The iconic Michael Cartellone is known as the drummer of the American Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd and formerly with the hard rock supergroup Damn Yankees.
Known as a rock drummer heavyweight and consummate musician throughout the world, Michael Cartellone has been the heartbeat among two of rock’s most iconic bands, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Damn Yankees.
In this article, we shed a little light on his childhood, his early years with the Damn Yankees, how he took the fame train to join Lynyrd Skynyrd, and what gives him so many dollars in his pockets.
Quick Info: Michael Cartellone
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $5 million |
| Date of Birth | June 7, 1962 |
| Age in 2024 | 62 years |
| Birthplace | Solon, Ohio, USA |
| Primary Profession | Drummer, Artist |
| Band Affiliations | Lynyrd Skynyrd, Damn Yankees |
| Years Active | Over 50 years |
Life and Love for Music
Michael Cartellone, 61, was born in Solon, Ohio on June 7, 1962, light-years from the Southern rock scene to which he would later contribute as a part of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Musically inclined, many see him as a prodigy with an early knack for rhythm and percussive instruments.
Cartellone, although a multi-instrumentalist, gravitated more towards the drums—an instrument which he fell in love with and began practicing incessantly to learn how to play. His parents noted that he had some talent and encouraged him to pursue his music.
Cartellone started gigging at an early age, doing time by the age of 11 years old in local outfits. He had the edge of performing regularly and quickly learned the ins and outs of playing live music—this helped foster his uniqueness as an artist while working to make his sound custom.
That experience gave him a foundation for working with big-name bands later, as well as life experiences and skills to incorporate into his own unique sound of playing the drums.
The Beginning Steps of Being a Professional Musician
While Cartellone stayed active performing locally and exploring other musical genres throughout his teen years, he always aspired to play the larger venues. But he relocated to New York City for more music career options. Before long, he became entwined in the city’s thriving rock scene, networking with fellow musicians and honing his skills.
As his skills as a drummer became more recognized over the late 1980s, other musicians began seeking him out to appear on albums with larger names.
Breakthrough with Damn Yankees
Then in 1989, Cartellone caught his big break: he was picked to join the supergroup Damn Yankees with legendary musicians Ted Nugent, Jack Blades (of Night Ranger), and Tommy Shaw (of Styx). Damn Yankees layered Nugent’s backbreaking guitars with the same signature melodic commercialism that Shaw and Blades were known for.
The result was a match made in heaven hit that quickly saturated the masses, with Cartellone solidifying the backbeat and rhythm to the dynamic sound of cohesion.
Damn Yankees hit the ground running with a very successful self-titled debut album in 1990, going double platinum (RIAA) on release. The album included hits like the chart-destroying High Enough, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Critics have enjoyed Cartellone’s drumming on the album, pointing out his technical ability but organic sound, helping keep Damn Yankees relevant to rock music. Their combination of hard rock, glam metal, and Southern rock resonated with the classic rock crowd, leaving a meaningful mark on the world of rock music.
Damn Yankees followed up with a second album, Don’t Tread, in 1992, that was also well-received. The members of Damn Yankees parted ways, however, and the band went temporarily inactive by the mid-’90s as everyone concentrated on other projects.
Cartellone only spent a short time with Damn Yankees, but it significantly helped legitimize his rock cred and led to working with many more legendary artists.
Nashville, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Fame
Michael Cartellone joined the legendary Southern rockers of Lynyrd Skynyrd (famous for songs such as “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird”) in 1999. For Cartellone, this was a defining moment in time as the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd would forever change the landscape of his career.
Cartellone came aboard Lynyrd Skynyrd during a transitional period when the band was shuffling members and revitalizing their image, immediately making a name for himself as an integral member during the band’s resurrection.
As Lynyrd Skynyrd’s drummer, Cartellone cemented his place as a rock legend. His heavy, energetic style of drumming played nicely with the fast-paced shows the band put on, and he was an instant fan favorite. Beyond playing on stage, Cartellone contributed to several Lynyrd Skynyrd studio projects, where he brought a contemporary feel to the band’s familiar sound. His ability to balance his individuality with the greater good—as a drummer—kept him at Lynyrd Skynyrd for 20 whole years (an impressive feat in an industry known for lineup changes).
Cartellone made a nice living working the road with Lynyrd Skynyrd’s demanding tour schedule. As one of the highest-grossing acts on the rock touring circuit, Cartellone takes a sizable cut of concert ticket sales. Representing Lynyrd Skynyrd on thousands of stages across the world in front of millions of fans, Cartellone not only increased his income but secured himself an important place in rock drumming history.
Featuring on Other Artists and Projects
Cartellone has also played with other big names, beyond Damn Yankees and Lynyrd Skynyrd. He has worked on and off with Ted Nugent in numerous projects outside of Damn Yankees and is widely regarded as an “in-demand” session drummer known for experimenting with various genres of music.
Cartellone has likewise worked with John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival and other rock and blues musicians. His skills as a drummer have enabled him to transition across genres seamlessly, adding unique energy behind each project and securing well-established roles in the industry.
Wealth Distribution and Financial Success
Michael Cartellone’s net worth as of 2024 is estimated at $5 million, thanks to his successful music career as well as several other sources. His income comes from multiple streams:
- Lynyrd Skynyrd Tours: Most of Cartellone’s income is generated from the band’s extensive, highly lucrative touring schedule. The band has always had legions of fans globally and remains one of the most commercially successful rock bands. The touring revenue Cartellone has earned a hefty share of over the years has given his net worth quite the boost.
- Royalties from Record Sales: Cartellone receives royalties from his contributions to Damn Yankees and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Thanks to Damn Yankees’ debut album and hits from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cartellone has a reliable revenue source each year from record sales and streaming.
- Merchandising: Lynyrd Skynyrd merchandise, from shirts to memorabilia, is a significant revenue source globally. Cartellone, one of the more prominent band members, earns a percentage of these sales, adding to his income portfolio.
- Collaborations and Session Work: Cartellone has also earned money through collaborations with other artists. These additional income streams have come from his work with Ted Nugent, John Fogerty, and others.
FAQs
- Michael Cartellone 2024 net worth?
As of 2024, Cartellone has a net worth estimated to be around $5 million. - What bands has Michael Cartellone played with?
Cartellone worked with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Damn Yankees. - How does Michael Cartellone make most of his money?
The majority of his wealth originates from live performances, music royalties, and selling merch. - Has Michael Cartellone worked with anyone else?
Yes, Cartellone has collaborated with artists including Ted Nugent and John Fogerty. - How old is Michael Cartellone?
Cartellone was born June 7, 1962, in Solon, Ohio, USA.
Conclusion
The life story of how he went from a young drummer to breakthrough stardom in the supergroup Damn Yankees and finally rock-and-roll lifer with Lynyrd Skynyrd demonstrates Cartellone’s unwavering dedication to making music and passion for drumming. Cartellone’s journey through the ever-evolving music industry is one of commitment, skill, and creativity. With a net worth nearing $5 million, Cartellone has solidified his place among rock’s most legendary drummers. His journey continues to inspire budding musicians, proving that with hard work
, talent, and a love for rock music, anything is possible.
