Fred Kaps (June 8, 1926 - July 23, 1980) was a Dutch magician. He was the creator of numerous original effects, including his version of the color-changing silks. Another popular effect he often performed was the long-pour salt trick.
This is a clip of Fred Kaps on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964. Coincidentally, it is the same episode in which The Beatles made their first American TV appearance.