BORN: Monday, September 04, 1944 in Bessemer, AL

HOME-GOING: Saturday, April 08, 2006 in Los Angeles, CA

The member who placed this information here had this to say about Bill

Billy Whitten was perhaps the greatest costume designer in the entertainment industry. It is a statement that Michael Jackson, the world's greatest entertainer chose Billy Whitten as his clothing designer. Cicely Tyson exposed the truth behind Jackson's Glove. One day she saw Bill Whitten working on a glove and when she asked him about it. He said it was for Michael Jackson to camouflage his skin condition. She said the condition started first on his hand... and the glove provided a way to mask the condition that eventually spread.

Bill 's Early Life

His Mother, Annie Cunningham Cross Whitten was a seamstress. His Father, Mose Whitten, a coal-miner, died while Whitten was a child. He attended Carver High School in Bessemer, Alabama.

Bill 's Career as a Costume Designer

The man who designed Michael Jackson's white glove and Elton John's feathered gorilla suit and boots that lit up with electric lights is Bill Whitten.

'The rock world is one of the few areas where you can use your fantasy,' said the designer, who won't divulge his age but said that he has designed costumes for over more than 20 years. He has also designed clothes for Neil Diamond and Lionel Ritchie and New Kids on the Block.

Mr. Whitten has given offbeat twists to basic clothes that are perhaps best worn by extroverts who possess a lot of bravado. For Michael Jackson, Mr. Whitten has designed clothes embellished with embroidered crests; at the store in the men's section, he has translated this to black jeans that have embroidered crests running down the sides.

For women, an exceptional though weighty jacket for evening is made of a Victorian crimson and forest-green wool paisley. What gives the jacket weight and a sense of extravagant luxury is that the paisley patterns have been beaded with beads of wood, bronze and copper.

Bill 's Legacy

Whitten was famous for his hand - beaded clothing. He designed costumes for performers Neil Diamond, Siegfried & Roy, Elton John, Chicago, Fleatwood Mac, Earth Wind And Fire as well as Michael Jackson.


Bill Whitten designs are on display at the Michael Jackson Exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. These include:

Michael Jackson of the Jackson 5 Outfit, 1971
Design by Bill Whitten
collection of universal music group

Michael Jackson Grammy Award, 1984
Michael Jackson won eight Grammys for Thriller at the 1984 ceremony.

Michael Jackson Jacket, 1984
Design by Bill Whitten
Michael Jackson wore this jacket to the 1984 Grammy ceremony.

Michael Jackson Glove, 1992
Original design by Michael Jackson and Bill Whitten
Created by Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins
Michael Jackson wore this glove during performances of Billie Jean on his Dangerous tour.

Join the 17 others who have posted a reflection about Bill on this site.

I miss my uncle Bill soo much. He was
everything to me and my family lost a great
man. Thanks for honoring him on this site.
But that person on the left hand side isn't
my uncle. If you need a picture contact me .

Posted by: jimmy cross

Bill was an amazing talent and I feel lucky
to have met him and spent some time with him.
However, I hope that someone will correct the
photo included on this site, as it is not a
photo of Bill, but his long time colleague
Shoji Tadashi.

Posted by: K

that is not a picture of bill whitten

Posted by:

that is not a picture of bill whitten

Posted by:

that is not a picture of bill whitten

Posted by:

Gosh, I remember Bill in the from the 80's.
I was a model then, and my photog was his
dear friend, Richard Bomersheim. We were in
his photo studio often, and he talked about
Bill and his designs mellifluously... and
often bits of clothes were around the
dressing area.
One day, I remember Richard had several
sequined gloves in a cloth sack and brought
them out to show me. One was blue, one was
red and another white.
"He made these for Michael Jackson" he said,
and he pulled them from the small sack.
"Oh nice!" I said, as I looked each one
over. "I don't care much for the colors, but
I like this one" I said as I took the white
one in my hand". It was a nice moment.
I wish I knew where Richard is now.
Love, Carole

Posted by: Carole

What a remarkable man, mentor, boss, and friend. i
learned so much from Bill was a one of a kind. I must
joyously say that Warren Caton our remarkable belt
creator and maker joined Bill last month in heaven.

Posted by: Keith Holman

From April 1994 to August 1994, I lived in
L.A.. I knew only two other people on
arrival and soon after one of them
introduced me to Bill. I was away from all
family and friends and Bill was such a
wonderful person for me at that time. He was
comforting, supportive, helpful,
understanding, funny and tremendously
respectful. He was someone I knew I could
count on for reason and sensible logic while
I was all the way across the country from my
home in SC and GA. I returned to Atlanta in
August of that year, but Bill and I stayed
in touch and he dropped in on visits.
I would just like to tell his family and the
world that he was not only talented, but a
genuinely wonderful human being. I think of
him often and he is missed. I didn't know
his family's address to send condolences.

Posted by: Scott Freeman

Great uncle Bill I love you so much! You're
truly missed by family and friends. i know
iim a day late, but i just wanted to say
happy birthday! I know you must be han=ving
fun chatting it up with Mr. Jackson. Please
let him know my sister Betty loves him so
much as do i and we wish we had the
oppratunity to meet him. HOpe all is well up
there, but i know it is because you are in a
wonderful palace.Pray for me andyour great
great grandchild.

Posted by: sharonda smith

Nice

Posted by: Key

Posted by:

Hi James Cross, This is richard bomersheim, Bill's
personal photographer for about 30 years.I have an
extensive collection of photos of Bill Whitten that
you are most welcome to have and use for whatever
purpose. We all miss Bill and feel free to contact
me anytime. G. RICHARD BOMERSHEIM 323 799
5764

Posted by: g. richard bomersheim

Hi James Cross, This is richard bomersheim, Bill's
personal photographer for about 30 years.I have an
extensive collection of photos of Bill Whitten that
you are most welcome to have and use for whatever
purpose. We all miss Bill and feel free to contact
me anytime. G. RICHARD BOMERSHEIM 323 799
5764

Posted by: g. richard bomersheim

Hi again, Right below your posting is a girl named
Carole that is trying to find out where I am. Is it
possible to contact her to let her know where I am ?
Would greatly appreciate it. g. richard bomersheim

Posted by: g. richard bomersheim

Hi again, Right below your posting is a girl named
Carole that is trying to find out where I am. Is it
possible to contact her to let her know where I am ?
Would greatly appreciate it. g. richard bomersheim

Posted by: g. richard bomersheim

Wonderful man I had the chance to meet
at his home. I remember him telling me a
story of Teena marie singing in his ear
after discussing her music. He was
talktive n humorous. My ex worked with
bill on a few outfits for neil diamond n
Lionel Richie's wife n daughter for her
birthday..I've always wondered of him n
now I know...a wonderful n talented soul
has gone home...his style will be
greatlymissed...

Posted by: Andrew

thanks for taking the time to share this with us. it's so nice to litesn to wyman talking about himself in such an unpretentious manner, and ms. pang is also a good host and litesner, which i think affected how much wyman was willing to share.thanks again!

Posted by: YUHbftVU