A Philadelphia native, Gannon's career began as road manager for the Kingston Trio in the band's early days of its greatest success.
He toured internationally as a producer, director and lighting designer for such stars as Alice Cooper, Teddy Pendergrass, Luther Vandross, Barry Manilow, Julio Iglesias.
The group performed at college frat parties and were regulars at the Cracked Pot Cafe across the street from campus, Gannon playing stand-up bass.
In 1970, Joe Gannon was one of the first production designers to use moving sets on rock concert tours while he was working with Neil Diamond.
Gannon's involvement was credited as the reason for the great improvement in Diamond's stage presentations by the time of the legendary 1972 Hot August Night concert series.