Hard bop emerged in 1954 with the album Clifford Brown and Max Roach (trumpeter and drummer), joined in 1955 by tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins.
The Jazz Messengers followed in 1955, created by drummer Art Blakey and pianist Horace Silver, who formed his own quintet in 1956.

Blue Note Records and Prestige Records were the main labels producing hard bop groups.

In 1955, Miles Davis recruited saxophonist John Coltrane into his quintet, alongside Red Garland (piano), Paul Chambers (bass) and Philly Joe Jones (drums).

Appearance of the trombone in 1957: Sonny Rollins formed his own ensemble with Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk and Paul Chambers and Jay Jay Johnson.

Alto saxophonist Jackie McLean fused hard bop and modal jazz in the 1960s and beyond.