“Amazin’ Grayson” wows at Memphis VA

“It is now time for our featured entertainment. Today, we are lucky to have the world-famous magician, Grayson Smith, with us. He is currently in the middle of his world tour, which stretches from West Memphis to East Memphis. Grayson is a national star, known for his appearances in commercials, films, music videos, and on television, including Unsolved Mysteries. He’s also a local TV host and an all-around good guy. Today, it will be no mystery that Magician Grayson Smith is here as 'Amazin’ Grayson!'”

This self-written introduction sets the stage for Grayson Smith, a man who has become a beloved figure at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center. An Army Vietnam Veteran, Smith has been volunteering at the Memphis VA for nearly 10 years. He first came to the medical center as a patient, and it didn’t take long for him to realize he could use his magic skills to bring joy and entertainment to his fellow Veterans. As Smith recalls, his unique form of service was initially met with curiosity, but both Veterans and staff quickly warmed to his performances.

Smith visits the medical center once or twice a week, bringing along his bag of tricks, illusions, and mysteries. He doesn’t follow a strict schedule unless he’s asked to visit a specific department. Instead, he bases his rounds on the needs he observes as he walks through the facility. “I start off by introducing myself and, if allowed, ask if they like magic,” says Smith.

Word of Smith’s therapeutic presence has spread throughout the medical center, and he’s now a regular request in various departments. Dr. Farhad Sepahpanah, Chief of the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (SCI/D) department, fondly remembers Smith’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. “During COVID, our SCI unit was a closed unit. Veterans couldn’t have visitors, and they couldn’t leave the unit. I thought it would be a great idea for Grayson to bring some joy to their lives, entertaining them for a few minutes each week,” Dr. Sepahpanah recalls. “He has a great sense of humor and isn’t afraid to push the envelope.”

Whether performing magic for a Veteran in the ICU, a caregiver in the waiting room, or a Veteran here for chemotherapy, Smith’s goal remains the same: to provide a happy distraction. “I start with simple tricks to see if they respond and if it makes them happy, then I dive deeper into storytelling magic,” says Smith. “Everything I do is focused on getting a positive response—a smile. For those Veterans who may be here for an extended period, any light I can bring helps.”

A pivotal moment for Smith came when former Medical Center Director, David Dunning, invited him to perform for the Director’s morning employee huddle. “I felt honored to be invited, considering the importance of the meeting,” Smith says. “It was a pleasure to offer the staff a little reprieve to start their day on a lighter note.” Joseph Vaughn, the current medical center director, appreciates Smith’s unique talents and the joy he brings to both Veterans and staff. “Grayson is living proof that laughter is the best medicine,” says Vaughn. “He has a special gift—not only for magic, but also for making people smile.”

“Amazin’ Grayson” discovered magic at the age of 12 when his mother took him to the Memphis Magic Club, one of the most renowned magic clubs in the country. Over the years, his talents have taken him to the prestigious Magic Castle in Los Angeles, aboard cruise ships, and even on Fox Nightly News. Beyond his volunteer work at VA, Smith performs magic at many popular Memphis venues. He also practices fortune telling (only the good kind, of course) and graphology—the art of interpreting handwriting, particularly to analyze personality traits and character.

Smith intends to continue spreading his magic at the Memphis VA for as long as possible, brightening as many days as he can. “If I can offer a moment of deflection, diversion, or relief, then I’m doing my job,”