Black Herman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Black Herman
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| Born |
Benjamin Rucker
June 6, 1889 |
| Died | April 15, 1934 (aged 44) |
| Resting place | Woodlawn Cemetery |
| Occupation | Magician |
Benjamin Rucker (June 6, 1889 – April 15, 1934) was a famous American stage magician. He was better known by his stage name, Black Herman. He became the most well-known African-American magician of his time.
Contents
Early Life and Learning Magic
Benjamin Rucker was born in Amherst, Virginia, on June 6, 1889. He learned how to perform magic tricks from another magician named Prince Herman. Prince Herman was his teacher and later became his partner.
A Magician's Career
At first, Black Herman and Prince Herman sold special medicines along with their magic shows. This was like a "medicine show." When Prince Herman passed away in 1909, Benjamin Rucker was only 17 years old. He decided to honor his friend by taking the name "Black Herman." He then focused only on his stage magic acts.
Black Herman made Harlem, New York City his main home. During his time, there were Jim Crow rules in many parts of the United States. These rules meant that people were separated by race. In the Northern states, Black Herman could perform for audiences of all races. But when he traveled through the Southern states, his audiences were mostly Black people. He often performed in his own large tent.
Black Herman's Amazing Tricks
Black Herman was known for several exciting magic tricks:
- Asrah Levitation: This trick made it look like a person was floating in the air.
- Rabbit Production: He could make rabbits appear out of nowhere.
- Escape Acts: He could escape from ropes and knots tied by people in the audience.
The Buried Alive Act
One of his most famous acts was being "buried alive." This trick would start outdoors in a place he called "Black Herman's Private Graveyard." He would be buried for three days! After three days, he would be dug up, seem to come back to life, and then walk to the stage. There, he would perform the rest of his magic show.
His Book of Secrets
In 1925, a book called Secrets of Magic, Mystery, and Legerdemain was published. Black Herman was said to be the author. The book shared parts of his life story, which was a mix of facts and fiction. It also taught simple magic tricks for beginners. Plus, it gave advice on astrology and lucky numbers. The book also included some African-American folk magic customs.
The book's title page had a special message: "Black Herman Comes Through Every Seven Years." This meant that he would return to perform in the same places regularly. The book was sold at his shows.
Black Herman's Passing
Black Herman passed away on April 15, 1934, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 44 years old. It is believed he died from a heart attack.
Some exciting stories claimed he died while performing on stage. However, newspaper reports and his death certificate show that he died at a boarding house where he and his group were staying.
Because his "buried alive" act was so famous, many people found it hard to believe he was truly gone. So, his assistant, Washington Reeves, charged people money to see Black Herman's body at the funeral home. This was a dramatic end to a life full of amazing shows. Black Herman was buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Bronx, New York City.
