Jun 20, 20236 min read

Harry Blackstone Sr. - The Master Magician: A Life of Illusion and Legacy

Updated: Jun 4

Explore the life and career of Harry Blackstone Sr., a famous magician of the early 20th century who left a lasting impact on the magic community. Let's take a look at the Great Blackstone Sr.

Harry Bouton Blackstone (born Henry Boughton; September 27, 1885 – November 16, 1965)

Table of Contents

Introduction
Early Life and Beginnings
Rise to Fame
Signature Illusions and Performances
Personal Life and Later Years
Interesting Facts about Blackstone

Harry Blackstone Sr. - A Life of Magic and Illusion

In this post, we will explore the life and career of American magician Harry Blackstone Sr. He was a master of illusion, best known for his floating light bulb magic trick and large illusions. Blackstone remained silent during his shows and was the father of Harry Jr., who continued his legacy.

Let's look at the life of this legendary magician!

Early Life and Beginnings

Harry Blackstone Sr., born Harry Bouton, entered the world in Chicago on September 27, 1885. His journey into the world of magic began when he received a magic trick for his 8th birthday.

This seemingly simple gift ignited a lifelong passion for the art of illusion. Later that year, he performed his first magic show in the basement of his local church, taking his first steps toward a legendary career.

At 12, Blackstone had a life-changing experience when he saw the Great Kellar, the most famous illusionist of the era, perform at the McVickers Theatre in Chicago.

This encounter with the master of illusion left a lasting impression on young Blackstone. After the performance, he vowed to become a magician, setting his sights on a future filled with wonder and enchantment.

Colourized portrait of Harry Blackstone Sr. — Harry Blackstone Sr. (colorized)

Determined to fulfill his dream, Blackstone spent countless hours learning, reading magic books, and practicing sleight of hand.

His dedication to his craft was evident even in these early years, as he tirelessly honed his skills and sought to perfect his art.

This unwavering commitment to magic would eventually pave the way for his rise to fame and lasting influence on the world of illusion.

Blackstone's hard work and determination began to pay off when he landed his first paid performance at 14.

This milestone marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would span over six decades and leave an indelible mark on the history of magic.

From his humble beginnings in the basement of a local church to his eventual status as a legendary illusionist, Harry Blackstone Sr.'s early life is an inspiring testament to the power of passion, dedication, and perseverance.

Rise to Fame

In 1904, Harry Blackstone and his brother Pete embarked on an exciting journey by creating a vaudeville act called Straight and Crooked Magic.

Appearing as Fredrik, The Great and Co., the duo captivated audiences with their unique blend of magic, comedy and entertainment.

The show was a resounding success, and the two brothers soon found themselves touring the United States, bringing their magical talents to audiences far and wide.

Harry Blackstone Sr quote "The Personality must be bigger than the prop"

As World War I loomed, the brothers changed their act's name to Blackstone to avoid any negative connotations associated with their previous moniker. With this new name, they continued to tour, and Pete took on the manager role, ensuring the smooth operation of their increasingly popular show.

In a serendipitous turn of events, either in 1915 or 1916, the Great Kellar himself attended one of Blackstone's shows in Los Angeles. Impressed by the young magician's talents, Kellar came backstage to congratulate Blackstone personally.

This meeting marked the beginning of a friendship between the two legendary magicians.

As the two illusionists grew closer, Kellar generously shared many of his greatest secrets with Blackstone.

These invaluable insights were later incorporated into Blackstone's show, elevating it to new heights and further cementing his reputation as a master of the magical arts.

Harry Blackstone's rise to fame was a journey marked by passion, determination, and a little bit of luck.

From his humble beginnings as a young magician inspired by the Great Kellar, to his eventual friendship with the very man who had set him on his path, Blackstone's story is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and the transformative magic of human connection.

Signature Illusions and Performances

Harry Blackstone's fame and show grew, captivating audiences with his mesmerizing illusions and unforgettable performances as the years went by.

He constantly pushed the boundaries of magic, devising new tricks that would become synonymous with his name and leave a lasting impact on the world of illusion.

