Born in 1972 in Washington, D.C., Theo Parrish was raised in Chicago, where he developed an early love for music through his family’s deep appreciation for jazz, soul, and funk.

His teenage years were shaped by the city’s vibrant house and dance culture, influencing his later approach to production and DJing. Parrish attended the Chicago Academy of the Arts, then moved to Detroit in the mid-1990s, earning a degree in Sound Sculpture from the Kansas City Art Institute. In Detroit, Parrish became a pivotal figure, known for his uniquely raw, soulful, and experimental house music.

He began releasing music in 1996 with the influential "Lake Shore Drive" EP and quickly gained recognition with releases on his own Sound Signature label, as well as collaborations with Moodymann, Rick Wilhite, and other members of Detroit’s house and techno community. His productions blend deep house, jazz, funk, and classical influences, marked by intricate edits, heavy grooves, and a distinct DIY ethos. As a DJ, Parrish is acclaimed for marathon sets that traverse genres, playing vinyl and unreleased tracks, and telling stories through music.

He has performed worldwide, maintaining a reputation for challenging and energizing audiences in equal measure. Beyond the club, Parrish invests in community-focused projects in Detroit, nurturing emerging talent and championing the city’s cultural history. Parrish’s discography includes acclaimed albums such as *First Floor* (1998), *Parallel Dimensions* (2000), *American Intelligence* (2014), and *Wuddaji* (2020), each pushing boundaries and influencing successive generations of electronic musicians.

His work continues to shape the sound of underground music globally, cementing his legacy as one of the most innovative and respected figures in contemporary dance music.