Roosevelt Wardell (1933 – April 29, 1999) was an American jazz and rhythm and blues pianist, singer, and composer.

Wardell was co-leader for two singles – "So Glad I'm Free" and "Deep Moanin' Blues" – that were recorded with Ed Wiley for Atlantic Records and released in 1952.^[1] In November of the same year, Wardell was pianist for recordings led by vocalist Johnny O'Neal and by guitarist Earl Hooker; these were released by King Records.^[2]: 345 Variations on this small group played in the Florida area at around the same time.^{[2]: 50–51} Wardell recorded again early in 1953, with Wiley and his orchestra.^[2]: 53 Wardell was in the army for part of the 1950s.^[3]

Wardell's only album as leader was The Revelation, for Riverside Records in October 1960.^[3] The session was arranged for him by saxophonist and A&R man Cannonball Adderley, who had heard him playing.^[3] This was a trio recording, with Sam Jones on bass and Louis Hayes on drums, and featured standards and three originals from Wardell.^[4]

Wardell's final recordings were two tracks in 1963, for a band led by Earl Anderza.^[3] Wardell died in Smyrna, Delaware on April 29, 1999.^[3]

Billboard magazine commented on Wardell's "lightning-fast rippling run technique, with occasional passages of full, rich block chords" on his album.^[4]

Pianist Horace Tapscott listed Wardell as one of the musicians who had influenced him.^[5]