Elvis Tribute Artists Radio
Ladyluckmusic.com
Bill began working with Elvis in 1968 while he ran the wardrobe department at NBC Studios. This started a lifelong collaboration, as well as friendship, between these two talented men. In the early 80's, I had the privilege of befriending Bill, which has also led to a lifelong friendship between myself, my wife, and Bill. After becoming acquainted with Bill, I got to know his artistic side, his enjoyment of art, his willingness to be a mentor, as well as his calmness of heart and loving disposition.
A lot of fans do not realize that Bill not only is a wonderful wardrobe designer, receiving praises from all who came after him, he's also part of what Tom Brokaw calls "America's Greatest Generation." Bill has been involved in numerous types of work throughout his lifetime. One of the things that Bill is most proud of is the fact that he is an American, and that he was able to serve his country in Korea with pride. He was an excellent soldier, never faltering along his journey through life. This gentleman has come a long way from a poor country boy from Virginia to having his name uttered throughout the world for his accomplishments with his involvement with Elvis Presley.
Even though there are numerous people who were involved in different aspects of the design work on Elvis' garments, which will be written about at a later date (people such as Gene Doucette and Nick Sherlock) the brainchild behind the elaborate dress from the start, for Elvis, was Bill. Elvis always trusted Bill and his abilities to create the garments for Elvis to make his shows seem more like coming to see a superhero than just a mere entertainer. Elvis gave loyalty to Bill and Bill gave the same in return.
In the early 80's when I started my business, B & K Enterprises, and wanted to create garments to pay tribute not only to Elvis, but to Bill and Gene as well, little did I realize that Bill would be instrumental with his appreciation of our respect for him to become a mentor to my wife and myself. From the first time I spoke with Bill, we had an instant rapport that has lasted over 20 years. He was so impressed when I called him and asked for his permission to recreate what he had done that he relinquished all materials that were in the possession of many involved to Kim and me so that we would be able to do the work that he and the other talented gentlemen that had created the garments for Elvis had done, stating that he was impressed someone would actually take that much interest, and have the decency to call him and be honorable enough to ask for his permission.
Over the last number of years, there have been bumpy roads for all who have been involved with us as far as health matters, etc. But Bill is one of those who has always been there if we needed him. We give the same respect and love back. Our story is just a small equation in the factor of life, but it goes to show what the generosity and kindness of one man and his talents can do for others. Are we proud to be associated with Bill? You bet your bottom dollar! It is our hope that one day we will get to different parts of the world with incredibly talented gentlemen such as Bill, who created these pieces of walking art, so that the fans can get to meet Bill and see what he's like, with his artistic abilities and kindness.
A lot of people email me asking what Bill is doing since he retired. He never sits on his laurels. He uses his time in the most precious way, dedicating himself to others in numerous functions in the city where he lives, mainly, as a volunteer in hospitals doing charitable work.
Here is a funny side story involving a function that Bill, Kim, and I attended in Rotterdam, Netherlands this past October (2005). We were invited by a large fan club to come for a one-day show in Rotterdam. We arrived early one morning and were picked up by a very nice gentleman who drove us to our hotel. Once we arrived, we realized that we would not be able to stay at that hotel because of Bill's legs swelling and the stairs involved at the hotel. The promoter was gracious enough to arrange other accommodations.
It just so happened as well, that the hotel that we were originally booked to stay in was not in the best of areas. This was an accidental oversight with the promoter, which he was very apologetic about. It was next door to a mission house where they feed the homeless a cup of soup twice daily. The story I am relating is in no way meant to sound as if I'm making light of the poor people's situation, however it was a bit funny what happened.
While we were waiting on a driver to come and pick us up, we had to lug all of our suitcases out to the street and sit on the steps in front of the mission next door to the hotel. You must understand, Bill is a very well dressed gentleman when he is to meet with people. Bill is sitting on the steps with his dress clothes on, surrounded by suitcases, which must have been funny for people traveling on the road in front of where we were sitting--three well dressed people sitting in front of a mission waiting to get something to eat!
Bill had stated that if fan clubs saw that and took a picture, the headline might read: Elvis Presley's former costume designer has hit rock bottom!
