IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
It is with the deepest sadness that I must report that we have lost another member of the Elvis family, as well as a beloved Mentor and friend--Bill Belew. Bill lost his fight after a prolonged illness on January 7, 2008. He died of cardiac arrest.
We ask for you to pray for his family and his friend and partner Paul. More information will be added to the site next week upon our return from our business trip to Europe.
In conclusion, and personally speaking, Kim and I are heart broken over the loss of our dear friend of over 20 years. He will be missed deeply. Our love goes to Paul and Bill's family.
"In life there is agony, in death is the nature of things".
God Bless,
Butch Polston
(Butch Polston - George Klein 2007 Photo Copyright: Andy Dumas
"It was a rare occurence to have the pleasure of working with a talent of Bill Belew's caliber. He was a soft spoken and charming gentleman.
My best thoughts to his partner Paul. Our blessings go with Bill."
Gene Doucette
***I would also like to add that I also had the opportunity to work with Mr.. Belew. He was a terrific guy. Very encouraging, up beat and positive. Not to mention his design talent. He will be greatly missed.
(Gene Doucette 2007 Photo Copyright: Andy Dumas
"Over the past 4 year I have been working on a documentary on B&K Enterprises, called 'Fit for a King' - In that time I have become close friends with Butch & Kim Polston & Gene Doucette.
In October 2006 we had the honour of visiting Bill Belew at his home in Palm Springs, to conduct interviews for the documentary. This turned out to be the last interview Bill ever gave.
Bill was a sweet, talented, charming man. It was a thrill to meet and spend time with him. I'm so excited that the documentary is coming out later this year, and everyone can see the amazing story, of these incredibly talented people.'
Andy Dumas
(Jamie Dumas, Billew Belew and Andy Dumas 2006 Photo Copyright: Andy Dumas
�Fit for a King�
The Trailers From �Fit for a King� The Story of B&K Enterprises.
�Fit for a King� showcases the close personal relationships B&K Enterprises shares with designer Bill Belew, Presley�s personal designer, and Gene Doucette, who later designed some of the most famous and recognizable stage outfits for Elvis, until his death in 1977.
Containing rare video footage and archival photographs of Elvis wearing his amazing outfits, �Fit for a King� also showcases the risk-taking costume styling and imagery that was part of Presley�s power as a Rock and Roll Icon.
Remember this is the first time Bill Belew and Gene Doucette have gone into this much detail about their years with Elvis, so this is truly a unique documentary, with wonderful stories.
It�s truly a story about "Fame, Fashion and Friendship" .
2008/01/11 Butch Polston - www.b-k-enterprises.com
Posted: 11th. January 2008