Cedric Haywood (December 31, 1914 – September 9, 1969) was an American jazz pianist. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Haywood played as a teenager in a high school band with Arnett Cobb. His first professional engagement was with 's band in 1934, followed by an extended run with Milt Larkin (1935–42); during his tenure in the band the reed section included Illinois Jacquet, Tom Archia, and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson in addition to Cobb. Haywood also played with and Lionel Hampton around the turn of the decade. In 1942 he played with Sidney Bechet. Toward the middle of the 1940s Haywood moved to California, served in the Army during World War II, and following this joined Saunders King in 1948.