Al Flosso From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Al Flosso
Born 1895
Brooklyn, New York
Died May 13, 1976 (aged 81)
New York City
Nationality American
Other names Al Flosso, The Coney Island Fakir
Occupation Magician
Known for Stage performer, magic store owner

Albert Levinson (1895 - May 13, 1976) was a Jewish American magician and entertainer, better known by his stage name Al Flosso. Levinson was born in Brooklyn, New York, and his stage name was taken from a vernacular name for cotton candy: "floss".[1]

"Al Flosso grew to be a legend in Magic. Of The Coney Island Fakir world famous entertainer Joseph Dunninger said, "If there is a better all round magician I have yet to discover him!" Although only 5' 2" tall Flosso became a giant to his audiences as he honed his act in the tough carnival world of Coney Island. Flosso was also a master Punch and Judy worker and can be seen in the movie 'A Night at The Opera' starring the Marx Brothers. Al was at home on any stage however big or small and in 1973 became Magician of the Year after an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. At his funeral Dr. Arnold Boston said, "From ten performances a day on the platforms of Luna Park and Dreamland to numerous appearances on national television, he never gave a bad show." from Fantasma Magic

From 1939 - 1976 he owned and operated Martinka & Co in New York City, America's oldest magic company. Levinson died in New York City in 1976.

References 1. Montague Chadbourne, conversations with Mr. Flosso, ca. 1960-1973, and with Jack Flosso, ca. 1967–1994, included in essays written for the combined exhibition of the Chadbourne Thaumaturgium and the Main Street Museum, White River Junction, Vermont, 2008.
http://members.aol.com/AlFlosso/
http://www.martinka.com
Joeseph Dunniger, Monument to Magic, Lyle Stuart, 1974
Steven Miller, obituary, Jack Flosso, New York Sun, 2003
Jack Flosso obituary, New York Times, October 1, 2003