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Scott Alexander V.I.P. 1471 Posts |
What one magician has had the most influence on the art of magic in the last 50 years and why?
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shomemagic Inner circle Missouri 2232 Posts |
I guess the general answer woudl be Doug Henning, or David Copperfield for their bringing magic to the masses with their tv specials and tours. However for the our art of magic I believe, Fred Kaps as he could do it all.. Not just do it but do it perfectly!
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Dan Monroe Loyal user Indiana 209 Posts |
That's way to hard!
But I would vote for Henning also. He was the one who sparked my interest in magic when I was a kid.
The power is within us all...I'm just a little more full of it.
danmonroe.bravehost.com |
Kipp Sherry Elite user Boise, ID 477 Posts |
Chuck Jones the Magic Man!
Okay, maybe he's not of royal blood and has not influenced the art as a whole, but he did influence me. At the age of 8 I used to watch Chuck Jones on a Saturday morning cartoon show in Semi Valley, CA. He inspired me to create my first illusion. I made a half full Pepto Bismol bottle appear to be full. I guess there are two ways you can look at great influences. Who contributed more “professionalism” to the art, or who contributed more “professionals” to the art. Chuck Jones got me interested, I have since got others interested and the art is passed from generation to generation. I actually talked to another magician that performed here in Boise who also claimed Chuck Jones was his inspiration. I heard Chuck is actually still performing. Does anyone know for sure? |
Allan Given Regular user 169 Posts |
My votes would be for Copperfield, for bringing magic consistently into everyone's home year after year for a decade and a half and for the Professor for inspiring countless magicians to pick up a deck of cards or a set of cups and practicing like crazy to develop and push our art forward.
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Scott Alexander V.I.P. 1471 Posts |
Kipp,
As far as I know, famed illusionists Chuck and Jan Jones are still busy performing. I did a few shows with them in Southern CA a couple of years back and they were still going strong! A great, solid act who certainly had quite an impact on many magicians. And their daughter Stacey, is one half of the illusion team, The Majestix. I guess it runs in the family! |
fanwun Regular user 172 Posts |
I would have to go with Dai Vernon. I don't think there is a magician walking that is not doing something he either created or improved. He changed the way magicians performed. The whole idea of making your magic look natural came from him. And, for cryin out loud!, he's the only one that fooled Houdini!
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CWMoss Regular user 111 Posts |
I would agree Dai Vernon had the greatest influence "on the art". He helped bring magic to the level of art. Other magicians had more influence on the public's perception of magic but Dai Vernon had more influence "on the art".
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Scott Alexander V.I.P. 1471 Posts |
I think David Blaine owes a lot to Dai Vernon, basically his whole approach . It is my understanding that Vernon emphasized a completely natural style... no frills, no flourishes. Just pure effect. Blaine has basically taken an anti - flashy approach... leaving the showbiz out and letting the magic speak for itself.
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mormonyoyoman Inner circle I dug 5,000 postholes, but I have only 2440 Posts |
In the past 50 years? It would have to be Mark Wilson, who broke the field wide open for huge mass appeal. In the early 1960s, he literally opened up magic on a weekly basis for an entire generation; in the 1970s, he kept TV opened enough that Doug Henning was able to walk aboard. He was instrumental in the critical (if not commercial) success of *the Magician* and co-authored (with an "obscure" chap named Gibson) the best one-volume introduction to the hobby.
But any award to Mark Wilson would have to be co-inscribed to Nani. Really, how DID she tolerate all the physical discomfort as Mark's victim all those years? *jeep! --Chet
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--Grandpa Chet |
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