Born in Milwaukee on March 4, 1956, he graduated from High school in Appleton Wi and obtained a bachelors degree in music at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Some of his recording/performing experiences include working with John Harmon in a group called “Fire and Ice”. Formed in 1980, the group released its first album in 1983. Tom provided the title cut for the popular album; “Island Dancer”. In 1992 he joined Madison WI based latin-jazz group, Madisalsa, and performed with the critically-acclaimed band for 11 years.

In 1985 Fire and Ice teamed up with Grammy nominee, Chris Swansen, added a vocalist, Janet Planet, and guitarist Tom Theabo, and recorded the highly acclaimed album “Sweet Thunder in 1985. Since then, Tom has continued to write and record albums for his own record label “Stellar Records”. His cd “Easy To Love”, released in 1999, has gained rave reviews abroad.

“Washatka plays with the enthusiasm of the hard bop masters, his solo explorations are full of new ideas and he is a quality writer who's compositions have a lot of meat on their bones.” Cadence Magazine

In the year 2000 Tom traveled to Japan to be part of the formation of the first Fraternity of Jazz Musicians between Nagasaki and the Fox Cities.

Tom's performance experience ranges from Symphony Orchestras to opening for Super Sax, Weather Report, Freddie Hubbard and Tito Puente. As well as touring with his own quartet.

Tom is co-owner and composer for one of the most popular music libraries “Narrator Tracks Music”.  His award winning music has been featured in movies as far away as Australia and P.B.S. specials across the U.S. In addition to writing he is an engineer and producer for Stellar Records/Steel Moon recording studio. In 2007 Stellar Records recording artist/vocalist, Nancy King, was nominated for a Grammy.

Tom currently teaches jazz saxophone and improvisation at the prestigious liberal arts college Lawrence University in Appleton Wisconsin.