Cactus Moser is a well-known name in the country music scene. He is a drummer, vocalist, writer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who has been in the industry for over three decades. He is best known as the co-founder and member of the Grammy-nominated band Highway 101, and as the husband of the country music legend Wynonna Judd. But how much is Cactus Moser worth? And how did he earn his fortune? In this article, we will explore his career, achievements, and net worth.
Cactus Moser’s Early Life and Career
Cactus Moser was born on May 3, 1957, in Montrose, Colorado, USA. His real name is Michael Scott Moser, but he adopted the nickname Cactus because of his love for the desert. He started playing drums at the age of eight, and was influenced by the rock and roll music of the 1960s and 1970s. He moved to Los Angeles in the early 1980s, where he worked as a session musician and played in various bands. He also appeared in the 1986 comedy film Back to School as a member of a bar band.
Cactus Moser’s Breakthrough with Highway 101
In 1986, Cactus Moser co-founded the country music band Highway 101, along with singer Paulette Carlson, guitarist Jack Daniels, and bassist Curtis Stone. The band signed with Warner Bros. Records Nashville, and released their self-titled debut album in 1987. The album was a huge success, spawning four hit singles: “The Bed You Made for Me”, “Whiskey, If You Were a Woman”, “Somewhere Tonight”, and “Cry, Cry, Cry”. The last two songs reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and the album was certified platinum by the RIAA. The band also won the ACM and CMA awards for Vocal Group of the Year in 1988.
The band followed up with their second album, 101², in 1988, which also produced four hit singles: “(Do You Love Me) Just Say Yes”, “All the Reasons Why”, “Setting Me Up”, and “Honky Tonk Heart”. The first song was another No. 1 hit, and the album was certified gold by the RIAA. The band released their third album, Paint the Town, in 1989, which featured the hits “Who’s Lonely Now”, “Walkin’, Talkin’, Cryin’, Barely Beatin’ Broken Heart”, and “This Side of Goodbye”. The first song was their fourth and final No. 1 hit, and the album was also certified gold by the RIAA.
Cactus Moser’s Career After Highway 101
In 1990, Paulette Carlson left Highway 101 to pursue a solo career, and was replaced by Nikki Nelson as the lead singer. The band released their fourth album, Bing Bang Boom, in 1991, which was their last album for Warner Bros. Records. The album produced the Top 10 hit “The Blame”, but failed to match the success of their previous albums. The band then moved to Liberty Records, and released their fifth album, The New Frontier, in 1993, which featured the Top 20 hit “You Baby You”. The band also changed their lineup, with Chrislynn Lee replacing Jack Daniels on guitar, and Charlie White replacing Curtis Stone on bass.
In 1994, Cactus Moser left Highway 101, and was replaced by Justin Weaver on drums. The band released their sixth album, Reunited, in 1996, which was a reunion album with Paulette Carlson. The album produced the Top 40 hit “Where’d You Get Your Cheatin’ From”, but did not sell well. The band then moved to Intersound Records, and released their seventh album, Latest & Greatest, in 1998, which was a compilation of new recordings of their old hits, plus three new songs. The band also changed their lineup again, with Andy Gurley replacing Chrislynn Lee on guitar.
In 2000, Cactus Moser rejoined Highway 101, along with Nikki Nelson, Curtis Stone, and Jack Daniels. The band released their eighth and final album, Big Sky, in 2000, which was an independent release on Free Falls Records. The album did not chart, and the band disbanded shortly after.
Cactus Moser’s Career with Wynonna Judd
In 2009, Cactus Moser became the drummer for Wynonna Judd’s band, The Big Noise. Wynonna Judd is a country music superstar, who rose to fame as one half of the duo The Judds, along with her mother Naomi Judd. Wynonna Judd has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, and has won five Grammy Awards, eight CMA Awards, and three ACM Awards. She has also had 20 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, both as a solo artist and as part of The Judds.
Cactus Moser and Wynonna Judd started dating in 2009, and got engaged in 2011. They got married on June 10, 2012, at Wynonna Judd’s farm in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. However, just two months after their wedding, Cactus Moser was involved in a motorcycle accident, which resulted in the amputation of his left leg above the knee. Wynonna Judd supported him through his recovery, and helped him with his wound care and rehabilitation. The couple also appeared on the reality show The Judds in 2011, and on the documentary Wynonna Judd: Between Hell and Hallelujah in 2023.
Cactus Moser and Wynonna Judd have also collaborated musically, and released their first album together, Wynonna & The Big Noise, in 2016. The album featured guest appearances by Jason Isbell, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and Timothy B. Schmit. The album received positive reviews from critics, and reached No. 14 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Cactus Moser’s Net Worth
According to various sources, Cactus Moser’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. He has earned his wealth from his long and successful career in the country music industry, both as a member of Highway 101 and as a drummer for Wynonna Judd. He has also earned income from his work as a composer, producer, and actor. He has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, four CMA Awards, and three ACM Awards, and has won four CMA Awards as part of Highway 101. He has also been inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in 2018, along with Wynonna Judd.
Cactus Moser is a country music star who has overcome many challenges and hardships in his life. He has shown resilience, courage, and determination in his career and personal life. He is a loving husband, a devoted father, and a talented musician. He is an inspiration to many, and a legend in the country music scene.