John Gilmore
- Type: Classic Bandleader
- Country: United States
- Born: September 28, 1931 in Summit, Mississippi, United States
- Died: August 20, 1995 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Active: 1931 - 1995
Biography
John Gilmore was a dynamic American tenor saxophonist, best known for his four-decade tenure as a principal soloist with *Sun Ra* and His Arkestra. His decision to remain with *Sun Ra* for most of his career was notable, as many felt his immense talent could have made him a major star. Gilmore's harmonically advanced and powerful playing style was a significant influence on *John Coltrane*, who took informal lessons from him. Though devoted to the Arkestra, he had a brief but notable period with *Art Blakey's* Jazz Messengers and recorded as a sideman with artists like *Andrew Hill* and *McCoy Tyner*, and co-led the album 'Blowing in from Chicago' for #Blue Note# with *Clifford Jordan*.