Bernard

Belle

Bernard Belle, was born November 12th, 1964 to the late Judge Rubin Belle and Lois (Alston) Belle in Englewood, NJ. He sang his last song on June 23rd, 2022 in Atlanta, GA. His earliest years were filled with morning, noonday and evening church services; compliments of his mother who said, "I knew I was going to church all day and my kids were coming with me". Apart from church, Bernie, as he was affectionately known, spent countless hours, especially Sunday afternoons at his grandparents house on Fairview Avenue in Teaneck, NJ. There, he not only grew a fond love for his family and the gatherings, but Bernard also developed his comedic spirit that we all remember him for.

Bernard was reared in the family church, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Englewood, NJ which he, his sister and cousins often imitated in their grandparents basement. Regina was the worship leader, Curtis, Jr. (cousin) was the preacher, Bernard was the deacon and Sheila (cousin) read the bible; which excluded her from getting whoopins when Grandpa "Doc" would come downstairs to beat them for "playing church" and jumping on the furniture.

Very early, Bernard developed the brightest curiosity for music. Within the family, it is well known that his mother's pots and pans was his first drum set, as he accompanied the other star of the house, his sister, Regina Belle. Together, their passion and competitive spirits would soon ignite the musical genius within Bernard that would later out-practice and out-work everyone around him.

As children, Bernard and Regina fought a lot but she was his protector and is documented multiple times for fighting other boys for putting hands on her brother. "I never let nobody mess with my brother. He wasn't just my mother's baby, he was my baby. He always needed medicine for his asthma, so I was always paying extra attention to him," she says.

Bernard was naturally gifted on drums and showed a keen interest in the bass guitar. It was 1972, and Judge, his father, brought home a saxophone and said to Bernie "Can you play this?", in which he replied, "I'll try". After some time, Bernard returned the saxophone to his father and said, "I can't play this, get me a guitar!". In true fashion, Judge replies "Whatever I get, you better play it!". It was then, Bernard was given his own Fender bass for Christmas. That changed the game! Bernard would literally play his bass for hours. Listening, learning and playing every song that came on the radio.

Bernard was educated in the Englewood Public School System. While at the Janis E. Dismus Middle School, he studied music under Joseph Daley. In his studies with Mr. Daley and amongst his peers, Bernard would learn several instruments; including, the trombone, bass guitar, lead guitar, piano, and drums. Bernard's love for music would carry over into highschool, where he also learned to play steel drums under the direction of Mr. Hubert Ashley. By the time he attended Dwight Morrow High School, he had mastered several of the instruments listed and was a renowned vocalist. At one point, he juggled playing on the football team and marching band in the same season. Bernard on Lead Guitar, along with his sister Regina (Lead Singer), Michael Eatman (Band Lead/Saxophone), Kendall Turner (Drums), Ric Santiago (Saxaphone), Carl Lester (Guitar), Mike Brown (Bass), Kevin Baines (Trombone), Anthony Thomas (Trumpet), Cindy Mizelle (Lead Singer), Vincent Lilly (Lead Vocals), Cubie Burke (Lead Vpcals), Keith Parlor (Keyboard) formed the group Reality. They spent countless hours practicing, trading and teaching one another; eventually each one mastering a host of instruments. As a result of their efforts, they have all obtained professional musical careers. Bernard graduated high school in 1983 and would later join forces with Ronald Scruggs, Harold Tilery, Lee Drakeford and Larry McCain to form the male singing group, The Gents in 1985 and produced the smash hit single "For You My Baby Love". Shortly after, Bernard was provided the opportunity to play guitar for The Manhattans alongside Regina, who was the opening act and sang background before launching her solo career. He would later go on to tour with his sister Regina as she ventured into her own solo career, and would later become the international powerhouse artist we know today.

After a year or so, Regina fired Bernard, stating that the gig was beneath him and the world needed to see the amazing gift he was. Regina witnessed Bernard clean house in her band. If the soprano was off, he would sing it; if the drummer fell short, he would hop on set; same with keys and guitars. "He was amazing. I later met mega-stars that would literally say, 'It's nice to meet you! I know your brother."', Regina says. And Bernard was extremely loyal to a fault when it came to his sister, so she had to let him go. In which he replied, 'Tm telling Mommy!". But very shortly after, he started to appear everywhere and soon would partner with up-and-coming producer, Teddy Riley.

Bernard's partnership with Teddy Riley would later change the trajectory of popular music, as they co-founded and pioneered the New Jack Swing sound and started a worldwide movement. Bernard was on everything Teddy produced and then some. As he would state, "I got hits!"

In 1994, Bernard rededicated his life to Christ at Friendship Baptist Church of Englewood, NJ where he was baptized by his late uncle, Rev. Dr. Fred M. Belle, Jr. He served as the Minister of Music, playing organ and teaching the choir, and served on the Trustee Board as well. He later joined Community Baptist Church of Englewood, NJ under Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr. in 2001. He would join forces with Loren Dawson, Anthony Miller, Corey Washington and a host of other drummers to become the gold standard of musical excellence in the church.

Bernard's favorite pastimes included bowling with his Bowling League as often as possible, and biking with Real Power in Motion (RPM) Motorcycle Club where he served as Vice President. An avid basketball lover, Bernard would never miss an All-Star Basketball Game from the late So's through the early 20oo's, with his best friends since grade school, Dwayne & Doug. His most cherished experiences were when all his children gathered at the house. After playing outside or jumping on the trampoline, one thing was for certain; there was going to be pizza from Domino's and the movie Meteor Man, sometimes Home Alone (the first one).

In 2016, after battling a host of health concerns, Bernard relocated to Atlanta and rededicated his life to Christ once again at New Shield of Faith Christian Ministries, under the leadership of his brother-in-law and long-time friend Rev. Dr. John Sidney Battle, III. The Lord really began to work on Bernard's heart in Atlanta, giving him time to reflect on a life well-lived, and a rekindled desire to live for Christ. He would seek out souls to share the Good News with, sharing daily posts reminding us all that Christ still lives. In 2020, Bernard enrolled in Bradley Bible College, studying Divinity. He took pride in maintaining his A grade point average and high marks. Although his studies were not yet complete, his grade point average, and drive to excel, have earned him his Associates Degree, posthumously.

Bernard leaves to cherish, his mother Lois Belle of Atlanta, GA; sister Regina Belle-Battle (John Sidney Battle, III) of Atlanta, GA; two daughters Asia Milner (Jay Milner) of Lake Spivey, GA and Ny'Jeana Belle of Charleston, SC; three sons Jahmel Belle (Janah Belle) of Charlotte, NC, Tyrone Belle (Ciera Belle) of Houston, TX and Tyrell Belle (Dashuna Belle) of Englewood, NJ; Seven Grandchildren: Jaiyona, Shakia, Dionna, De'Zuan, Layla, Tyrell Jr. and Joshua; as well as, a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, aunts, uncles and friends.