Craig Monson - Exclusive Interview Part I

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While researching our first book, Jailhouse Strong, we wanted to leave no stone unturned. We talked with the former Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates (who started lifting while incarcerated), an outlaw motorcycle club president, gang leaders, old time prize fighters, and a legendary British hard man. During this exhaustive process of discovery, one name came up again and again…Craig Monson.
His name was echoed with a hushed reverence. A member of an LA street gang during the 1960s called the Avenues, which would influence the founding of the infamous Crips, Big Monson spent time in the California state prison in Tracy and at San Quentin. He was said to dwarf his lifting partner, the notorious Stanley “Tookie” Williams. It was rumored that he was doing back arms (triceps extensions) with 315 and that he could easily rep out well over 500 pounds on the bench press.
During a number of our visits with a cofounder of the Crips, Angelo “Barefoot Pookie” White, we tried to locate Monson. Alongside “Barefoot Pookie,” we drove across South Central Los Angeles. But, it was to no avail. Word on the street was conflicted. We heard that he was hiding out, still locked up, or maybe no longer alive.
Not of the temperament to be easily dissuaded or discouraged, we finally found Craig Monson. And we found that the truth was greater than the legend.
At an unassuming gym in sunny Southern California, we interviewed Craig. He shared the grand saga of his life. A cultured man who enjoys European travel and was an accomplished artist, Craig speaks with passion and intelligence about his incredible journey from early backyard lifting alongside fellow gang members to becoming an international bodybuilding sensation who brought audiences to a point of collective fervor and trained alongside Danny Trejo and Arnold Schwarzenegger during the heyday of Muscle Beach in Venice, California.
Join us as Craig Monson shares his transformation from inner city obscurity to the status of living legend. Along the way, he provides a candid description of the workouts, substances, people, and lessons that impacted this incredible life story.

[@shyne1o1]

My uncle introduced me to weight lifting. I moved in with him when I was a pre-teen, he had everything, I trained so much that I became anti-social. I lifted so damn much that if I was to get suspended from school my punishment was no weights and I'm dead serious, at 16 I was the biggest kid in my neighborhood even bigger than most of the guys in their 20s.

[@bigbubba4184]

Thats cool. My parents never allowed me to lift weights, they always said id would fuck up my bones but in reality they probably didn't want it because they didn't understand weightlifting. Its not like nowadays where literally everybody and their mother lifts weights. Back then weightlifting was associated with negative stuff, i dont know what they associated it with, maybe thuggery, maybe something worse

[@rfjohns4452]

Yes it's true you become just like hermit. Remember it well from the 1960s.

[@JoseRamos-kd9ig]

This sounds like my childhood, my dad would make anything I needed! barbells,bench, heavy bag, speed bag, plus a gym in the basement, I love my Dad!😀💪👍

[@bsinatra145]

Blessed.

[@rayhanes1347]

He's an OG but so well mannered and well spoken.

[@jailhousestrong]

YES!

[@MrNacho1955]

ray hanes well spoken in deed 🙏🏼💯respects to the OG . It’s annoying hearing interviews saying you know what I mean or you know what I’m saying every other second

[@thenecessarynews9371]

well hes older and wiser then he use to be sir

[@balthazarbratt8194]

After he got out of prison he left the gang life alone.

[@hiphopforlife7502]

“But so well mannered and well spoke” Youre an internet clown... stop speaking like that you from the suburbs. Anybody from the hood knows this is common

[@secondopinion53]

This is the Man C.T. spoke on!! Big Ups

[@jailhousestrong]

You got it!

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

Who gives a fuck about some dirtbag scum

[@a334boy4u]

@@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed hater

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

@@a334boy4u no respect for steroid freaks sorry! guys on steroids are as fake as woman on plastic

[@TheGooinureye]

@@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed Easy Lance Armstrong

[@Slynell1]

this man was no joke back in the day. Raymond Washington and Tookie idolised him

[@jailhousestrong]

BOOM!

[@an7malcap0ne7]

These are facts !!!! Redemption

[@onedown9936]

This noble man is the epitome of an OG! Respect!! 🙏

[@mryorkielover]

Thanks for the kind words on Leroy Colbert. He was a great bodybuilder and a good friend

[@jailhousestrong]

Amazing guy! I miss him

[@johntrujillo1809]

MrYorkieLover Fitness can't help but even hear a little of Leroys spirit as Craig reminisces in them good times!

