The greatest Magicians you never knew existed
#1: Harry Blackstone Sr.
Harry Blackstone Sr. became famous for performing to the USO (United States Organizations Inc.) during World War II. Many of the tricks that are famous today were made popular through Blackstone Sr. "Sawing Woman in Half" was arguably his most famous trick. He would use a saw to cut through a piece of lumber, and then seem to cut through a woman, who would rise up unharmed afterwards. His son, Harry Blackstone Jr., also became a renowned magician, as he started from an infant in his father's shows.Â
#2: Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin
19th century French magician Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin is known as the father of the modern style of magic. Harry Houdini idolized the magician, and chose his stage name in honor of his inspiration. Robert-Houdin's most famous trick was called "Second Sight." He would walk through the audience, touching random items. A blindfolded assistant would then describe each item in detail. Another variation of the trick had his Emile, sip on a glass of water, while an audience member thought of a liquid. Robert-Houdin would "read" the audience member's mind, through his son, and reveal the liquid.
#3: Ricky Jay
While Ricky Jay has long been considered one of the world's great sleight of hand artists, his career is further distinguished by the remarkable variety of his accomplishments as an author, actor, historian, and consultant.
#4: S. W. Erdnas
No one knows exactly who Erdnase is, due to laws in the 19th century, but he brought us everything we know about modern card magic and manipulation. Every magician in the world who uses cards owes there art to this unknown man we may never even know the true identity of.
#5: Ed Marlo
The many sleights he created have changed the face of card magic. One notable example is his snap change, used in David Blaine´s Street Magic Special.
#6: Larry Jennings
Larry Jennings, best known for his card techniques. He has eight books published by, or written about him. He is also known for being close friends with fellow magician, Dai Vernon. He contributed to many acts today and has made amazing magic in his career.Â
#7: Alex Elmsley
He created a number of magic tricks, including the Ghost Count, Between Your Palms, Point Of Departureand Diamond Cut Diamond.
#8: Tony Slydini
His style of close-up was something that had never been seen before: he was one of the first to show close-up magic as an art in itself, rather than as a lead-in to bigger and grander illusions. Slydini's magic was impromptu: rather than follow a set sequence of tricks, he allowed his audience and the situation to dictate his show. Reportedly, Dick Cavett once asked Dai Vernon who could still fool him. His answer: nobody but Slydini.
#9: Herb Zarrow
Herb Zarrow is perhaps best known for the shuffle that bears his name. Since the creation of the Zarrow Shuffle, Mr. Zarrow's name has been used in magic books in the strangest ways: as a noun "after losing the Aces do a Zarrow," as an adjective "...do a Zarrow full-deck false shuffle," even as a verb, "...now Zarrow under two cards." The shuffle however is just the tip of the iceberg as far as describing this very unique gentleman whose love of magic and magicians has spanned a lifetime.
#10: John Scarne
John Scarne was an American magician and book author who was particularly adept at playing card manipulation. He became known as an expert on cards and other games, and authored a number of popular books on cards, gambling, and related topics.
#11: Doug Henning
If you've never seen Doug's magical musical titled "The Magic Show" you're missing out. Yes, you'll be hit square between the eyes with 70â²s pop culture. That's part of the point. He took the ancient art of magic and made it relevant to a new audience.
#12: Jeff McBride
One of the things I admire about Jeff is that he thinks beyond what he's doing and pays attention to how he's doing it. His very movement and presence on stage would captivate an audience even if there was no magic involved. Â
#13: Mark Wilson
Mark hasn't had many public performances in recent years, which is why most people haven't heard of him. His contribution to magic can't be understated though!
#14: Howard Thurston
"It was a name that was known like Ziegfeld, like Ringling Brothers, like George M. Cohan," says author and magician Jim Steinmeyer. He tells All Things Considered weekend host Guy Raz that Thurston toured the East Coast and the Midwest constantly during the first decades of the 20th century, bringing bigger and fancier stage shows every year.
#15: Dai Vernon
Born in Ottawa as David Frederick Wingfield Verner, Mr. Vernon learned his first tricks at age 7 from his father, a government worker and amateur magician. He studied mechanical engineering but by his early 20's had moved to New York City and embarked on what would prove to be a lifelong career.
