Harry Riser

Harry Edward "Huck" Riser

(March 12, 1928 - November 26, 2016)

Harry was born in Vincennes, Ind. He is primarily known for his work as a magician and the book he wrote, Secrets of an Escamoteur. He is well-known and respected in the magic community for his sleight-of-hand and card tricks.

However, he also devoted himself to his passion for jazz and big band music. For over 25 years, he hosted a radio program, “Grand Big Bands,” through WICR-FM, The Diamond 88.7 at the University of Indianapolis. “Grand Big Bands” aired every Sunday from 2 to 5pm. The three one-hour episodes feature his choice of big band music and a number of stories about the artists.

A jazz fan for decades, Riser met countless artists – among them, Count Basie, Woody Herman, and Les Brown.

With his warm baritone voice, Riser signed off each show by saying: "Keep on digging the good stuff."