[@EmersonST904]

Listening to him makes me want to start lifting weights 🏋🏾

[@jailhousestrong]

He is very charismatic!

[@damianstafonjr508]

Exactly bruh he was dedicated to his craft, anybody able to get big but without dedication and commitment you wont.

[@soulphonic3635]

I started lifting again because if this interview lol

[@Pharoe29]

BIG RESPECT!!! I recall C.T. Fletcher saying Craig Monson was the biggest man he'd ever seen.

[@Pharoe29]

Luke Davis yup exactly! Absolutely amazing!

[@survivoralways187]

Pharoe lol me 3

[@562Omar]

CT Fletcher is one cool dude.

[@classic-kool]

This guy was the MAN .... better than Arnold in the 70's and 80's .. stronger too!!

[@jailhousestrong]

YES!

[@CycoSven69]

Sorry, but nobody was better than Arnold in the 70s. In the 80's Arnold was doing movies (apart from his comeback in 1980) and had to get leaner. I'm pretty sure Mr. Monson will agree on Arnold being the best in the 70's.

[@ryandees5158]

He was bigger than arnold for sure. And had a great physique but Arnold would have definitely beat him on stage including posing and his total package.

[@CycoSven69]

@@ryandees5158 i.imgur.com/brRJpq6.jpg Doesn't look bigger at all. Judging from the pic this could have been after Arnolds retirement in 1975. Arnold clocked in at 248 lbs and ripped at the 1974 Olympia. I suggest you take a look at how big he was then.

[@CycoSven69]

@@ryandees5158 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZvRfnh6bs9-Z8U

[@cliftonboyd4284]

Yo this is Classic! You are bringing material that is priceless!! Thank you Josh!

[@chrisplantstrongbrown5585]

Clifton Boyd I agree!

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks Clifton

[@garykindredjr3294]

you know it's good stuff when not one person hates and gives a thumb down

[@jailhousestrong]

THANK YOU!!!

[@johntrujillo1809]

Josh you gotta get to his Moms backyard and review that equipment 💪🏾‼️

[@jailhousestrong]

Seriously!

[@BlockBallerRecords]

john trujillo Him and Big Bob that gave tookie all the weights were some big dudes

[@bigbubba4184]

@@BlockBallerRecords they are talking about bob simmons who ran the Boys homes. Was he lifting weights?

[@travishamilton1353]

That's cool how he still gets excited talking about his weight lifting.....

[@jailhousestrong]

amen to that!

[@DrOCkABlEs]

Crazy been looking for this guy for the longest.. This was a treat forreal thanks for the upload we need more footage of Monson! MAN can we get James Henderson on the tube??? He's a beast too

[@jailhousestrong]

IT TOOK FOREVER TO FIND HIM Let me know if you have contact info for Henderson

[@DrOCkABlEs]

I don't know if these contacts are current but you can give it a try Booking Inquiries: [e-mail] General Inquiries: [e-mail]

[@djvegas2920]

I used to work out at Old Man Zack’s house back in the day and when Munson walked around in the gym the floor would be crackling! 😂 A humble giant👍🏾 🎧Dj Vegas

[@jailhousestrong]

Class act!!!

[@Maxthafirst]

The founder of the Avenues...we need that story

[@bigdc202]

Terran Wilder I assume you mean Crips. They weren't Crips or Bloods. They existed before them, and the founder of the Crips (Raymond Washington) was previously a wannabe Avenue who got slapped around by Monson.

[@vp3179]

Oh yea. We need that!

[@juanpana9373]

Aves are fed not bloods or Crips they predate all that like gladiators and the businessmen brims etc

[@mikejarmon8431]

I think the avenues are crips now within the rollin 60s

[@juanpana9373]

Mike Jarmon avenues stopped existing in the 70s

[@mthenry66]

We're not worthy. Thanks Craig and Josh.

[@jailhousestrong]

I appreciate the support Michael!

[@grind4yokes329]

first heard of Craig Munson in tookie williams book.....thanks for the upload....la legend

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks bud

[@rsv2]

it would be awesome to get an interview with him and C.T. together! great video btw enjoyed it thoroughly thanks.

[@jailhousestrong]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gregnyg6191]

Its already done...

