British Porn King Paul Raymond Dead

LONDON — Paul Raymond, the so-called "King of Soho," has died at the age of 82 from an unspecified illness following a hospital stay.

Raymond, who was born Geoffrey Anthony Quinn in November, 1925, was reportedly worth in excess of $1.3 billion, and was remembered by the Times Online as a "Porn baron, impresario and property magnate who made his name with nude revues and died rich, lonely and embittered."

Raymond stepped onto the adult stage in 1951 with his launch of the Festival of Nudes, a topless vaudeville show featuring women that remained perfectly still in order to comply with regulations forbidding movement by nude performers on a theatrical stage.

Raymond's big break came after learning that private clubs were exempted from the "nude movements" regulation, leading to his opening of the Raymond Revuebar in 1958 — the only British venue to offer live striptease shows at the time.

Raymond also is credited with inventing high-quality glossy men's magazines with the 1971 launch of Men Only, followed a year later by Club International.

After a 1977 crackdown on London's sex shops, Raymond entered the real estate market, taking advantage of falling property prices to acquire an estimated 90 acres of downtown London and surrounding areas.

"He was a great mentor for me. He was always there to help me. He has been a close family friend for a very long time and he will be sadly missed," said Mark Fuller, a co-owner with Raymond of the Embassy Restaurant and Members Club. "He was an icon of Britain and he is proof that you can come from nothing and do something with your life."

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Eldorado to Host Bonus 'Virtual Elevation' Webinar With Nu Sensuelle

Eldorado Trading will host a second, "bonus" September "Virtual Elevation" live private webinar for retailers with Nu Sensuelle Director of Sales Conde Aumann on Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. PDT.

Magic Silk, Maia Partner for RC Panty Vibe

Magic Silk's Exposed line has partnered with Maia Novelties to release the Date Night Remote Control Panty Vibe.

Fort Troff Launches 'Toy' Blog Magazine

Fort Troff has debuted a new blog-style magazine, Toy, with real-life husbands Beau and Nick Butler as the premiere-issue cover models.

Honey's Place Now Distributing Xgen's 'Lapdance Lingerie' Line

Honey’s Place is now distributing Lapdance Lingerie, manufactured by Xgen Products.

Doc Johnson Unveils Bundles

Doc Johnson has introduced Bundles — groupings of the company's various product lines.

Zestra Arousal Oils Taps Zaawaadi for Brand Ambassador

Zestra Arousal Oils has named Kenyan star Zaawaadi its newest brand ambassador.

Magic Silk Debuts 'Evermore' Lingerie Collection

Magic Silk has introduced its new Evermore collection of lingerie from its Exposed line.

Lewis Broadnax Named Adam & Eve President

Lewis Broadnax has been tapped to serve as the new president of PHE, Inc., the parent company of Adam & Eve.

Dame Debuts Updated Vibrators

Dame has introduced updated versions of three of its vibrators.

Show More