Blackstone's big stage show was a unique spectacle, as he mainly performed in silence, allowing the accompanying orchestra to provide the perfect atmosphere for his magical feats.

This approach not only heightened the sense of mystery surrounding his illusions but also showcased his exceptional skill and precision as a performer.

Some of Blackstone's most famous tricks included The Vanishing Birdcage, Dancing Handkerchief, and Floating Lightbulb.

Each of these illusions showcased his creativity and mastery of the magical arts, leaving audiences spellbound and eager for more.

One of Blackstone's most notable illusions was his version of the "Sawing in Half" trick. Unlike other magicians of the time, Blackstone's take on this classic illusion involved an electric circular saw, 3-4 feet in diameter, mounted on an open frame.

This daring and innovative approach set him apart from his contemporaries and further cemented his reputation as a trailblazer in the world of magic.

Blackstone's early years of relentless sleight of hand practice were also evident in his performances, as he incorporated increasingly difficult pieces of magic into his show.

These intricate and skillful displays of illusion showcased his dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the realm of magic.

Harry Blackstone's magic shows and tricks showcase his creativity, expertise, and commitment to the craft. His unique style of illusions and tireless striving for perfection has made a lasting impact on the world of magic and continues to motivate both magicians and viewers.

Personal Life and Later Years

As Harry Blackstone's career flourished, so too did his personal life. One notable event was the birth of his son, Harry Blackstone Jr., who would also become a successful magician, following in his father's footsteps and continuing the family's magical legacy.

Though Blackstone eventually retired from performing, he remained active in the world of magic and entertainment.

He made frequent television appearances, showcasing his talents on popular television programs such as the "Steve Allen Tonight Show," "Producer's Showcase," "This is Your Life," and the "Ernie Kovacs Show."

Over an incredible 65-year career, Blackstone's passion for magic never waned, and he continued to share his love for the art with audiences nationwide.

In his retirement, Blackstone became a regular performer at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. This iconic venue provided the perfect setting for him to continue performing and connecting with fellow magicians and enthusiasts.

Harry Blackstone Sr. passed away on November 16, 1965, at 80.

His extraordinary life and career stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication to the art of magic, his enduring influence on those who followed in his footsteps, and his lasting impact on the countless audiences fortunate enough to witness his incredible illusions.

Interesting Facts about Blackstone

Here are some interesting facts about The Great Blackstone that showcase his unique life and magical career:

In 1942, in Decatur, Illinois, Blackstone announced to the audience that his next trick was so large and so spectacular that everyone needed to go outside to the streets to see it. In actuality, the theatre was on fire, and Blackstone avoided catastrophe by using the art of misdirection to evacuate the audience calmly.
The original floating light bulb, one of Blackstone's most famous illusions, was designed and built by none other than Thomas Edison himself.
The original cabinet used in the Dancing Handkerchief routine holds a special place in history, as it was the first donation in the field of magic accepted by the Smithsonian Institution. It was donated in 1985 by Harry Blackstone Jr. on the 100th anniversary of his father's birth.
In 1941, Blackstone became the star of a comic book called "Super-Magician Comics." The series was scripted by magician Walter B. Gibson, further cementing Blackstone's status as a cultural icon and a true legend in the world of magic.

Conclusion

Harry Blackstone Sr.'s remarkable life and career have left an indelible mark on the world of magic. From his humble beginnings to his rise to fame, his innovative illusions and unforgettable performances have inspired generations of magicians and captivated audiences worldwide.

His contributions to the art of magic, innovative illusions, and intriguing anecdotes make his story an enduring testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and the transformative magic of perseverance and creativity.

The Great Blackstone's legacy will undoubtedly continue to enchant and amaze for years to come.

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Ryan Joyce - Magician, Illusionist, Hypnotist & Speaker

Ryan Joyce is the Executive Director of the Ontario OWOW Magic Festival. Ryan is a professional magician, entertainer and speaker who has performed over 5000+ shows worldwide. He has appeared on Penn & Teller's Fool Us, Canada's Got Talent and every Canadian national television network. He has over 10+ million views on YouTube, Facebook and social media and is trusted by Fortune 500 companies to deliver world-class performance.

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