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ERIC Inner circle New Jersey 1188 Posts |
It is with heavy heart that I bring news that local Northeast "STAR" "PRESTO" has passed away on April 16th. of a heart attack.
After suffering a broken hip, and getting "Lost" into a system that refuses to talk to anyone who is "NOT FAMILY" (Presto had no family left after loosing his brother a few years back) Earl died alone. After many long hours of detective work, it has been found that Presto was laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetary in Hillside, NJ. There is no marker, nor will there be unless something is done. We are trying to find out the type of stone that is allowed, and will then look towards the many Rings and Assemblies to help raise and donate the funds necessary to get one. This wonderful entertainer brought many smiles and much laughter. He was a brother Magi and shared his knowledge and humor freely. Please bring this news to your club and lets start to get the ball rolling. As we get more info, we will set things up and reach out to the respective area clubs and look for their support. Let's all just take heart that Presto is now entertaining along with so many who went before. I just have a hard time picturing him telling God "Just take it home and play with it. IT WON"T WORK, but you'll have a lot of fun!" Rest in Peace my friend. |
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Torkova Regular user Astoria, NY 192 Posts |
I had visited him about three months ago and was planning on another visit next month. So sad, thanks for letting us know the details. He may have died alone but his wonderful spirit will live on in those who knew him.
Torkova |
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TCsteinberg New user NewYawk 52 Posts |
He was a superstar.
My memories of Presto's performances are always of inspiration, awe, and BIG LAUGHS. He had a profound influence on me. He really was "Bigger than life"! Rest in Peace Presto, you will never be forgotten. Todd Charles Steinberg
~ tc ::--.---( )
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Levent Special user USA 801 Posts |
So sad to hear about his passing. He was a great guy to hang around with and when I was young he was always blowing me away with his coin and cigarette tricks. Also he was without a doubt the best kids entertainer I ever saw!
May he rest in peace. Levent
Levent
www.LeventMagic.com |
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magicnewswire Inner circle 1947 Posts |
I didn't know Presto save through my interview with Chris Capehart in December of last year. Chris spoke glowingly of Presto and I can only wish that I'd seen him work. May he rest in magical fun as well!
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Michael Kamen Inner circle Oakland, CA 1315 Posts |
I fondly remember Presto's show at Hubert's Museam in Times Square, visiting there every weekend with other magic-obsessed lads. Thank you for those memories Earl.
Michael Kamen
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cardone Special user 860 Posts |
In New York City .... He was a legend . I would hear his name all the time ........ R.I.P. Presto .
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magicnewswire Inner circle 1947 Posts |
Here is some additional info sent to me via Mike Lee:
The Passing of Earl"PRESTO" Johnson, comes as a huge loss to those of us that new him....Earl was a kind & very quiet man who simply LOVED magic, but on Stage He became PRESTO, who had the hands & humour of the greatest of Artist. To see PRESTO work was a truly unforgetable experience, from the Stage of Huberts Museum here in NY to working cruise ships to, Resort hotels Presto did it all & for those of us performers like Frank Brents, Bob Baxter Levent and Jeff McBride including myself... We would all agree that those who knew PRESTO would have say that with out a doubt his was one of the Funniest and most unforgetable acts ever. Masterful Cigarette manipulation.. one of the Funniest balls over the head routines of all time & a Little dog that had to Pee (loto vase) that Simply killed! To see Presto walk out on a stage in short pants was something never to be forgotten. Im not sure it Earl had any family, but believe that the very least we can do for PRESTO is to put together our energies & the force of the power of Numbers & present a production where the proceeds will be used to purchase a headstome for one of magics truly great artist. It's the very least we can do. Earl "Presto" Johnson ... Rest In Peace Michael Lee |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
A very talented man who will be missed.
For those not familiar with his work I think you can still find video of him on line. |
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Kevin Connolly Inner circle New Jersey 1329 Posts |
He's on Youtube.
Please visit my website.
www.houdinihimself.com Always looking buy or trade for original Houdini, Hardeen and escape artist items. I'm interested in books, pitchbooks and ephemera. Email [email]hhoudini@optonline.net[/email] |
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magicnewswire Inner circle 1947 Posts |
Yep... there are a few clip of Earl on YouTube. I am still looking for one that Chris Capehart menttioned in my interview with him.
