Mr. Magic is a popular establishment located in Louisville, KY. It is renowned for its mesmerizing magic shows and captivating performances that have delighted audiences for many years. Whether you are a fan of magic or simply seeking an evening of entertainment, Mr. Magic is the perfect destination. The talented magicians at Mr.
The Grave of Harry L. Collins
Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville is the eternal home to many Kentucky luminaries, including George Rogers Clark (Revolutionary War hero), Nicola Marschall (designer of the Confederate Flag), and the face of the Kentucky Fried Chicken empire, Colonel Sanders. But none of these famed Kentuckians can hold a candle in terms of detail, scale, or overall coolness to the life-sized memorial of Louisville’s most popular magician, Harry Leon Collins.
Born in 1920 in Glasgow, Kentucky, Harry became interested in magic after a local attorney amazed him with tricks. He entered the Marines during World War II and was wounded in Saipan (part of the Pacific campaign). His magic skills didn’t go unnoticed and he was assigned to the Special Services, the entertainment branch of the American military. He joined jazz musician Bob Crosby’s traveling USO show, “This Is The Army Show” where the young solider honed his techniques.
After serving, Collins returned to the United States, moved to the big city (Louisville), and got a job as a salesmen at Frito-Lay, the purveyor of many a snack food. For the next twenty years, he was a Frito-Lay man by day and “Mr. Magic,” Louisville’s most popular magician by night. He loved both jobs so much that the magic word for every one his tricks was “Frito-Lay!”
In 1970, Frito-Lay realized what they had and named “Mr. Magic” their official corporate magician. He traveled across the country and world, performing magic tricks and paying homage to corn chips. Its rumored that he even became the mentor for Lance Burton, world-renown magician and Vegas veteran.
As one approaches the life-sized memorial to Mr. Magic, with his arm out beckoning visitors to watch his next trick, you can almost hear him exclaim those magic words… “Frito-Lay!”
Know Before You Go
The grave can be found in section 33, lot 38.
Mr magic louisville ky
The Cave Hill Cemetery at Louisville, Kentucky, is a rolling, beautifully landscaped rural garden cemetery in the finest tradition. At every turn through the cemetery there are monuments that catch the eye and draw in the viewer to wonder about the person buried underneath. None any more than that of the monument dedicated to Harry Leon Collins (April 27, 1920 – May 3, 1985). The bronze statue marking his grave is a life-size likeness of Harry Leon Collins in a tuxedo standing in front of a trunk. Collin’s hand is extended in a gesture of welcoming.
Collins was well known in Louisville for his magic. So well-known for it, that he became known by the moniker, Mr. Magic. What had started out as a teenage fascination with magic became an avocation and then a vocation later in life. Collins’ interest in magic started when a local attorney in his hometown of Glasgow, Kentucky, showed him some magic and slight-of-hand tricks. From that point on, Collins was hooked and practiced his craft until he was quite good. Good enough, in fact, to get a part in the Bob Crosby USO show during his stint in the Pacific Theater while he was serving in the Marines in World War II.
After the war, Collins moved to the big cosmopolitan city of Louisville, Kentucky, where he got a job with the Frito-Lay Company as a salesperson. Though he was working full-time during the day selling Lays potato chips (my personal favorite chip!) and Fritos, he was still practicing his craft as a magician at night. He was so good he gained the nickname as Mr. Magic and gained a large following as one of the city’s favorite entertainers. The Frito-Lay management realized that they could have Collins combine his love for magic with his sales acumen and Collins became known as the Frito-Lay Magician. Now instead of using the phrase hocus pocus or voila or abracadabra, Collins would say, “Frito-Lay” when he pulled the proverbial rabbit out of his hat!
While the statue is a fitting tribute to his skill and passion as a magician, and his 45 years at the Frito-Lay Company, it only tells part of the story about who Harry Leon Collins was. He was also the son of Paul and Sadie Emerson Collins. Harry was only 15 when his father died and took over the awesome family responsibility of running the tobacco farm while finishing high school. He continued to take care of his brothers and sisters even after high school. He sent money home to take care of them after he entered the Marines. And he never forgot his obligation to them—sending each of them to college.
