- He joined the Air Force after high school and played in a service band stationed in Wichita Falls, Texas. After his discharge, Ray Charles offered him a job as second trumpet in his band.
- During his career, he worked with Max Roach, Charles Mingus, and Yusef Lateef.
- He began playing trumpet at age 6, taught by his father. His cousin was baritone saxophonist Cecil Payne, who played with Dizzy Gillespie's big band. Payne taught him to play bebop. At age 12, Belgrave began studying with a local teacher and playing in a concert band.
- Survived by his wife, Joan, two daughters, and two sons.
- Inducted into National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017.
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