Baxter Neal Helson is an American drummer best known for his musical talent and his connection to the famous Cyrus family through his marriage to Leticia “Tish” Cyrus. Although he never became a widely recognized celebrity, Baxter made a name for himself in the local music scene as a skilled drummer, playing at bars and parties. His life story is closely linked to the Cyrus family, as he is the father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus, both of whom have pursued successful careers in entertainment. This article aims to provide a detailed look at Baxter Neal Helson’s life, exploring his early years, music career, family relationships, and lasting legacy.
Quick Bio About Baxter Neal Helson
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Baxter Neal Helson |
| Date of Birth | January 21, 1966 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 59 years old |
| Place of Birth | Ashland, Kentucky, USA |
| Current Residence | Phoenix, Arizona, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 138 lbs (63 kg) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Former Spouse | Leticia “Tish” Cyrus |
| Children | Brandi Cyrus, Trace Cyrus |
| Profession | Drummer |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $1.2 million |
Early Life and Background
Baxter Neal Helson was born on January 21, 1966, in Ashland, Kentucky. He comes from a white American family and follows the Christian faith, though little is publicly known about his parents or siblings. From a young age, Baxter showed a strong passion for music, especially for playing the drums, which became a central part of his life. Growing up in Ashland, he spent much of his childhood surrounded by local music scenes that inspired him to develop his skills as a drummer. This early love for music laid the foundation for his future career and shaped much of his personal identity.
Age, Physical Features, and Personal Traits
Baxter Neal Helson, born on January 21, 1966, in Ashland, Kentucky, is a 59-year-old American drummer. He stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm) tall and maintains a slim build, weighing around 138 pounds (63 kg). His hair is blonde, and he has dark brown eyes. Baxter is known for his charismatic personality, which, combined with his musical talent, helped him establish a presence in the local music scene. Despite his public connections, he values his privacy and has largely stayed out of the media spotlight in recent years. His personal traits reflect a man who is both talented and reserved, preferring a life away from public attention.
Musical Career and Talent
Baxter Neal Helson is an American drummer who began his music career in his late teens. He performed primarily in local venues such as bars, parties, and community events, showcasing his skills as a percussionist. While he didn’t achieve national fame, his consistent performances helped him build a reputation as a talented and dedicated musician within his community. Known for his charismatic personality, Baxter’s presence in the local music scene was well-regarded. Though he is not widely recognized in mainstream media, his contributions to the local music culture have left a lasting impact.
Relationship And Marriage to Tish Cyrus
Baxter Neal Helson and Leticia “Tish” Finley met in their late teens at a local party in Ashland, Kentucky, where Tish was introduced to the aspiring drummer. At 19, she married Baxter in 1986, and together they had two children: daughter Brandi Glenn Helson (now known as Brandi Cyrus), born on May 26, 1987, and son Trace Dempsey Cyrus (born Neil Timothy Helson), on February 24, 1989. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1989, after which Tish married country singer Billy Ray Cyrus in 1993. Billy Ray legally adopted Brandi and Trace, and they became part of the larger Cyrus family. Despite the challenges, Baxter remained involved in his children’s lives, maintaining visitation rights and occasional communication.
Who Is Tish Cyrus?
Leticia Jean “Tish” Cyrus (née Finley) was born on May 13, 1967, in Ashland, Kentucky. She is an American actress and producer best known for her work in the entertainment industry and as the mother of pop star Miley Cyrus. Tish has been a significant figure behind the scenes, managing her children’s careers and producing several films and television projects. Notably, she served as the executive producer for the 2010 film The Last Song, which starred Miley Cyrus and was based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks.
In 2017, she co-hosted the reality TV series Cyrus vs. Cyrus: Design and Conquer alongside her daughter Brandi, showcasing their interior design skills. Tish has also appeared in various television programs, including Truly Tish and Sunday Sessions. In her personal life, Tish was married to country singer Billy Ray Cyrus from 1993 to 2022, with whom she has five children: Brandi, Trace, Miley, Braison, and Noah. After their divorce, Tish married actor Dominic Purcell in August 2023.
Divorce and Custody Battles
Baxter Neal Helson and Tish Cyrus finalized their divorce in 1989 after a few years of marriage. Following the split, they faced several challenges, especially around the custody of their two children, Brandi and Trace. The courts granted full custody to Tish, while Baxter was given visitation rights, allowing him to see his children regularly and stay in contact. However, the custody battles were difficult and strained Baxter’s relationship with his kids at times. When Tish married country singer Billy Ray Cyrus in 1993, Billy legally adopted Brandi and Trace, which further changed the family dynamics and affected Baxter’s access. Despite these challenges, Baxter maintained a connection with his children, though the new family structure made things more complex.
Life After Divorce
After his divorce from Tish Cyrus in 1989, Baxter Neal Helson relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, choosing a life away from the public spotlight. He has since maintained a private existence, with no known social media presence or public appearances. Despite his low profile, reports suggest that he continues to be involved in music, possibly performing with local bands in the Phoenix area. His estimated net worth of $1.2 million indicates a stable financial situation, likely supported by his music career and other private endeavors. Baxter’s decision to live privately reflects his desire to lead a life separate from the fame associated with his former family.
