Harry Collins

From MagicHistorian

Harry Collins probably had the most influence on Lance Burton of all the magicians in the world. It started 32 years ago at a Christmas party, when magician Harry Collins - who is memorialized in a statue at Cave Hill Cemetery - pulled coins from Lance's ears. "When I went on-stage and Harry pulled the silver dollars out from behind my ear; it just had a profound impact on me," Burton said. "I had never seen a magician before. I didn't know it was a trick. I thought I had money behind my ears all this time." The well-dressed, well-mannered Kentucky magician soon became Lance's mentor and followed his dedication and progress. Lance Burton's mom Hilma Burton met Harry Collins where she had worked at Frito-Lay in Louisville. Lance Burton retains and adheres to the strict ideals laid down by his friend and tutor. In order to maintain the edge that keeps him in a class of his own, Lance spends several hours each day relentlessly studying, practicing and honing his craft.

Info taken from: http://www.lanceburton.com/