Ken Griffin was one of the rare people who was tremendously talented in two fields, each earning him worldwide fame.
Kenneth Leo Griffin was born on September 05, 1914 in Jester, Oklahoma. In his early years Ken worked on a ranch as a cowboy / ranch-hand, where he became interested in saddle making and leather working. In the years ahead Griffin would gain worldwide fame as a leather artist. in
Hollywood Called on Ken often to make saddles and custom leather props for motion pictures and such stars as Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Bill Elliot, and Robert Taylor.
In 1946 Ken and his beautiful wife Roberta (born - Roberta G. Schramm May 03, 1919 in Massachusetts, died - October 17, 1996 in California), decided to pursue Ken's second interest of magic.
The Griffin's first adventure into show business was titled "NAVO & CLAYCHA, The American Indian Magician". The duo's first few years in magic, were less than successful and Ken still relied on his leather carving abilities to support them.
Ken reinvented the show and it became "The Ken Griffin Show", a first class stage illusion production. The Griffin's toured for over twenty years in the United States and also performed abroad.
Ken won many accolades in both his careers including: The Academy of Magical Arts' Award of Merit, and was the second recipients of the Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leather craft.
References:
Wikipedia
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