‘Magic Fingers’ Inventor Dies
John Houghtaling, the man who invented the Magic Fingers vibrating bed, died last Wednesday at his home in Fort Pierce, Florida. He was 92.
According to his son, Houghtaling suffered a brain hemorrhage after taking a fall and hitting his head.
In 1958, Houghtaling was contracted to sell mattress-box spring combos installed with vibrating motors. When the beds didn’t sell well, Houghtaling developed a new motor and a new angle.
For just a quarter, motel customers could experience 15 minutes of “Magic Fingers.” The concept peaked the curiosity of travelers and became vastly popular during the 1960s and 1970s. As such, the beds have been referenced in songs, movies, and television.
The invention made millions, but started losing popularity after a decade or two, and in the 1980s Houghtaling sold the company. Currently, the beds are said to be available for purchase from a mail-order company on the Internet.
Houghtaling was born in Missouri in 1916 and served in both World War II and the Korean War. He is survived by four sons, a daughter, and four grandchildren.
[photo: Paul J. Milette]
