Joe Smith was an American jazz trumpeter (1902-1937). He was one of the first trumpeters to intelligently explore the possibilities of trumpet mutes. By his late teens, Smith had become a big attraction in the New York jazz scene as musical director and featured soloist with the Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake show. Smith joined Fletcher Henderson's band in 1925, staying for three years before later rejoining for occasional club and recording dates. He played and recorded with Bessie Smith, Mamie Smith, Ma Rainey and Ethel Waters.