From the article: The Top Ten Magicians of Our Time
Who are the top magicians of our time? I attempt to list the ten very best of our era. Did your favorite magician make my list? Share Your Thoughts
Top Ten
- Dan Sperry is no doubt on of modern times best magicians. He deserves to be on the list along with Franz Harary and Ed Alonzo
- —Guest Anarchys' Mistress
Wilson But Not Blackstone?
- Hmmm... While I appreciate Wilson, and would not dispute his appearing on a list, I would challeneg the logic of not including Harry Blackstone, Jr. on the same list as Mark Wilson. Up until his too early death to cancer, Harry was actively performing with a full touring show-while Mark Wilson had retired to more of a production/consultant career. Wilson is better known for Alakazam and Circus TV spots, while Harry was a true traveling performer in the vein of the past greats (Houdini, Kellar, Thurston, Robinson {Foo} and, of course, the Sr. Blackstone), as well as occasional televised performances. From a name recognition perspective, I might opine that Blackstone had greater recognition than Wilson like many of the others you've included. I had the chance to meet Harry and Gay on two occasions and I must say, they were both charming and gracious-excellent representatives of the global fellowship that Magic is supposed to represent-total class.
- —Guest Jay Malone
TOP MAGICIAN
- I think that Richiardi Jnr. should be among the top magic acts
- —Guest BOB BAIN
No Criss Angel!
- I've got news: even Criss Angel can't do what Criss Angel does. His stuff only works on video, and the proof is the violent anger over his $100 million bomb at the Luxor, which disappointed fans who wanted to see his TV show tricks in person. Criss is no Angel; he's Icarus, and the wings have fallen off.
- —Guest Eric Henning
Tommy Wonder??!!!
- Where is Tommy Wonder in the list? His was one of the finest minds in magic ever. Tommy Wonder's work and contributions are much more important to the art than Mark Wilson (we may not have as many poor performers if not for Mark Wilson - not his fault but), Cyril (who's work is great) and as much as I enjoy Harry Anderson's work to include Anderson and not Tommy Wonder is a travesty. You have had to read "Books of Wonder" and seen the DVD's. How could you leave such a brilliant mind and accomplished performer off?
- —Guest Vick
Carlos Caliente
- Carlos Caliente is the worlds hottest magician, Latin Lover, and author of the book, "The Secret of The "Woo'man" where he advises men on how to understand the most dangerous creature in the solar system, the human female. No other magician can come close to Senior Caliente. He is hot, hot, hot, chili pepper hot. [Alright. I know magician Bill Perron and I'll let this one stay. I guess there's no question who in Bill's mind should be a top ten magician. -WK]
- —Guest William Perron
While I agree
- While I agree with you on alot of your picks - I'll have to also say that, Doug Henning,Mark Wilson, and Harry Anderson do not belong for the various reasons mentioned before. What I do not understand is all of the talk about Jeff McBride not belonging on the list. If anything, he should be moved up within the top 5. Press on Brothers:)
- —DrMagicDavid
Top Magician vs. Classiest
- If the topic was CLASSIEST MAGICIAN, Lance Burton would be at the top of the list hands down. I saw a Copperfield show live once, and he actually took the Lord's name in vain during the show. Totally unnecessary and definitely not classy. While the show was spectacular, I could only conclude that DC has become too big for his own britches. I'm hoping this was just an isolated event, but I have my doubts.
- —Guest tophat
Solid list
- I think this list is solid with all the current legends covered. However, Jeff McBride as stunning a performer as he is, should be bumped for David Blaine. As far as your choice for Cyril Takayama, I think you were dead on the money with him as far as innovation.
- —Guest secondhandhero44
10 best magicians
- Dai Vernon must be on the list. Even though many of the present day magicians and public have never seen him perform, and I include myself, I know that he was among the best. He was performing before you and I were born. Remmember this. Anyone who has a knowledge of magic will know who the professor was. That is hard to accomplish.
- —Guest Barry Sokolsky
You nailed it with Cyril
- Cyril is one of the most creative and inventive magicians out there and his style and execution is second to none. Glad he made the top 10.
- —Guest brucemri
"Our Time"
- Wayne, It's a good list, but your "Top Magicians of Our Time" does make me wonder about whether some of your choices belong on the list. Doug Henning was truly important and influential in bringing back the luster to magic, but his heyday was decades ago. Mark Wilson is still lecturing and working on projects, but he's unknown to many people who aren't as old as I am. As far as the public is concerned, Harry Anderson and Ricky Jay are both known more for their acting than for their magic, unfortunately, because they are worthy entries on your list. Cyril Takayama? I don't know his work. That leaves Copperfield, S & R (who aren't performing regularly), Burton, P & T, and McBride. That's a good, solid five.
- —fimsterlives
Top Ten Magicians
- I absolutely agree that Ricky Jay is up there His off-Broadway show "Ricky Jay & His 52 Friends " was fantastic. His presentation of tricks was one of the best I have ever seen
- —Guest Bob Bogan
Pendragons belong on list!
- ...for their bold and effective inovations in illusion methods. They share more for the betterment of the magic art. Their athleticism and speed where needed is breathtaking as are their illusions. I think the Pendragons effect on an audience is more impressive than a couple of others on the list. I cant believe you left them off.
- —ealexm
Americanized
- Well sure you have great magicians over there, but I am also sure you are aware of some other great & foreign entertainers like: Derren Brown Fred Kaps But It's of course your list with your preferences. Thanks for sharing it.
- —Guest Jeroen
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