Marcus Belgrave
Marcus Belgrave is a living legend whose reputation extends well beyond the confines of Detroit. Over the years, he has performed with Charles Mingus, Max Roach, and Ray Charles, among many others. But he is also known for mentoring countless younger musicians, including Rodney Whitaker, Regina Carter, and Geri Allen.
"I was designed to be a musician," he says. "It gave me a good personality, because I was always around people who made you humble. Music also gave me much character. And I was able to open many doors through music."
In late 2009, he was named a Kresge Eminent Artist by the Kresge Foundation.
Top photo: Marcus Belgrave playing in front of the Detroit Institute of Arts, around 1986 or so.
Second: Marcus Belgrave on trumpet at right, Marion Hayden on bass in the background. I can't remember the sax player's name.
Next two photos: At the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival. I can't remember who the sax player is in the bottom photo, either. It sorta looks like Arthur Blythe. But he usually plays alto and this guy is on tenor.
Photos Copyright © John Kelin