I am learning more and more about Earl every hour and wish that I had met him. I am in the process of putting together a montage of people talking about Earl and it has been VERY rewarding. Rocco has already offered two d'lite's to the first 10 people to donate $20 to the memorial fund. I'm sure that this community will make this happen! |
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magicnewswire Inner circle 1947 Posts |
I've been recording audio tributes to Presto with people that I know personally.
I'd like for the magic community to have a chance to say something as well... outside the circle of those that I know. Please feel free to call the following phone number with your comments, stories and remembrances. I'll receive it as an email and will be putting them up on a memorial website for Presto. You can call 404.492.6026 or ... if you use Skype... my Skype ID is themagicnewswire Either way, I'll receive your call in a digital format that I can then post online. Thanks in advance... I look forward to hearing from each and every one of you that knew, met or were influenced by Presto! |
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ERIC Inner circle New Jersey 1188 Posts |
OK Guys and Gals, Here is the latest.
After checking what type of stone is allowed and such, the cost factor for the marker will be around 2 thousand dollars total. The committee from the John McNicholas Magician's Roundtable (JMMRT) has decided to enter into this fundraiser by providing one of , IF NOT THE LAST VIDEO taken of Presto doing a lecture for them. Taken back in February, 2004, this 69 minute video shows Presto doing many of his signature pieces and just having a lot of fun with fellow magicians. Now here is the deal. For every donation of $25.00 or more, you will recieve a copy of this DVD. Gene Soucek has donated his time, talents, and monies to cover all but the postage for this endeavor. THIS WILL ONLY LAST UNTIL THE $2,000 IS REACHED AND THEN, JUST LIKE DISNEY, THE DVD WILL GO BACK INTO THE VAULT! DO NOT MISS THIS CHANCE TO HAVE THIS DVD. It's going to be first come first served and they have already started to go. Send a check to me, Eric Appel @ 54 New Brunswick Ave. Hopelawn, NJ 08861-2241 along with your name and address and we will get a copy out to you ASAP. Once we get the stone and have it set, we will call for a gathering at the cemetery to hold a broken wand that we will try to get something into the Linking Ring, MUM and any other magazine that wishes to cover it. I think that about covers everything for now. If you have any questions feel free to reach out either by PM or Email at EGA53@comcast.net |
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magicnewswire Inner circle 1947 Posts |
Ok.. I am working on an article for this but am awaiting complete details. In any case, and to prevent there from being too many independent efforts with no connection to one another, Michael Chaut, Chris Capehart, Jamy Ian Swiss & the crew at Monday Night Magic have advised me that they are putting together a fundraising show and memorial fund for Earl Presto Johnson.
Until we get all of the details, if you are interested in contributing or playing a part in the effort, please contact Michael Chaut at MondayNightMagic.com Hope this is helpful! Stay tuned here and at MagicNewswire.com for more info. |
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magicnewswire Inner circle 1947 Posts |
BTW.. If you want to offer a short memory of Presto, please call (404) 492-6026 and leave a voicemail. I'll be compiling a memorial page with links to you and to the various messages that we have received. Thanks!!
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ERIC Inner circle New Jersey 1188 Posts |
Hey gang,
I just reviewed one of the DVDs and realized that I made a mistake when I said it was a 69 minute video... IT'S OVER 100 MINUTES LONG! And we they are still available so drop me a line and get yours ASAP |
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RC4MAG Special user 563 Posts |
Thanks everyone who left such nice comments on Youtube and above on the video clips I put up on Presto a few years back.
I have now gone back in my library and uploaded Presto's cigarette routine which is a classic as well. I hope those who never knew him or saw him perform will get to appreciate his talent and showmanship. Here is the link to the Cigarette routine. The video is over 25 years old. It is the complete routine lasting almost ten minutes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iguzHFI2qpw Again, Thank you and I hope you enjoy. |
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ERIC Inner circle New Jersey 1188 Posts |
The first set of DVDs was sent out today. Gene is busy making the next batch, and more will go out as soon as I get them. So far we are at $572 and climbing so we still have a ways to go. PLEASE pass the info out to all of your magic friends and help the cause.
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magicnewswire Inner circle 1947 Posts |
Just posted an interview with Dick Brooks & Dorothy Dietrich talking about Presto and their time with him in NYC at the Magic Townhouse. In addition, we'll be putting up a memorial page at MagicNewswire.com with listener comments added as received. Feel free to email an MP3 to me or leave a voicemail at (404) 492-6026 if you want to be included.
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Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
Thanks Dodd, you're probably going to have a who's who in magic leaving fond farewells and memories.
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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