Meet Lindberg Mescudi: The Inspiring Life Story of Kid Cudi’s Father

Lindberg Styles Mescudi was a man whose life, though quiet and simple, carried the depth and strength of generations. He is remembered not only as the father of the world-renowned musician Kid Cudi but also as a hardworking man who lived by the values of honesty, dedication, and love. His life story is one of strength, perseverance, and cultural pride. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Lindberg’s journey from a young boy in a multicultural household to a respected family man and veteran shows how true greatness often comes from humility and heart. While the world celebrates his son’s music and success, the foundation of those achievements lies in the lessons, heritage, and love passed down from Lindberg Mescudi.
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| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lindberg Styles Mescudi |
| Famous As | Father of Kid Cudi |
| Date of Birth | June 21, 1927 |
| Place of Birth | Cleveland, Ohio, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American and Mexican |
| Religion | Christian (not officially confirmed, but believed to be) |
| Occupation | U.S. Air Force Veteran, Substitute Teacher, House Painter |
| Years Active | 1940s – 1990s |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Elsie Harriet Mescudi (School Choir Teacher) |
| Children | Domingo, Maisha, Dean, and Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi (Kid Cudi) |
| Known For | Father of Kid Cudi and an influence on his life and music |
| Date of Death | 1995 |
| Age at Death | 68 Years Old |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Place of Death | Cleveland, Ohio, United States |
| Net Worth | Not publicly known (Lived a modest life) |
Who Is Lindberg Mescudi?
Lindberg Styles Mescudi was an American Air Force veteran, teacher, and house painter best known as the father of musician and actor Kid Cudi. He was born on June 21, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio, and came from a mixed heritage of African-American and Mexican roots. Lindberg lived a hardworking and humble life, serving in the U.S. Air Force during World War II before returning home to support his family.
He married Elsie Harriet Mescudi, a school choir teacher, and together they had four children. Known for his kindness, discipline, and strong values, Lindberg passed away in 1995 from cancer at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy that continues through his family and especially through his son’s music.
Early Life and Heritage
Lindberg Styles Mescudi was born on June 21, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio, into a family that embraced diversity and togetherness. His father, Charles Manitow Mescudi, was of Mexican descent, while his mother, Essie Viola Lawson, was African-American. This unique blend of cultures created a home filled with both rich traditions and a deep appreciation for unity and resilience. Growing up in a large family with six siblings taught Lindberg the values of cooperation, compassion, and respect.
The Mescudi household was lively and full of shared stories, lessons, and laughter, which helped shape Lindberg into a man who cherished family and valued hard work above all else. Living in a multicultural environment during a time when America was still divided by race gave him a strong sense of pride and identity that he would later pass on to his children.
Lindberg Mescudi Age and Physical Details
Lindberg Styles Mescudi was born on June 21, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio, and passed away in 1995 at the age of 68. He was known for his neat, disciplined appearance and calm personality. His time in the U.S. Air Force gave him a strong posture and respectful presence. Though few photos exist, those who knew him described him as kind, humble, and well-groomed, with a gentle smile that reflected his warm and caring nature.
Father
Lindberg’s father was Charles Manitow Mescudi, a man of Mexican descent. Although there is not much publicly available information about Charles, it is known that his heritage deeply influenced the Mescudi family’s traditions and culture. From his father, Lindberg learned the value of hard work and family unity. Charles’s Mexican background helped create a household where respect for history and family bonds was always important, and these lessons were later reflected in the way Lindberg lived and raised his own family.
Mother
Lindberg’s mother was Essie Viola Lawson, who was of African-American heritage. Essie played a big part in raising Lindberg and his siblings in a home filled with love, discipline, and care. She taught her children the importance of education, integrity, and kindness. Essie’s African-American background added another layer of cultural pride to the family, giving Lindberg a strong connection to his roots. Her values of strength and compassion clearly shaped the man Lindberg became and the values he later passed down to his children.
Lindberg Mescudi Siblings
Lindberg grew up in a large family with six siblings. He had three older brothers, one younger brother, and one sister. Being part of such a big family taught him how to share, support, and communicate from an early age. The Mescudi home was full of activity and warmth, with everyone playing a role in caring for one another. These family relationships built the foundation of love and unity that Lindberg carried into adulthood. He learned early that strong family bonds were the key to a meaningful life, and that belief stayed with him forever.
Military Service
As Lindberg grew older, the world around him was changing. The call to serve during World War II inspired him to join the United States Air Force, where he demonstrated courage and commitment to his country. Serving in the military was not an easy path, especially during a time when young men were faced with the uncertainty of war, but Lindberg stepped forward with determination. His time in the Air Force strengthened his discipline, patience, and sense of responsibility.
