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Ed Keener

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Ed Keener

Cover of Genii (1971)
BornEdwin Leeroy Keener
June 1, 1923
Marion, Indiana
DiedJanuary 14, 2006 (age 82)
Las Vegas, Nevada

Ed Keener (1923-2006) was a professional magician in an act with his wife, Nanci.

Biography

After serving in the army during World War II, Keener worked first as a trumpet player, and then as chauffeur. But, after meeting Nanci Hensley in Phoenix, he started working on a magic act for the two of them. They were married in 1952, and for the next thirteen years they performed at The Hollywood Palace, the Steve Allen shows on television, Magic Castle and a Western theme park outside of Phoenix.

On the advice of friends, they moved on to Europe and became such a popular act that they worked for the next 23 years.

Their "Magic of the Atmosphere" act consisted of magic with balloons including needles through balloon, shooting a silk into a blown-up balloon, and changing a white balloon into their poodle, Bianca.

They worked nightclubs, theaters, and television in 34 countries. Also two command performances for the Shah and Farah of Iran.

Keener retired to Las Vegas in 1986 and died after a bout with pneumonia and kidney failure.[1][2]

Awards

References

  1. Cover: Genii Magazine, Vol. 35, No. 10, June 1971
  2. Obit, Magic, March 2006