[@JoelP1961]

Absolutely fascinating, I love hearing these stories from back in the day.

[@jailhousestrong]

Agreed!

[@DevaJones03]

thanks for this video wish Leroy was still here to hear this. these are the things that aren't publicized. great story!

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks

[@blacklatin11]

Priceless interview. His excitement in talking about working out and everything around it was beautiful. Many who don't lift train and or bodybuild wont understand this feeling.

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks!

[@JoseCruz-rr3bm]

Mister monson how can I get one of youer t sherts

[@JoseCruz-rr3bm]

Your t shert

[@Indy.mobile.mechanic]

I just love this guy he so good at telling his life I just love them old stories!!!

[@adamsumar9671]

I could listen to these stories all day . The golden era bodybuilders had charisma and personality , not like the modern day knuckleheads.

[@jailhousestrong]

He is awesome!

[@chrisplantstrongbrown5585]

Best material on training in the game.

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks Chris!

[@nicccfury4979]

this man influence the idea of Raymond Washington crips wow!! u can tell he avoids those story so u know he was connected

[@kano3030]

Raymond Washington said fuck this man and started his own Gang! Didn't influence Raymond! Stop listening to everthang u hear on the internet!

[@djdinero88]

ONE TRUE GOD you sound stupid. He did influence Raymond, whether he ended up disliking him or not. Raymond wanted to be a baby Avenue. When Craig smacked him up, he started his own. That’s called “influence”. Stop being an idiot

[@kano3030]

+Stroke it Deep He beat Craig Munsons brother Ass and got kicked out of the punk Ass snavenues! That's what happen! Chitty Chitty bang bang ain't nothin but ah CRIB thang fool !!! 😂 Fucc this steroid poppin busta!

[@QueenAnitaSoul]

ONE TRUE GOD Stop being negative

[@19841mlee]

The biggest guy you never heard of!!! Thanks CT!!!!

[@angelomatjane140]

this is first time i have heard of this O.G. and i have never enjoyed an interview this much on youtube before..

[@youngblackking3255]

God knows I looked good lol! Respect to the OG Craig Monson love the confidence them old school cats had.

[@jailhousestrong]

BOOM!

[@XxGreatestyouknoWxX]

This is gold, he's a well of knowledge and experience.

[@BlockBallerRecords]

Finally Brother Munson has stepped out

[@jailhousestrong]

The man, the myth, the legend!

[@dudaray95]

Classic. Big Walt stayed on 88th street across from my grandmomma. Used to hook up the low riders... memories man. Good interview.

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks!

[@londonlee8822]

man this is some classic stuff, my pops went to prison in the 80s the most he benched was 545 he told me he use to sneak and workout with 4 plates by his self and the guards got mad and put him on restriction basically because he was to strong

[@jailhousestrong]

Excellent

[@familyakafamo8310]

Thank you mr. Craig Monson I really need this interview to move me to work out more and none stop at the gym .

[@boandlkramer8935]

Holy fuck, this interview is so fucking awesome! Thank you so much for this interview!

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks

[@manuelwise1514]

"I remember this dude he was a popular and well built B.B. Back in the 60's and 70s and early 80's he is truly an Original O.G. B.B. he was an Inspiration with Boyer Coe, and Larry Scott,back in the day's of the first Mr.Olympia old for us,I am 57 and these guys with Serge Olivia and Craig Monson was my Inspiration , but on the real Craig, Serge, and the Black Prince were the Kings for the little boys of color,in the 60's 70's,bout time the 80's hit it was a whole new game for the B.B. world,it inspired me to get into nutrition fitness,and Martial Arts and Yoga, and overall good common sense when it comes to learning how to become a better spiritual force to be reckoned with.real Bodybuilding on a Natural Scale,like he said in the interview learning how to build your foundation,that is Mentally ,Physically, Spiritually, and continue to create a balanced well rounded Lifestyle that will benefit you,as a B.B. Fanatic," I am glad to see Mr.Monson doing well and continuing on his life in the Warrior Lifestyle of living,I wish him the absolute best."

[@jailhousestrong]

He is a class act

[@uptownsamcv]

what an awesome guy, nothing like hearing the old-timers talk about the old days.

[@frankfromupstateny3796]

Craig....you're still one of the best that's EVER been....no one....can take that away from you sir.

