John Henry "Ace" Cannon (May 5, 1934 – December 6, 2018) was a renowned American tenor and alto saxophonist, celebrated for his significant contributions to the music scene, particularly in the genres of rock 'n' roll and rockabilly. Born in Grenada, Mississippi, Cannon's musical journey began in his childhood, performing with his father on street corners and in church. At the age of ten, he acquired his first saxophone from Amro Music in Memphis, which marked the beginning of his lifelong passion for music.

Cannon's professional career took off in Memphis, where he became a session musician for Sun Records and Hi Records, playing alongside early rockabilly musicians. He gained prominence as a member of Bill Black's Combo, a group led by Elvis Presley's bassist. In 1961, Cannon launched his solo career with the hit single "Tuff," which reached #17 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1962. His follow-up single, "Blues (Stay Away from Me)," also achieved success, peaking at #36.

Over the years, Cannon recorded 38 singles and 27 albums for Hi Records, becoming one of the label's signature artists. His distinctive saxophone style, characterized by a bluesy and emotive sound, earned him the title "The Godfather of the Sax." Cannon's influence extended beyond recordings; he toured with notable figures such as Carl Perkins and performed with Dick Clark's All-Star Band.

Cannon's contributions to music were recognized with his induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Mississippi Musicians' Hall of Fame in 2008. His hometown of Calhoun City, Mississippi, honored him with the annual Ace Cannon Festival starting in 2007.

After decades of international touring, Cannon returned to Calhoun City in the late 1980s, where he continued to perform and enjoy his passion for golf until his passing in 2018 at the age of 84. His legacy endures through his recordings and the continued admiration of his unique musical style.