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magicnewswire Inner circle 1947 Posts |
Paul Diamond may not be a household name in the world of magic today, but everyone that I speak to from Johnny Thompson, Mac King, Lance Burton, etc... all know the name. I was lucky enough to get my first exposure to magic through his shop when I was ten years old. Paul was a favorite performer of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Over the years, he's also performed for celebrity events hosted by such performers as Celine Dion, Elton John, Milton Burle and others. In addition, his little shop in Sears Town was frequented by Tony Slydini and Charlie Miller. Rediscover "Mr. Humble," Paul Diamond on this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic Podcast." LISTEN HERE
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Greg Arce Inner circle 6732 Posts |
I grew up in Miami. Paul was a legend even back then. He helped me in so many ways that I don't have the time to go into all of them.
He's a great guy, fantastic thinker and has one of the best faro shuffles around. Love the guy!!! Greg
One of my favorite quotes: "A critic is a legless man who teaches running."
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atucci Veteran user Middleburg, Florida 381 Posts |
Growing up in Ft Lauderdale I remember many afternoons spent in Paul's shop (in Searstown), having the Ring named after him and seeing him at conventions where he would fry magicians with simply bits (thumb tip).
While I don't remember ever seeing it, I know he did a kick-as* double and could spin it down the counter. Thanks Dodd for having Paul on the air.
Tony Tuccillo
Middleburg, Florida |
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Greg Arce Inner circle 6732 Posts |
Tony, I saw the infamous double lift. It was a thing of beauty. Paul used it to fool both magicians and laymen.
With laymen he would shoot a card across a bar once it stopped he have a person pull out any card from the face down pack. He bring that card over to the card he shot and turned them both around... they would be, let's say, the six of hearts and the six of diamonds. With magicians he'd toss the card and as it came to a top it sort of split in two. Some of the guys would say, "You missed." He would tell them to go over there and there were two doubles. Paul is one of the greatest magicians and entertainers I've ever met. Joel Bauer talks about how Paul's small booklet almost started his career just by itself. By the way, I once worked walkaround for Paul and he taught me one of the best ways to get the tip. He is a marvelous guy. Greg
One of my favorite quotes: "A critic is a legless man who teaches running."
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Lyndel Inner circle wrote the theme to the TV show COPS! 1623 Posts |
Love Paul and his wife Andi both. I can't recall the number of times he threatened to sit on me when I was younger. LOL
Lyndel |
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magicnewswire Inner circle 1947 Posts |
I cannot tell you all how happy it makes me to get such feedback on an interview that I originally thought that I was doing for myself.
I am sure that Paul would be flattered as well! I know that he doesn't spend a lot of time online, but I'll be sending these messages to him asap! |
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joseph Eternal Order Please ignore my 17407 Posts |
A long time ago, I walked into his shop, asked him about an Okito box, and was entertained for about 1/2 hour by him ...Excellent stuff and a great guy...
"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler." (Einstein)...
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-04-14 20:02, Greg Arce wrote: I believe this was called the "Immaculate double". I have seen him do that myself, and if I recall, there is an old video somewhere around here with him showing it. It was from the hardcore series and may have been a Videonics video.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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msmaster Special user 522 Posts |
His midnight "lectures" at conventions, which were really product demos that made you have to have what he was pitching were shows in themselves. Somewhere I heard the "Imaculate doubles" were accomplished with a bit of spittle. Anyone know about this?
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magicnewswire Inner circle 1947 Posts |
I spoke with Paul about this.
Paul is now in his late 80's and was trying to remember if the Immaculate Double was in his lecture notes "The Very Best of Paul Diamond" He did mention that the basics of it were in Cliff Green's book, just not his personal touches. He also said emphatically that no "spittle" was involved. Paul added a story of Derek Dingle showing him "the best double that you will ever see," and then Paul doing his version and leaving him stunned... |
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Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
Funny thing about staying at Paul's house one time, when I lectured for him. He said that Slydini had been there ahead of me and one night he heard some sounds in the bathroom that persisted.
Turned out Paul and Andi had remodeled and they had a new hi-tech sink faucet system and Slydini couldn't figure out how to turn the water ON.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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Mick Ayres Special user Hilton Head Island 998 Posts |
Here's another funny story about Paul. Paul hated any practical joke that involved an electrical shock (ie. the shocking book, lighter, card case, etc).
Back in the late 70's, I was straightening out the bookshelves in Paul's shop and David Rumfelt was behind the counter. Paul was sitting in his usual place on a stool in front of the counter, holding his cigar and barking out orders. Dave handed Paul a two foot length of thick electrical wire that had an audio-jack on each end. Paul asked, "So what is this?" Dave said, "It does something really cool when you touch the tips of the jacks together. Try it out." Paul was skeptical and looked worried. "I'm tellin' ya, Rumfelt. If this thing shocks me, you're outta here." Dave laughed and said, "Don't worry. It won't shock you at all, Paul. I promise. Just bring the tips of the wire-jacks slowly together until they finally touch right here." He held up his finger and pointed to a spot about a foot in front of Paul's face. Paul let out a sigh but slowly brought the jacks together until they touched together just in front of Dave's finger. As soon as they touched, Dave pressed the button on the spark ring hidden in his hand. The noise and the sparks that leaped up took Paul by surprise. His knee jerked up and banged against the front glass of the showcase, shattering it! Paul wasn't hurt...but he sure was angry, mostly because everyone in the store was laughing. He shouted, "Dammit, Rumfelt...that's comin' outta your paycheck!" Smiling, Dave wiped tears from his eyes and said, "It was worth it." Dave had showed the rest of us the wire earlier and explained what he wanted to try with it. We all expected a reaction from Paul of course, but no one anticipated the showcase getting busted out. Halcyon days, guys...halcyon days. Warm regards, Mick
THE FIVE OBLIGATIONS OF CONJURING: Study. Practice. Script. Rehearse. Perform. Drop one and you're done.
