Harold D. Russell

Harold D. Russell
Born	Harold D. Russell June 21, 1922 St. Louis, Missouri
Died	July 22, 2008 (age 86) St. Louis, Missouri
Resting place	Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

Harold D. Russell (1922-2008), the "Divine Mind", was a headliner at the Gold Palace in the Gaslight Square area of St. Louis, he played the St. Louis Playboy Club, the Midwest Magic Jubilee and charity show to benefit children. Mr. Russell was believed to have been St. Louis' first African-American magician.

Biography

Fascinated as a child by magic, he saw Thurston and Blackstone, Sr.

Harold did not consider performing magic himself until much later in life when he saw a bartender at a restaurant where he worked demonstrate several effects. In June, 1967, Harold applied for membership in the Society of American Magicians with Gene DeVoe and Bob Stevens signing his applications. After learning magic, he would go on to do thousands of shows for night clubs, banquets, television, conventions and other gatherings. Over the years, Harold developed a style of comedy magic.

A member S.A.M. Assembly No. 8, he served on numerous committees and as Vice President four times. The Harold D. Russell Extravaganza and Wine and Cheese Tasting Extravaganza has been held the first meeting in September annually since 1978.

Awards

• 1970 I.B.M.-S.A.M. National Convention First Place Mental Effect

References

• The Linking Ring, Vol. 88, No. 9, September 2008, Broken Wand. Harold O. Russel, page 122
• https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=81372218