Willis Jackson (1932–1987) was an influential American jazz tenor saxophonist celebrated for his soulful tone and dynamic performances. Emerging in the late 1940s, he made his mark with the C.J. Hawkins Orchestra before launching a successful career as a bandleader. Nicknamed “Gator” for his fiery stage presence, Jackson blended hard bop, soul jazz, and rhythm and blues into a distinctive, energetic sound. Throughout his career, he recorded prolifically for Prestige Records and collaborated with artists such as Jack McDuff and Groove Holmes, leaving a lasting imprint on the soul-jazz genre.