ali was still known as Cassius Clay and wasn’t yet deep into his new beliefs. But soon after, he changed his name and fully joined the Nation of Islam.

He wanted Sonji to follow strict Muslim rules. That meant changing how she dressed, behaved, and lived her daily life. But Sonji didn’t agree with this. She wanted to stay true to herself.

She once said, “I wasn’t going to take on all the Muslims. If I had, I probably would’ve ended up dead.” That may sound extreme, but it shows how serious things felt to her. Sonji didn’t want to be controlled. She wanted to make her own choices — and that’s what she did, even if it meant ending the marriage.

How Did Sonji Roi Die?

Sonji Roi passed away on October 11, 2005. She was found in her home in Hyde Park, Chicago, on the city’s South Side. At the time, she was 64 years old.

It’s believed that she died of a heart attack, though no autopsy was done. Her family accepted that her death was from natural causes. Her nephew, who spoke to the press, said he thought it was her heart.

Her death was quiet and private, just like her life had become. There weren’t big headlines or media coverage. But for those who knew her, it was a sad day. Sonji had lived a strong, independent life, and she was deeply loved by those close to her.

How People Remember Sonji Roi

People who knew Sonji Roi say she was bold, beautiful, and brave. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind or stand up for herself — even in a time when many women were expected to just follow along.

She didn’t let Muhammad Ali’s fame define her. Even though she had the chance to stay in the spotlight, she chose her own path. She raised her children, tried music, and lived quietly. Her story may not be well-known, but it’s a powerful one.

Many remember her as a woman who made a strong choice — to leave a world-famous man because she wanted to live life her own way.

Sonji Roi’s Place in Muhammad Ali’s Story

Sonji Roi was only married to Muhammad Ali for a short time, but she will always be part of his story. She was there at the very beginning of his rise to fame. Before the world knew him as “The Greatest,” she knew him as Cassius — the young boxer who fell in love at first sight.

Ali later married three more women and had many children. His life became full of headlines, awards, and attention. But Sonji was the first. She was there before the name change, before the worldwide fame, before the legacy was built.

While Sonji and Ali didn’t stay together, their short marriage left a lasting memory. She challenged him. She didn’t just follow. And that made her stand out in his life — and in history.

Final Thoughts

So, who was Sonji Roi? She was more than Muhammad Ali’s first wife. She was a strong woman, someone who chose herself over fame. She stood up for her beliefs, even when it was hard. She loved, she tried, and she moved on.

Her story teaches us about being true to ourselves, even when the world expects us to change. In a time when women were told to stay quiet, Sonji spoke up. And that’s why her story still matters in 2025 and beyond.

Whether you knew her name before or not, now you do. And now, you know the full, untold story of Sonji Roi — the first woman to hold the heart of the greatest boxer in the world.

(FAQs)

Did Sonji Roi have any children?

Yes, but not with Muhammad Ali. She had two sons, Brian Reynaldo Jr. (with her second husband) and Herman Griffin, whose father is still unknown.

How did Sonji Roi die?

Sonji Roi died suddenly at age 64 in her home. No autopsy was done, but her family believed it was a heart attack.

How long were Sonji Roi and Muhammad Ali married?

Shockingly, their marriage lasted less than 2 years. Ali proposed on the first night they met, and they divorced in 1966.

Did Sonji Roi follow Muhammad Ali’s religion?

No. Sonji refused to convert to Islam and said she felt pressured to change. That choice led to their divorce.

When and where was Sonji Roi born?

She was born in the USA, likely in 1941 or 1945 (sources vary). Her exact birth year has never been confirmed.