Gene Roland (September 15, 1921 – August 11, 1982) was an influential American jazz musician, composer, and arranger, born in Dallas, Texas. Known for his versatility, Roland played multiple instruments, including the trumpet, trombone, and saxophone. He was particularly renowned for his long association with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, being one of only two arrangers to write for Kenton across all four decades of the band's existence. Roland's contributions were pivotal in shaping the 'Four Brothers' sound, which had a significant impact on big band jazz.

Roland's musical journey began with piano studies at age eleven, later transitioning to the trumpet in 1939. He attended the University of North Texas College of Music, where he formed friendships with fellow jazz musicians Jimmy Giuffre, Herb Ellis, and Harry Babasin. After serving in the Eighth Army Air Force Band, Roland joined the Stan Kenton Orchestra in 1944 as an arranger, composer, and instrumentalist. His work with Kenton included arranging the hit "Tampico" and contributing to the orchestra's first million-selling album.

Throughout his career, Roland collaborated with notable musicians such as Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, and Charlie Parker, and worked with big bands led by Claude Thornhill and Artie Shaw. He was a major force in Kenton's mellophonium band in the early 1960s and continued to write and perform into the 1970s, including work with Denmark's Radiohus Orchestra.

Roland's discography as a leader includes "Jazzville Vol. 4" (Dawn, 1957), and he contributed to numerous recordings as a sideman with artists like Stan Kenton and June Christy. His legacy is marked by his innovative arrangements and compositions that enriched the landscape of American jazz.