Earl PRESTO Johnson
Earl crossed my path a few times in the early 80’s. He would stop by my shop whenever he worked the Catskills. Aside from being an early and positive influence in my magic experience back then, I had a “piece” of the “Presto” Johnson act in my magic library. I showed it only to important friends to show them what a Commando entertainer was supposed to be. I hadn’t realized some of the moves and lines I used of his. His dog “spot” on a the water production evolved into my Little rubber duck on a lotta bowl. A signature piece of comedy I have in my act, derived from Earl Johnson. I heard of his passing onlyh this week and decided to share what has been a prize posession of mine since the 80’s. I shot the video during a perfomance at a local community college in Middletown, NY. I think Earl forgot it was on during the act. Luckily, it was shot with fairly good sound and my magician’s eye behind the camera. Here is a tribute to Earl Johnson. ——–Magic Ian
Note: The whole video is 37 minutes, this cigarette act is the first segment.
