Cedric Haywood

American jazz pianist. Born : December 31, 1914 in Houston, Texas. Died : September 09, 1969 in Huston, Texas. Went to high school with Arnett Cobb and joined Chester Boone's band with him in 1934. He then played with Milton Larkin's band ('35-40, '42), Lionel Hampton ('41), and (briefly) Sidney Bechet ('42). After serving in the Army, he performed with Saunders King for a period of time before joining up with Illinois Jacquet ('48-51). Later, along with freelancing, he played with Cal Tjader ('52) and Gerald Wilson ('53) before playing and touring with Kid Ory's band from the mid to late '50s then working with Brew Moore in the early '60s. He moved back to Houston in '63 where he led his own band until his death.