It was in the military that Lindberg learned the importance of teamwork, structure, and resilience—qualities that would guide him for the rest of his life. Returning home after the war, he carried with him not just the memories of service but the wisdom that comes from facing life’s toughest challenges. These experiences built the foundation for the husband and father he would later become.
Life After the Military
After his honorable service, Lindberg returned to his hometown of Cleveland, ready to begin a new chapter. He believed in the power of honest work and the dignity that came with earning a living through effort and dedication. He worked as a house painter and also took on the role of a substitute teacher. These two jobs might have seemed simple, but they showed his versatility, humility, and sense of purpose.
Painting houses required patience and attention to detail, while teaching demanded empathy and communication—two qualities that came naturally to him. Lindberg was not a man who chased wealth or fame; instead, he focused on providing for his family and serving his community in quiet but meaningful ways. His work ethic became a living example to his children, teaching them that no job is too small when done with pride and commitment.
Marriage and Family
In 1979, Lindberg’s life took a beautiful turn when he married Elsie Harriet Mescudi, a talented school choir teacher at Roxboro Middle School in Cleveland Heights. Despite being twenty-one years older than Elsie, their relationship was filled with mutual love, respect, and understanding. Elsie’s passion for music and education perfectly complemented Lindberg’s discipline and strong sense of responsibility. Together, they built a warm and loving home rooted in creativity and education.
They raised four children: Domingo, Maisha, Dean, and the youngest, Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, who would one day become known around the world as Kid Cudi. The Mescudi household was full of music, laughter, and learning. Lindberg and Elsie encouraged their children to explore their talents and stay true to who they were. Their home became a place where imagination and structure coexisted, forming the foundation for the artistic and emotional depth that would later define their youngest son’s music.
Who Is Elsie Harriet Mescudi?
Elsie Harriet Mescudi is best known as the mother of Kid Cudi and the wife of Lindberg Styles Mescudi. She worked as a school choir teacher at Roxboro Middle School in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where she shared her love for music and education with students and her own children. Elsie played a major role in shaping her family’s creative and musical spirit, encouraging her children to express themselves through art and learning.
She and Lindberg built a loving home that valued culture, kindness, and hard work. Even after her husband’s passing, Elsie continued to inspire her children, and her influence can still be felt in the emotional depth and creativity of Kid Cudi’s music.
Lindberg Mescudi’s Children
Domingo Mescudi
Domingo Mescudi is the eldest son of Lindberg and Elsie Mescudi. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, in a close and loving family that valued education, discipline, and creativity. While Domingo has mostly stayed out of the public eye, he is known to have supported his younger siblings and carried forward the strong family values his parents taught him. He played an important role in keeping the Mescudi family united after their father’s passing.
Maisha Mescudi
Maisha Mescudi is one of Lindberg and Elsie’s daughters. Like her siblings, she was raised in an environment filled with music, love, and cultural pride. Maisha has maintained a private life, focusing on family and personal growth. Though she is not in the spotlight, her connection to her family’s legacy remains strong, and she continues to carry her parents’ values of kindness and creativity.
Dean Mescudi
Dean Mescudi is another one of Lindberg’s sons. Growing up in a household that emphasized both education and artistic expression, Dean learned the importance of balance, compassion, and integrity. While he has kept his life private, it is known that he shares a strong bond with his siblings and has been supportive of Kid Cudi’s music career and success.
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi (Kid Cudi)

Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, better known as Kid Cudi, is the youngest child of Lindberg and Elsie Mescudi. Born on January 30, 1984, in Cleveland, Ohio, he became an internationally known rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. Kid Cudi’s music is deeply influenced by his late father, Lindberg, whose death when Cudi was only eleven years old left a lasting impact on his life and art. Through his songs, Cudi often honors his father’s memory and expresses the lessons and love he received from his parents. His success and honesty in addressing emotional struggles have made him one of the most influential artists of his generation.
Relationship With Kid Cudi
The bond between Lindberg and his youngest son, Scott, was incredibly strong. Lindberg’s calm guidance and wisdom had a deep impact on Scott, who admired his father’s strength and character. When Lindberg passed away in 1995 after battling cancer, the loss left an emotional scar on young Scott. This pain later became one of the driving forces behind his music. Through songs like “Soundtrack 2 My Life”, “The Prayer”, and “Solo Dolo”, Kid Cudi expresses his grief, love, and admiration for his father. Lindberg’s influence continues to live in Cudi’s art, where themes of family, loss, and healing play a central role.
A Loving Father
As a father, Lindberg was gentle yet firm. He believed in discipline but always balanced it with love and understanding. He wanted his children to know the importance of honesty, education, and hard work. He taught them that success does not come overnight—it comes through patience, effort, and faith. While Elsie nurtured their creativity through music and art, Lindberg taught them about responsibility and perseverance.