[@johntrujillo1809]

Anyone catch the specifics on that cutting diet?? Tuna , strawberries, and Olive oil?????

[@EricOWilliam]

Big Trucc The Gangstas Gangsta!!!! Good Work💯👍

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks

[@cameo_wrld9717]

And Arnold could have pardoned Tookie but he didn’t I don’t think that’s a coincidence..

[@iamkustom]

Man I hate how gangs and drugs took a lot of good men down the wrong path I’m glad he became the man that he became 💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@zenbodybuilder]

Craig Monson is one of the greatest story tellers of all time on a most interesting life.

[@stephensmith6572]

Excellent interview.

[@Robert-hf5xr]

Really enjoying this

[@TheCiskoKidd]

Hey , Tookie go get me a soda. And carry these weights with you. Josh good interview brother. Big props to the O.G. Monson looks good and has been blessed. Josh you need to get to his Mom's house. Those throwback benches and weights . I'm dying to see those. Epic ...interview.

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks Mikey!

[@igray1891]

OG please put a movie together about your life it would be great

[@troydorrough594]

Yeah I ran into Craig about 15 years ago, and I promise you, he was the biggest dude I have ever seen. I'm a pretty big guy, but i have never seen a man that huge. I went home and told my girl and she said baby, your big. I said no I'm not, I told her, that dude was scary looking big.

[@jailhousestrong]

He still is huge!!!!!!

[@QueenAnitaSoul]

Hahaha

[@Marco_Saitama]

Thank you for this interview, he is a legend even in this day

[@evelynalbor4865]

I’m so proud of you Craig. Sharing your story with the world. I love every bit of you. Miss you. We need to get together soon my sweet man!

[@jailhousestrong]

Craig is a class act!

[@kahrimumia]

Thanks for this interview,I've heard so much about him. Thanks!!!!!

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks

[@familyakafamo8310]

I really enjoy this interview,now I truly understand the culture of bodybuilding.

[@jailhousestrong]

Thank you Charles!!!!

[@chrisplantstrongbrown5585]

Josh good stuff! Keep them coming

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks brother!

[@charlesmartin7347]

Man I should be sleeping. But I know everyone he's talking about well a few I don't but when he said Frank Zane that Man was cut like a diamond. Wow what a interview. Great video you guys kick major butt.

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks Charles!

[@blackw369]

This is someone's Grand PAPA he is still huge

[@beentheplayersway]

this is a blessing for this info

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks!

[@peggypatton9170]

Love the old story's back in day thanks for sharing this.

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks!

[@A15Channel]

Wow amazing content! Hard to find info on this guy, like he's a true legend. Great video

[@jailhousestrong]

THANKS!

[@darengeddes972]

Thanks Josh,another good post,Lift for Life. appreciate you documenting the history

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks Daren

[@chrisgjohnson134]

WONDERFUL INTERVIEW .....THIS GUY IS A ROLE MODEL FOR YOUNG BLACK MALES ....

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks Chris!

[@finnblu3002]

Great series - One Takeaway Enjoy the...”work” Thanks

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks!

[@claystone7729]

God Bless you and thanks for the video and Craig's testimony!

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks

[@brenr5820]

Wow.. when c.t talked about him i didn't think he was real... madd props awesome interview. Can We get a junior miles interview next

[@D.Lowery]

Legendary interview !!!

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks

[@D.Lowery]

Where's part 2 ?

[@erictbrown1]

Wow that guy was a monster this makes me want to push harder in the gym on Monday

[@jailhousestrong]

BOOM!!!!

[@coryleeboxing3047]

I LOVE LISTENING TO THIS OG TALK REAL TALK ALWAYS WITH HIM 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jailhousestrong]

Boom!!

[@coryleeboxing3047]

Josh Bryant WOULD LOVE TO MEET HIM ONE DAY IS HE DOING OK ?

[@kenrivers9757]

I always say the best of any sport really never performs on tv....let thst sink in. You got guys that could beat jordan in 1 on 1. You got bodybuilders in the backwoods or hood that could out lift pros, etc...

[@jailhousestrong]

Interesting!

[@deanhenry4668]

A great interview!

[@sonofogun8351]

this was such a great interview

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks!