One of the other funny parts to this story is while we were sitting there waiting for our driver, I was reading a book called "The Undutchables". The page I was reading was quite funny, as it made the statement that "Dutch men would urinate anywhere". I started laughing when I read this and Bill gave me a strange look and said "that must be a really good book.". When I explained to Bill what I was reading, he just took it in and gave me a small grin. It was not 30 seconds later that we met a gentleman we fondly called "Mr. Jibberjabber."
This gentleman walked up to the mission. He quite obviously was homeless and wanted something to eat. He was carrying a bag in one hand and sandals in the other, leaving him completely barefoot. Since the shelter was closed, and would not open for another half hour, he sat down within 12 inches of Bill and reached into his bag and pulled out a large can of beer. Through his kindness, after taking a long drink, he offered Bill a drink--speaking in Dutch. During this time, Bill was trying to graciously inform him that he appreciated the offer. The gentleman then pulled out a marijuana cigarette. I He lit it up, once again offering it to Bill. Here is Bill, a prim and proper gentleman, sitting on the steps with his suitcases in front of the soup kitchen, trying to be polite to a guy who could not speak English, turning down a swig of beer and a puff of his marijuana.
Bill merely kept staring at me, wondering if our driver would be along soon. While Bill was making the statement that at least Mr. Jibberjabber was friendly, the gentleman started picking at his toes and talking to Bill in Dutch while he was doing this. Bill, with a rather disturbed look on his face, made mention to me he didn't know whether this was a customary thing or not, during which time the gentleman jumped to his feet, walked three feet in front of us and started relieving himself on the cars passing by.
A lot of fans do not realize that Bill not only is a wonderful wardrobe designer, receiving praises from all who came after him, he's also part of what Tom Brokaw calls "America's Greatest Generation." Bill has been involved in numerous types of work throughout his lifetime. One of the things that Bill is most proud of is the fact that he is an American, and that he was able to serve his country in Korea with pride. He was an excellent soldier, never faltering along his journey through life. This gentleman has come a long way from a poor country boy from Virginia to having his name uttered throughout the world for his accomplishments with his involvement with Elvis Presley.
Even though there are numerous people who were involved in different aspects of the design work on Elvis' garments, which will be written about at a later date (people such as Gene Doucette and Nick Sherlock) the brainchild behind the elaborate dress from the start, for Elvis, was Bill. Elvis always trusted Bill and his abilities to create the garments for Elvis to make his shows seem more like coming to see a superhero than just a mere entertainer. Elvis gave loyalty to Bill and Bill gave the same in return.
In the early 80's when I started my business, B & K Enterprises, and wanted to create garments to pay tribute not only to Elvis, but to Bill and Gene as well, little did I realize that Bill would be instrumental with his appreciation of our respect for him to become a mentor to my wife and myself. From the first time I spoke with Bill, we had an instant rapport that has lasted over 20 years. He was so impressed when I called him and asked for his permission to recreate what he had done that he relinquished all materials that were in the possession of many involved to Kim and me so that we would be able to do the work that he and the other talented gentlemen that had created the garments for Elvis had done, stating that he was impressed someone would actually take that much interest, and have the decency to call him and be honorable enough to ask for his permission.
Over the last number of years, there have been bumpy roads for all who have been involved with us as far as health matters, etc. But Bill is one of those who has always been there if we needed him. We give the same respect and love back. Our story is just a small equation in the factor of life, but it goes to show what the generosity and kindness of one man and his talents can do for others. Are we proud to be associated with Bill? You bet your bottom dollar! It is our hope that one day we will get to different parts of the world with incredibly talented gentlemen such as Bill, who created these pieces of walking art, so that the fans can get to meet Bill and see what he's like, with his artistic abilities and kindness.
A lot of people email me asking what Bill is doing since he retired. He never sits on his laurels. He uses his time in the most precious way, dedicating himself to others in numerous functions in the city where he lives, mainly, as a volunteer in hospitals doing charitable work.
Here is a funny side story involving a function that Bill, Kim, and I attended in Rotterdam, Netherlands this past October (2005). We were invited by a large fan club to come for a one-
It just so happened as well, that the hotel that we were originally booked to stay in was not in the best of areas. This was an accidental oversight with the promoter, which he was very apologetic about. It was next door to a mission house where they feed the homeless a cup of soup twice daily. The story I am relating is in no way meant to sound as if I'm making light of the poor people's situation, however it was a bit funny what happened.
