Todd Washington Rhodes, born on August 31, 1899, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, was a prominent American pianist, bandleader, and arranger who significantly influenced jazz and later rhythm and blues (R&B). Raised in Springfield, Ohio, Rhodes pursued his musical education at the Springfield School of Music and the Erie Conservatory. After graduating in 1921, he joined McKinney's Cotton Pickers, a well-known jazz band, where he played alongside notable musicians like Benny Carter and Coleman Hawkins.

In 1934, Rhodes left the Cotton Pickers and settled in Detroit, where he continued to perform. By 1943, he had formed his own group, which evolved into the Todd Rhodes Orchestra by 1946. The orchestra recorded for Sensation Records starting in 1947, and their music was later distributed by King Records. Rhodes's instrumental "Blues for the Red Boy" became a hit, reaching number 4 on the R&B chart in 1948. This track was famously used by DJ Alan Freed as the theme for his Moondog radio show.

Rhodes's orchestra, known as Todd Rhodes & His Toddlers, also recorded hits like "Pot Likker," which reached number 3 on the R&B chart in 1949. He collaborated with artists such as Hank Ballard, Dave Bartholomew, and Wynonie Harris, and featured singers like Connie Allen and LaVern Baker. His song "Rocket 69," performed by Connie Allen, gained renewed popularity when it was featured in the 2015 video game Fallout 4.

Despite his success, Rhodes's career was affected by health issues, including diabetes, which led to the amputation of a leg. He retired from music in the late 1950s and passed away on June 4, 1965, in Inkster, Michigan. Todd Rhodes's legacy endures through his contributions to jazz and R&B, bridging two distinct musical eras.