Children and Their Careers
Brandi and Trace Cyrus, the children of Baxter Neal Helson and Tish Cyrus, have each carved out their own paths in the entertainment industry, influenced by their diverse family backgrounds.
Brandi Cyrus has built a multifaceted career spanning music, television, and digital media. She began her journey as a member of the electropop band Frank + Derol, later transitioning into DJing. Currently, she holds a residency as a DJ at Wynn Las Vegas and has performed at major events like the iHeartRadio Music Festival. Beyond music, Brandi co-hosts the podcast Your Favorite Thing with Wells Adams and Sorry We’re Stoned with her mother, Tish. She also co-hosted the Bravo reality series Cyrus vs. Cyrus: Design and Conquer alongside her mother, showcasing their interior design talents. Brandi’s diverse career reflects a blend of her musical heritage and personal interests.
Trace Cyrus, born Neil Timothy Helson, initially gained fame as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for the pop-rock band Metro Station, known for their hit single “Shake It.” After leaving the band, he pursued a solo career, releasing singles like “Lights Out” and “Brenda.” In 2024, Trace shifted towards country music with the release of “Cowgirl Ride,” signaling a new direction in his musical journey. His evolution from pop-rock to country reflects his personal growth and desire to explore different musical genres.
Connection to the Cyrus Family Legacy
Baxter Neal Helson holds a unique place in the Cyrus family tree as the biological father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus, making him an important part of the extended family known for its entertainment legacy. While he himself never sought fame, his connection to Tish Cyrus and their children linked him to one of America’s most well-known families.
This association brought both attention and challenges, as fame often complicated his desire for privacy and a low-key life. Being connected to a celebrity family meant navigating public interest and family changes, especially after Tish’s marriage to Billy Ray Cyrus. Despite these complexities, Baxter’s role in the family legacy remains significant, reflecting the personal struggles and benefits that come with being part of a famous clan.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Baxter Neal Helson, an American drummer, has an estimated net worth of around $1.2 million as of 2024. His primary sources of income include his career as a drummer, performing at local bars and parties, and possibly other private business ventures. While he maintains a low public profile, reports suggest that he continues to be involved in music, possibly performing with local bands in the Phoenix area. In comparison, his children, Brandi and Trace Cyrus, have achieved greater financial success, with each having an estimated net worth of $2 million as of 2024.
Despite the differences in their financial standings, Baxter’s estimated net worth indicates a stable financial situation, likely supported by his music career and other private endeavors. His decision to live privately reflects his desire to lead a life separate from the fame associated with his former family.
Personal Traits and Character
Baxter Neal Helson is a private individual known for his musical talent and charismatic personality. As a drummer, he gained recognition in the local music scene of Ashland, Kentucky, performing at various venues and events. His engaging presence and dedication to his craft helped him build a reputation among peers and fans alike. Despite his connection to the famous Cyrus family, Baxter has chosen to maintain a low profile, avoiding public attention and social media.
This decision reflects his desire for privacy and a life away from the spotlight. His resilience is evident in his ability to navigate personal and familial challenges while staying true to his passion for music and his commitment to his family. Baxter’s story highlights the complexities of fame, family, and privacy, offering a glimpse into the life of someone who has chosen to remain largely out of the public eye.
Legacy and Public Perception
Baxter Neal Helson’s legacy is quietly woven into the fabric of American music and the extended Cyrus family. As a skilled drummer, he contributed to the local music scene, performing at bars and parties, and played a foundational role in the early lives of his children, Brandi and Trace Cyrus. Though he never sought fame, his connection to Tish Cyrus and their children linked him to one of America’s most well-known families. This association brought both attention and challenges, as fame often complicated his desire for privacy and a low-key life.
Being connected to a celebrity family meant navigating public interest and family changes, especially after Tish’s marriage to Billy Ray Cyrus. Despite these complexities, Baxter’s role in the family legacy remains significant, reflecting the personal struggles and benefits that come with being part of a famous clan.
Conclusion
Baxter Neal Helson’s life is a story of passion for music, complex family ties, and quiet resilience. As a talented drummer, he built a career rooted in local music scenes, while also navigating the challenges of his marriage and divorce with Tish Cyrus. Though connected to one of America’s most famous families, Baxter chose to live a private life away from the spotlight, focusing on his music and personal happiness. His legacy lives on through his children, Brandi and Trace, who have followed creative paths of their own. Ultimately, Baxter’s journey reminds us that behind every public name is a human story of love, struggle, and perseverance.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Baxter Neal Helson?
Baxter Neal Helson is an American drummer known for his music and as the ex-husband of Tish Cyrus. He is also the father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus.
2. What is Baxter Neal Helson’s connection to the Cyrus family?
He was married to Tish Cyrus, making him the father of two of her children, Brandi and Trace. This links him to the famous Cyrus family.
3. How many children does Baxter Neal Helson have?
Baxter has two children with Tish Cyrus: Brandi Cyrus and Trace Cyrus, both involved in the entertainment industry.
4. What is Baxter Neal Helson’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be around $1.2 million, earned mainly from his career as a drummer and other ventures.
5. Where does Baxter Neal Helson live now?
After his divorce, Baxter moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he lives a private life away from the public eye.
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