[@markpowell7470]

A biography worthy of a movie

[@Bedmonster44]

I must be going nuts . I could have sworn here were 4 more parts to this interview have they been removed

[@johntrujillo1809]

Bedmonster44 I bet re uploading because the audio was off a bit.

[@jailhousestrong]

Yes exactly had to redo cause Audio

[@davelaidlaw2548]

Old school legend

[@ShafiqHusaynmusic]

I used to bounce with Mr. Monson. Real class act. So much wisdom and patience but will tear your head off if you crossed him the wrong way. Giant Warrior Angel tho.

[@jailhousestrong]

Awesome!

[@orlandosanchez5638]

Dude was fckin amazing in his prime

[@jailhousestrong]

YES!

[@12496k]

Golden, Ty!!!

[@danielgalvez8118]

Awesome interview Josh!! How come part 2 & 3 are unavailable?

[@jailhousestrong]

There was a problem with the audio, which should be fixed shortly. Stay tuned!

[@candycabngfl]

Very cool ! Thanks for sharing.

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks

[@willjackson9890]

Trill will thanks josh this is epic way to go bro

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks!

[@kickdabucket]

Amazing interview

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks

[@wlsp66]

Awesome video

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks buddy!

[@euphaanfurrow]

Great interview CT hero

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks!

[@Viyility205]

Craig Monson - December 4, 1950 - Sagittarius Sun ♐🌞- Moon Dominant - Life Path 4 - Chinese Zodiac: Tiger

[@chrisplantstrongbrown5585]

Thanks Clifton 💪

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks

[@Itsthatnineduece]

Same birth date as jay-z. December babies all the way ♐️♐️♐️♐️

[@Kai-ln7sn]

hes 66 years old but google says hes 75 wtf

[@playad6332]

Great interview with a OG Criiip.🌞 tribe

[@jailhousestrong]

He is a great guy!

[@adenkerr6858]

Dude had pictures with a red rags, stop claiming niggas that ain't claiming you.....

[@defangel164]

He wasn’t a crip. Idiot!!

[@playad6332]

@@adenkerr6858 I'm not a gang banger

[@snydmark]

This guy's pretty amazing person! I want to know how his hairstyling business is doing! want to know what he thinks about arnold not giving tookie a stay of Execution!

[@jacardojacardo2254]

Craig monson the only guy with my birthday I know

[@pauliedibbs9028]

Man... Craig had to fight discrimination on just about EVERY level during the 60's... To have the principal call your parents because you are working out too much??? Despiciable... but ultimately it helped him strengthen his spirit, just as much as he did with his body... and his mind!

[@JerkVegas86]

Damn good interview cuz!

[@jailhousestrong]

Thanks!

[@WORKSbaby]

Avenues

[@kewkew2]

I'm sitting here watching the end of part 1 then I click on part 2 and 3 and it's no longer available?

[@jailhousestrong]

Getting the audio synched sorry on the delay! Its coming

[@rigerdeal8551]

I’m so happy for this video! Him Doug young!! And so many other people don’t get it!!

[@jailhousestrong]

YES!

[@joseluislowe1463]

He's talkn bout sippin on MD 20/20s lol

[@uptownsamcv]

I stopped into a Sunoco nearby for the first time and they were selling some MD 20/20 lol

[@bigbaba4542]

When he said "its a jewish wine" I thought, how is that wine supposed to be jewish and googled it. But sure enough its a jewish wine. Monson is definitly a man of culture

[@Mirage_Love702]

Sounds like a great guy.

[@jt8713]

Who the hell would thumbs down this video

[@jailhousestrong]

Haters going to hate!

[@malcolmspellman1298]

Legendary Los Angeles gangster. OG Crip. His street history documented on the Streetgangs youtube page. Search Streetgangs Bobalouie Craig Monson

[@Theycallmekenney]

Malcolm Spellman Monson was never a crip the avenues were not crips or bloods.

[@malcolmspellman1298]

Appreciate the correction.

[@rudyg3109]

Wish he would talk about his past with the crips

[@ratswagger]

He will only speak about fitness and won't discuss how him refusing Raymond Raymond Washington into his gang the Avenues led to the start if the Crips.

[@indridcole7596]

That’s a sensitive topic.

[@bigbaba4542]

I think the word was that he has a book deal and is not supposed to talk about that because of the book