Posted Oct 2002

BILL BUTLER - A LEGEND IN HIS OWN TIME

Bill also has an entire chapter devoted to him and his skate accomplishments in the book The Complete Book of Roller Skating, by Ann-Victoria Phillips, also available at most public libraries.

He has been roller skating since he was a young boy growing up in Detroit Michigan in the 1940¹s. Many have assumed he was from the East Coast or New York (where he has lived since 1957), but he credits Detroit as the place he put on his first pair of metal skates, Chicago Rollers which he still has amongst his many skate collectibles.

His passion for skate sparked when he saw a skater only known to him as Archie in a Detroit skating rink years ago. "He inspired me so much with such excellence, precision and assurance that I was in awe of his ability...I [told] myself I¹ve got to do that," Bill said.

He has done that and more over the years as he has perfected his technique and desires for it to have a high place of respect in roller skating history. He will be 70* years of age come December 2002 and he has seen much, taught much and has much to share with those who have an open ear.

RST had the pleasure of talking with and listening to the man some call the "Godfather of Roller Disco or Funky Roller Skating" and we chose to share some of his statements in a ONE ON ONE interview format.

Mr. Butler offers serious food for thought to not just roller skaters but DJs and skate event coordinators as well. Some of what he shared may be a bit cutting to some, but all was said in skate-love. We believe sharing these views will inspire some who have a true love for our style of roller skating to begin (or continue) their efforts to ensure that this sport and our expression of it will earn its proper place of honor and respectability.

RST is happy to present One-on-One with Bill Butler.....