I am looking for information on Norris Roche. He was a magican from the 1930? who billed himself as Black Houdini. He appeared on many bills with John W. Cooper. Thank you in advance.
James

James,

I have a book about black magicians in America, but there is no mention of the person you are trying to track down, nor can I find anything on the internet. He may not be that well known or maybe you can give us some additional information to help us out. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Thank you Steven for your attention. I too have tried to research him on the net but have not had any luck. The only info that I have is from a poster that was for sale. I think he performed a lot in the Harlem area. Thanks again for your time.
Best Regards,
James

Try looking at a big auction site and check completed auctions.

I will try that Kevin...I will let you know if I have any luck.
Best Regards,
James

I have a publicity photograph of Norice de la Roache given to me by magician Lew Dick, who told me la Roache was from the British West Indies and that he was very active performing at black churches and schools throughout New York during the 30s with a full evening show of stage illusiions. He was also active in a local magic organization called the Knights of Magic. For his "day" job he ran a business school on 125th Street in Harlem. In the photo I have he wore a turban and billed himself as Professor Chan Du Bey. Marcellie (Marcellus Clark)and Professor Maharajah (Wilmont Barclay) were friends of his. I am interested in where he performed with ventriloquist Cooper and what other information you might have about him.

Jim, I pm you with the info I had.
Thanks for the great info!!!
Best Wishes,
James

During the 1930s there was also a magician with the last name of Hooper that billed himself as The Handcuff King and the Black Houdini. A newspaper story concerning him stated that he “…amazed the police department of Knoxville, Tennessee with his magic escape tricks.”
Just thought you might be interested in this info.


SJ Miller