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Greg Arce Inner circle 6732 Posts |
Wow, I had forgotten about Dave. I remember him showing some really cool ideas for coins across and a great card to pocket.
Greg
One of my favorite quotes: "A critic is a legless man who teaches running."
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Victor Brisbin Elite user Washington, DC / NOVA 432 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-04-14 20:02, Greg Arce wrote: "It Takes Guts, Dammit!" Probably the shortest, to-the-point, get off yer ace and do it pamphlet on making a living in Magic. I think I'll read my treasured copy again tonight! BTW, Greg, if I could twist your arm a little, I'd really appreciate a hint on Paul's method for getting the tip with your walkaround.
"It is better to practice a little than talk a lot." - Muso Kokushi
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Greg Arce Inner circle 6732 Posts |
Let's see, it's a bit of a story. Paul hired a bunch of us to work a banquet. This was in the 70s. There were those circular tables with about 7 or 8 per table.
Everyone, including myself, was walking from table to table doing their stuff. No one thought of asking or even hinting at tips as we were paid in advance. Suddenly I noticed that Paul had situated himself at one table and had people come to him instead. He worked up a crowd that hovered over his table. I also started noticing people pulling out 5 dollar bills and constantly handing them to Paul. Well, Paul was doing the torn and restored bit where you fold a bill in half and tear down one small piece and pretend to rip it off. Then you suddenly pop the bill open and it's restored. Of course, there's still that small tear, but it blends in. Here's Paul's addition: He always kept a small piece from another bill tucked in his mouth. He would pretend to tear of that small chunk of bill and pop it in his mouth. He would open his mouth and you would see the piece laying on his tongue. He pretended to swallow the piece then spit at the bill and pop it open. Viola! It was restored. Now about the tip: Well, he said he could only do it with a $5 and that after he did it he said he got to keep the money. He was up front about it. Well, person after person came up wanting to see it done and they were more than happy to leave the five with him. The funniest part is that some would offer a ten or twenty and he would insist it only works with a five so he wouldn't do it. I think that little subtlety built up a mystique about it because I saw people checking their fives before they gave them up. Paul got people to just hand over the cash without a care in the world. They were happy to do it. He's a genius! Greg
One of my favorite quotes: "A critic is a legless man who teaches running."
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Lawrence O Inner circle French Riviera 6811 Posts |
I bought everything I could find from Paul Diamond. I cannot recall of anything which I would have regretted buying.
Isn't that a great tribute!
Magic is the art of emotionally sharing live impossible situations
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magicnewswire Inner circle 1947 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-07-02 16:02, Lawrence O wrote: That, and the fact that his interview has been one of the most popular ones that I have done at MagicNewswire.com in spite of the fact that most of the people listening had not heard of him before and now want to know more. |
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magicians Inner circle Teacher and Legend 2898 Posts |
Most memorable for me was going to the L.A. convention in 83, and Mohamed Ali came in. Apparently Paul and Ali knew each other and started to spar behind the counter.
Ali bought a lot of magic from him. I called Paul one time and he gave me the connections to book three lectures in 85' in the Florida area. I thought that was generous. He also sold a lot of my stuff.
Illusionist, Illusionist consulting, product development, stage consultant, seasoned performer for over 35 years. Specializing in original effects. Highly opinionated, usually correct, and not afraid of jealous critics. I've been a puppet, a pirate, a pawn and a King. Free lance gynecologist.
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Victor Brisbin Elite user Washington, DC / NOVA 432 Posts |
Thank you Greg. Great story! Who knows, in today's economy, the bit with the fives could definitely keep the wolves from the door.
"It is better to practice a little than talk a lot." - Muso Kokushi
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DomKabala Inner circle I've grown old after diggin' holes for 2827 Posts |
In 1970, I attended the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale to study Commercial Art. I was already a connoiseur of magic and happened to find "The Most Unsual Store in The World". It was Paul Diamond's magic shop located in the Sears Town Mall on North Federal Hwy.
I was introduced to my first Scotch and Soda coin set, chop cup, and Zombie ball at his magic shop. I still have the coins (and many more) and the chop cup, the zombie ball has long since vanished Paul Diamond is a hulk of a man and magician and he was always ready to help out a fledgling like me. I was always amazed when he showed me magic with his cards and coins. Until I met him I was into stage/parlor magic. I found out soon, all I needed was a few coins and a deck of cards to make good magic. It wasn't long before I spent a lot of time (and money) in that old shop. I'm glad to hear he's still alive and kickin'... Cardamagically, Dom
We don't stop playing when we grow old...we grow old when we stop playing.
God is enough, let go, let God. Gal 2:20 "Anything of value is not easily attained and those things which are easily attained are not of lasting value." |
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