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He’s the guy you remember as the serious church musician… until a hat, a live video, and a name he didn’t plan created Mr. Thaddeus. We sit down with Elijah Bradford, a Sumter, South Carolina producer, songwriter, and playwright whose gospel roots run deep, but whose creative calling keeps expanding. From middle school songwriting and directing community choirs to building multiple vocal groups with Motown-influenced gospel flair, Elijah explains how he learned to lead artists, take risks, and keep the message intact.

Then the pandemic-era pivot hits: God nudges him to slow down on music and step into comedy and acting, a transition that felt uncomfortable and exposed. Elijah shares how dinner theater and character-driven storytelling became the unexpected lane where he keeps selling out shows, not by having everything figured out, but by moving with obedience and doing the work.

We also talk about the heart behind his stage play “Guess Who’s Coming to Mr. Thaddeus’ House,” supported by Savannah Grove Baptist Church for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. After losing his mother to breast cancer quickly, Elijah wrote a story centered on diagnosis, family tension, hidden pain, and the hard truth that secrets can damage us. You’ll hear details on the Florence, SC performance on October 24 at 3 p.m. at the SIMT building (Florence-Darlington Technical College campus), plus VIP seating, group rates, and virtual tickets via Eventbrite.

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