Chang

Chang (December 2, 1889 - April 27, 1972) was born Juan Jose Pablo Jesorum in Panama City, Panama. He started out performing as Li-Ho-Chang and later as just plain Chang.

Chang would tell the story of his father moving to Panama from China where he worked as a Chinese laborer for the construction of the Panama Canal under the French. Both his parents died early.

At seventeen, Chang traveled with The Great Raymond from the end of 1907 to 1912 and in these five years he circled the globe with Raymond becoming his chief assistant.

His first appearance in Chinese robes was in the year 1913 under his name of Li-Ho-Chang. Aside from magic, his hobby was bull fighting.

During his long career, Chang has met many of the world's big names in magic, and he spoke affectionately of Blackstone, Dante, Chefalo, Dai Vernon, Mulholland, Dunninger, Al Baker, Carl Rosini, Horace Goldin, Jack Gwynne, Dorny, Okito, and the late Nicola. In his prime, Chang traveled with 14 tons of equipment, costumes, stage settings, etc. At one time his entourage included a ballet company and a twelve piece orchestra.

In 1928 Chang had accumulated a fortune and decided to retire from the stage and settle in New York.

Chang became ill while in Merida, Yucatan and died.

Reference

• Chang Biography on http://www.thelearnedpig.com.pa
• New Conjurers' Magazine Vol. 05, March 1949, page 7
• Genii Vol. 36, June 1972 - Obituary
• Linking Ring Vol 51, September 1971 - Premature Obituary!
• Linking Ring Vol 51, November 1971 page 108 - Apologies for premature Obituary!