Together, they provided a balanced upbringing that encouraged both imagination and integrity. Lindberg’s quiet strength left a deep impression on his children, especially on Scott. Even at a young age, Scott admired his father’s work ethic and the calm way he carried himself. These lessons stayed with him long after his father’s passing and became an invisible guide throughout his life and career.
A Painful Loss
In 1995, tragedy struck the Mescudi family when Lindberg passed away after battling cancer. At the time, Scott was only eleven years old, far too young to lose his father and role model. The loss was devastating and would shape the emotional core of Kid Cudi’s future music. Without his father’s presence, Scott faced years of emotional struggle, often feeling lost and misunderstood. However, the love and memories Lindberg left behind became a source of comfort and inspiration.
In later years, Kid Cudi would channel his grief and longing into his music, creating songs that spoke openly about pain, loss, and hope. Tracks like “Soundtrack 2 My Life,” “Solo Dolo,” and “The Prayer” carry heartfelt reflections of the father he missed deeply. Through his music, Scott transformed sorrow into art, turning his father’s absence into something healing—not just for himself but for millions of listeners who found comfort in his honesty.
Heritage and Identity
Lindberg’s cultural background also played a key role in shaping his children’s identities. With Mexican and African-American roots, he carried the pride of two rich heritages that celebrated resilience and community. This cultural blend gave the Mescudi family a unique outlook on life—one that embraced diversity, respect, and unity. Lindberg made sure his children understood where they came from and encouraged them to honor their roots.
This cultural awareness became part of Kid Cudi’s creative expression, influencing not only his music but also his personal style and worldview. Through his father’s example, Cudi learned to embrace his uniqueness, turning it into a source of power rather than doubt. Lindberg’s cultural pride continues to echo through his son’s artistry, proving that identity is not just inherited—it is celebrated and carried forward.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Lindberg Styles Mescudi’s story is one of humility, resilience, and love. He served his country, worked tirelessly for his family, and built a home that valued education, culture, and faith. Though he did not live to see his son’s rise to global fame, his influence continues to echo through Kid Cudi’s art and message. Every lyric about pain, hope, and healing carries a piece of Lindberg’s legacy. His life reminds us that greatness doesn’t always come with fame—it comes from the love and values we pass down to others. Lindberg’s strength, compassion, and devotion continue to inspire people around the world through his son’s voice and the legacy of the Mescudi family.
Lindberg Mescudi Net Worth
Lindberg Mescudi lived a humble life and focused on family rather than wealth. He earned a steady income as a painter and teacher, enough to provide for his family and ensure that his children grew up with love and stability. There are no official records of his net worth, but his true value cannot be measured in money—it lies in the love, lessons, and legacy he left behind. His influence continues to shine through Kid Cudi’s success, which itself is a tribute to Lindberg’s lifelong dedication and strength.
Conclusion
Lindberg Styles Mescudi lived a life built on love, discipline, and dedication to family, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire through his children, especially his son Kid Cudi. From his multicultural roots and service in the U.S. Air Force to his years as a hardworking teacher and painter, Lindberg showed what it means to live with purpose and humility.
Alongside his wife, Elsie Harriet Mescudi, he created a home filled with music, learning, and care that shaped his children into kind, creative individuals. Though he passed away in 1995, his influence still shines through Kid Cudi’s music and message of hope, proving that a father’s love and lessons can live on forever through the hearts and dreams of his family.
FAQs About Lindberg Mescudi
1. Who was Lindberg Mescudi?
Lindberg Styles Mescudi was an American Air Force veteran, teacher, and house painter best known as the father of rapper and actor Kid Cudi.
2. When was Lindberg Mescudi born?
He was born on June 21, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio, United States.
3. What was Lindberg Mescudi’s heritage?
Lindberg came from a mixed background — his father was Mexican, and his mother was African-American, giving him a rich and diverse cultural identity.
4. What did Lindberg Mescudi do for a living?
After serving in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, Lindberg worked as a house painter and substitute teacher to support his family.
5. Who was Lindberg Mescudi married to?
He was married to Elsie Harriet Mescudi, a school choir teacher from Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
6. How many children did Lindberg Mescudi have?
Lindberg and Elsie had four children — Domingo, Maisha, Dean, and Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi (Kid Cudi).
7. When did Lindberg Mescudi die?
He passed away in 1995 after battling cancer at the age of 68.
8. How did Lindberg Mescudi influence Kid Cudi?
Lindberg’s love, discipline, and life lessons deeply shaped Kid Cudi’s music. His passing inspired many of Cudi’s emotional songs about family, loss, and strength.