Thaddeus Dixon


Thaddeus Gustav Dixon, also known as The Music Man, is an American record producer, songwriter, and music director. He co-produced and co-wrote Meghan Trainor's 2015 single "Better When I'm Dancin'," which she performed for The Peanuts Movie soundtrack. The song received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Dixon has also worked as a music director and drummer for Bryson Tiller, Khalid and other artists. He's been featured on series including Making the Band and Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Early life and education

Dixon was born in Detroit, Michigan, the only child of Gus and Denise Dixon. He began playing drums at 4 years old, practicing the instrument as he attended church. He went to Detroit High School for Fine & Performing Arts and played at local concerts for gospel artists including Kirk Franklin.
After graduating high school, Dixon moved to East Lansing, Michigan to attend Michigan State University on a jazz studies scholarship. He performed at professional concerts while pursuing his degree, and graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Music.

Career

Dixon began his professional career as a touring drummer with The Spinners. Thereafter, he performed with artists including Ne-Yo, Sean Kingston, Mulgrew Miller, Roy Hargrove and Steve Nelson. He later appeared on MTV's "Making His Band", a reality TV show where musicians competed for positions in Sean Combs' touring band. He was a drum finalist, however another musician was ultimately selected.
Dixon then worked with acts including Deitrick Haddon, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Dawn Richard and Timothy Bloom. He also performed with his own jazz ensemble, The Thaddeus Dixon Quartet. He then relocated to Berkeley to work as an instructor in the music department at the University of California, Berkeley for two years.
Dixon later became the music director for recording artist Cody Simpson. He then managed music direction for Meghan Trainor, Bryson Tiller, Khalid and Brent Faiyaz. He also produced music for Meghan Trainor, Talib Kweli, Raekwon, Timothy Bloom, Deborah Cox, Teedra Moses and Rick Ross among others. In October 2018, he released his debut single, "Letter To My X's" featuring KR.

Production credits

2011

- Church on the Moon
21:03 - Evolved...from Boys to Men
Disney Jazz, Vol. 1: Everybody Wants to Be a Cat
Robert McCarther - Stranger in Town
Rick Roe - Minor Shuffle

  • 2013

- Gravitas
  • "Violations" feat. Raekwon

    2014

- Timothy Bloom
  • "Your Future"
Teedra Moses - California Vibes
  • "Can’t Be Luv"
Abrina – My Playground
  • "Blowin" feat. Jeremih

    2015

The Peanuts Movie Original Soundtrack
  • "Better When I'm Dancin'"
Deborah Cox - Work of Art
  • "More Than I Knew"
Teedra Moses - Cognac & Conversation
  • "All I Ever Wanted" feat. Rick Ross
  • "Cognac & Conversation" feat. Rick Ross
Coco Jones
  • "Let Em Know"

    2016

Thaddeus Dixon feat. Timothy Bloom and Talib Kweli
  • "All About You"
Taeyeon – Rain
  • "Secret"
MÄDA
  • "Lights Off"
  • "Without U Baby"

    2017

MÄDA - Our Love
  • "I Still Love You" feat. Dreezy

    2018

Thaddeus Dixon feat. KR
  • "Letter To My X's"

    2020

T.I. feat. Benny The Butcher & Jadakiss
  • "Make Amends"