While we were waiting on a driver to come and pick us up, we had to lug all of our suitcases out to the street and sit on the steps in front of the mission next door to the hotel. You must understand, Bill is a very well dressed gentleman when he is to meet with people. Bill is sitting on the steps with his dress clothes on, surrounded by suitcases, which must have been funny for people traveling on the road in front of where we were sitting-
Bill had stated that if fan clubs saw that and took a picture, the headline might read: Elvis Presley's former costume designer has hit rock bottom!
One of the other funny parts to this story is while we were sitting there waiting for our driver, I was reading a book called "The Undutchables". The page I was reading was quite funny, as it made the statement that "Dutch men would urinate anywhere". I started laughing when I read this and Bill gave me a strange look and said "that must be a really good book.". When I explained to Bill what I was reading, he just took it in and gave me a small grin. It was not 30 seconds later that we met a gentleman we fondly called "Mr. Jibberjabber."
This gentleman walked up to the mission. He quite obviously was homeless and wanted something to eat. He was carrying a bag in one hand and sandals in the other, leaving him completely barefoot. Since the shelter was closed, and would not open for another half hour, he sat down within 12 inches of Bill and reached into his bag and pulled out a large can of beer. Through his kindness, after taking a long drink, he offered Bill a drink-
Bill merely kept staring at me, wondering if our driver would be along soon. While Bill was making the statement that at least Mr. Jibberjabber was friendly, the gentleman started picking at his toes and talking to Bill in Dutch while he was doing this. Bill, with a rather disturbed look on his face, made mention to me he didn't know whether this was a customary thing or not, during which time the gentleman jumped to his feet, walked three feet in front of us and started relieving himself on the cars passing by.
This month’s guest columnist is Butch Polston of B & K Enterprises who tells us about Bill Belew, Elvis’ costumer and some unforeseen “adventures” they experienced recently in Holland! Many thanks, Butch!
Costumer to the King and Part of
America's Greatest Generation
America's Greatest Generation
Butch Polston and Bill Belew
Throughout the dawn of time, there have been a lot of people who have made a great impact on the world of entertainment. Elvis Presley was most certainly one of those individuals. He was probably the greatest entertainer of many generations, both past and yet to come. However, there was also a lot more to Elvis Presley's persona than just his music. Elvis also set forth a boisterous style from the 50's until his untimely death with his way of dress. His stage presence made him look larger than life, and his streetwear was very trend setting. This, in no small part, was due to one gentleman--Bill Belew.
Bill was born in the early 1930's in the deep South, in the state of Virginia. Even as a child, Bill had an uncanny ability to create art in his head. Throughout his life, he worked for some monumental entertainers, both for stage, screen, and television. His accomplishments were numerous. Since space does not allow us to go into detail about the many wonderful entertainers Bill worked with (you can see more detailed information about Bill on our web site at www.b-k-enterprises.com under Bill Belew's resume) one of the most well known, of course, was Elvis Presley.
Bill was born in the early 1930's in the deep South, in the state of Virginia. Even as a child, Bill had an uncanny ability to create art in his head. Throughout his life, he worked for some monumental entertainers, both for stage, screen, and television. His accomplishments were numerous. Since space does not allow us to go into detail about the many wonderful entertainers Bill worked with (you can see more detailed information about Bill on our web site at www.b-
At the Rotterdam show
In Amsterdam
Bill looked at me and said "Butch, I will never doubt anything that you read and express to me again in my lifetime!" After our driver picked us up, we had a good laugh out of the whole thing, and began our enjoyment of all the beauty and wonderful people of Holland.
I hope you've enjoyed reading one of my many stories and feelings about Bill. In coming months, I will participate in writing other articles concerning some of the other very talented and wonderful people who were involved in Elvis' wardrobe life that we've befriended over the years. In the meantime, God bless to all.
Butch Polston www.b-k-enterprises.com
I hope you've enjoyed reading one of my many stories and feelings about Bill. In coming months, I will participate in writing other articles concerning some of the other very talented and wonderful people who were involved in Elvis' wardrobe life that we've befriended over the years. In the meantime, God bless to all.
Butch Polston www.b-
