Thaddaeus Washington (b. April 18, 1989) is a musician, singer, songwriter, and founder of Mind Music—a company dedicated to making mindfulness accessible through music and immersive experiences. Born into a musical legacy, Thaddaeus was deeply inspired by his father, Leonard “Lenny” Washington, a gifted guitarist whose talent shaped Thaddaeus’s early understanding of music. At age 10, Thaddaeus began as a drummer, but by 13, driven by admiration for his father, he picked up the guitar and began forging a path of his own.
His roots were planted in the Church of the Living God, where he played in the children’s ministry while watching his father lead worship. After his parents’ divorce in 1991, Thaddaeus faced deep internal struggles, battling anger and self-blame. Despite the turmoil, it was the prayers of his grandmothers—Ana Doris and Lessie—and the power of music that kept him grounded.
In his teenage years, Thaddaeus’s father shifted from their home church to the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), and Thaddaeus followed. This move opened the door to broader musical opportunities, allowing him to travel, perform, and build meaningful relationships in Detroit and beyond. Though raised in a strict Christian household where secular music was banned, Thaddaeus would secretly listen to other genres, helping shape his unique sound. Remarkably, he never studied any guitarists other than his father and couldn’t read music, yet his jazz band teacher encouraged him to train his ear—advice that proved prophetic.
In 2009, a career-altering moment came when he froze on stage during a high-stakes competition in Detroit. Crushed, he wept in his hotel room, only to be reminded by his grandmother: “God has more for you.” That spiritual moment redirected his path, grounding him in a commitment to creating music for God. He turned down opportunities to tour with artists like Charlie Wilson and Solange Knowles, choosing instead to walk a path of purpose.
In 2020, during the global pandemic, Thaddaeus finally released his debut album Genesis with the support of his brother and creative partner, D. That moment marked the true beginning of his journey as an independent artist. Wanting to reach broader and more diverse audiences, he began performing the National Anthem at sporting events—starting with the Toledo Mud Hens and eventually performing for NBA teams like the Miami Heat and his favorite team at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
To date, Thaddaeus has released over 100 songs and five albums, each carrying a thread of purpose and healing. In tandem with his artistry, he launched Mind Music—a movement using restorative sound to help people disconnect, reset, and experience peace in an increasingly overstimulated world. Through live experiences, therapeutic spaces, and future technologies, Thaddaeus is committed to global impact—using his gift to help others live better, more intentional lives.
In August 2023, Thaddaeus became a father to his son Harlem, a new wellspring of daily inspiration that drives his mission forward. Whether through a song, a performance, or a moment of mindfulness, his ultimate aim is simple yet profound: to bring glory to God and leave a legacy of healing, love, and service. Through music, philanthropy, and a commitment to giving back, Thaddaeus continues to uplift communities and inspire others to live better, more intentional lives—always rooted in purpose and fueled by love.