[2] In his youth, Moffatt learned classical piano and jazz trumpet and was a member of his high school band.
Despite early inclinations toward country music, while at Rice University Moffatt learned guitar and turned toward jazz and blues.
[2] In 1980, Moffatt formed Ratz with Wade McCurdy, John Dietrich, Michael Bonagura and his wife.
The opera, entitled Corps of Discovery, follows the journeys of Lewis and Clark from New Orleans to the Pacific Northwest and back.
[2] He was married to songwriter Pebe Sebert, with whom he wrote "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You", in 1977,[2] but the couple separated in 1984.
They have one son, Lagan Blue Sebert, a video and documentary film producer living in New York City.