When Harry Leon Collins died suddenly in 1985, his wife, Maxine Warner Lewis Collins, commissioned famed sculptor, Barney Bright, to create the bronze statue of him that marks his grave.
Harry Collins
Harry Leon Collins (1920 - 1985) was a magic spokesman for the Frito-Lay company for many years.
The talented magicians at Mr. Magic have honed their craft through years of practice and dedication. Their performances are filled with mind-bending illusions, mind reading, and sleight of hand tricks that will leave you in awe.
Biography
Collins became interested in magic as a teenager after learning a trick from local attorney Edward Smith. He served as a Marine in World War II and was wounded in Saipan. While in the service he performed his magic act as part of jazz bandleader Bob Crosby's show for military troops "This Is The Army Show."
In 1952 he began work as a salesman for the Frito Lay Corporation where he would stay for 45 years. Collins became a sales manager and in 1970 was given the full time job as their corporate magician. "Mr. Magic" as he was known, toured the United States, promoting their products, doing television commercials, making appearances at supermarkets, conventions, fairs and schools. When he performed, instead of the normal magic words "hocus pocus", he would say "frito-lay!
One of his shows was attended by a young Lance Burton. Later when Burton began doing magic himself, Collins saw his devotion towards the art and became his mentor. Collins taught him the techniques and fundamentals of magic, including sleight of hand, the manipulation of playing cards, and the important art of misdirection.
Collins was a member of the Louisville Magic Club and there is a life sized statue of him at his grave site at the Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky.
From disappearing acts to unbelievable card tricks, each performance is meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. The venue itself offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, allowing you to feel both connected to the performers and fully immersed in the magic experience. The stage is well-equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, ensuring that every aspect of the show is perfectly presented. In addition to their regular shows, Mr. Magic also offers special events and private bookings. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, hosting a corporate event, or planning a unique date night, Mr. Magic can cater to your needs. Their team is professional and accommodating, guaranteeing that your event will be a memorable one. Furthermore, Mr. Magic also offers magic classes and workshops for those interested in learning the art of magic themselves. These classes are suitable for all ages and skill levels, and provide a hands-on experience that allows participants to learn and practice various magic tricks and techniques. Overall, Mr. Magic in Louisville, KY is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a magical and unforgettable experience. Whether you are a long-time fan of magic or simply curious about the world of illusions, Mr. Magic promises to deliver an evening of enchantment and wonder. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness some of the best magicians in the business perform their mind-blowing acts..
Reviews for "Explore the Mysteries of Mr. Magic in Louisville, KY"
1. John Doe - ★☆☆☆☆
I recently attended a performance by Mr. Magic in Louisville, KY and I have to say, it was a complete disappointment. The tricks were outdated and predictable, and it felt like I could see through all his illusions. The jokes were also worn-out and didn't elicit any laughter from the audience. Overall, I was not impressed with Mr. Magic's show and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an entertaining magic performance.
2. Jane Smith - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for Mr. Magic's show in Louisville, KY, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The tricks performed were underwhelming and lacked the wow factor that I was hoping for. The pacing of the show was also off, with long gaps between acts that left the audience bored and disengaged. While Mr. Magic had a charming stage presence, it wasn't enough to make up for the overall lackluster performance. I left feeling unsatisfied and wishing I had chosen a different show to attend.
3. David Johnson - ★☆☆☆☆
Attending Mr. Magic's show in Louisville, KY was a regrettable experience. The illusions were poorly executed, and it was evident that Mr. Magic lacked the skill and finesse of a professional magician. The show felt amateurish and disjointed, with no cohesive theme or storyline to keep the audience engaged. The few laughs that were elicited throughout the show were forced, and it seemed like the audience was only trying to find something positive to hold onto. I was thoroughly disappointed and would not recommend Mr. Magic's performance to anyone looking for an enjoyable magic show.