American jazz trumpeter Joe Gordon (1928–1963) was a prominent figure in the hard bop scene of the 1950s and early 1960s. Known for his crisp tone and inventive improvisations, he contributed to significant recordings with Horace Silver, Art Blakey, and Dizzy Gillespie. His promising career was tragically cut short, leaving behind a respected body of work that continues to influence trumpeters.