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Jack Kodell
| Jack Kodell | |
 Cover of Genii 1957 March | |
| Born | John Edward Koudelka November 4, 1927 Mankato, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Died | May 17, 2012 (age 84) Orlando, Florida |
Jack Kodell (1927-2012), born John Edward Koudelka at Mankato, Minnesota, was a professional magician since the age of thirteen. He was originator of the parakeet act and played the top clubs and stages until he retired in 1960.
Biography
At the age of nine, he learned to fly an airplane. After moving to Chicago in 1941, he met George Boston, who was to become his mentor and adviser in magic. With Cantu and Boston they developed "A Fantasy in Birds" act in which he manipulates birds (parakeets) as other handle cards and billiard balls. His initial performance was given at the Masonic Temple in Aurora in June 1945.
Kodell performed on the television shows Ed Sullivan Show (January 1, 1956) and You Asked For It.
References
- Tops, July 1947
- The Sphinx July 1947 (cover)
- Biography The Linking Ring, Vol. 32, No. 7, September 1952, Phantasy In Birds, page 24
- MUM January, 1956
- Genii 1957 March (cover)
- Genii 1959 April (cover)
- Genii 1988 February (cover)
- Jack Kodell: A Magical Pioneer by Max Maven in Genii 1997 November (cover)
- http://jackkodell.com/