Mike Curb
Music, Entertainment & Public Service
Mike Curb is a former Acting Governor and Lieutenant Governor of California, a GRAMMY award-winning record producer, Billboard Record Producer of the Year, BMI multi-award-winning songwriter, and championship motorsports owner. He is also the founder and chairman of Curb Records, an independent record company he established more than 60 years ago. Across more than six decades, his work has included music, business, public service, philanthropy, education, and community initiatives.
Curb has remained closely involved in the entertainment industry while continuing to lead Curb Records. The company is recognized as the oldest independent record company in the United States that remains independently distributed. Beyond music, Mike has also participated in civic efforts and programs designed to support education, healthcare, civil rights, and local communities.
His long career reflects a consistent interest in building organizations, supporting creative work, and applying his experience to public and community-focused causes.
A Career in Music and Entertainment
Through Curb Records, Mike Curb developed a reputation for identifying artists and producing music with broad commercial appeal. His work earned recognition as Billboard’s Producer of the Year and included several successful recordings.
Among the number one records he produced were “Candy Man” by Sammy Davis Jr. with The Mike Curb Congregation, “Puppy Love” by Donny Osmond, “Love Me For A Reason” by The Osmonds, “I’m Leaving It All Up To You” by Donny and Marie, “All For The Love Of Sunshine” by Hank Williams Jr. with The Mike Curb Congregation, and “How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes.
He also produced recordings by Al Martino, Roy Orbison, Tony Bennett, Solomon Burke, Debby Boone, Eddy Arnold, Steve Lawrence, and Eydie Gorme.
As a songwriter, Curb contributed to film and television music. His work included music for Roger Corman’s The Wild Angels, which led to his first top 40 Billboard hit, “Blues’ Theme” by The Arrows, as well as “Wild Angels Theme” by The Ventures. He also wrote “Burning Bridges” for Kelly’s Heroes, which became a worldwide success for his group. The group later appeared regularly on Glen Campbell’s national CBS television program.
Curb also created themes connected to Honda, Chevrolet, Hot Wheels, and Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. His additional compositions involved artists including Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Hank Williams Jr., and Eydie Gorme.
Curb Records continued expanding into different genres. The label received Billboard recognition for co-producing “How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes and “You Light Up My Life,” which reached number one across three genres. Debby Boone’s earlier version became the number one record of the 1970s. Other notable achievements included “Oh What A Night” by the Four Seasons and “More Than A Memory” by Garth Brooks, which debuted at number one on the Billboard Country Chart.
Curb also supported contemporary Christian music through early artists and later award-winning performers. His leadership extended to Word Records, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2026.
Public Service and Civic Leadership
Mike Curb also built a career in public service. He served as Lieutenant Governor of California and later as Acting Governor for over 200 days during his first two years in office.
During that period, he made more than 400 appointments and supported legislation related to the gasoline crisis. His work also included public safety and border issues, as well as responses to major emergencies such as fires and floods.
Curb supported Proposition 13, which placed limits on property taxes and contributed to wider discussions about national tax reform. He also played a role in the development of the Kemp-Roth Bill.
His public service continued through leadership roles with national organizations including the RNFC, the Presidential Trust, the USO Board, and the World Trade Negotiations Board. He also contributed to immigration policy and other national initiatives.
Philanthropy, Healthcare, and Community Impact
In later years, Mike Curb expanded his philanthropic focus through the Curb Foundation. The foundation has supported education, healthcare, civil rights, historic preservation, and programs serving underserved communities.
His healthcare involvement has included support for universities and medical institutions, such as Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, as well as the development of health policy programs. These efforts later expanded through medical education partnerships in multiple states.
Curb has also supported civil and human rights causes and contributed to the preservation of historic music properties. His philanthropy reflects an emphasis on long-term community value rather than short-term recognition.
Education, Cultural Preservation, and Museums
Education has remained an important part of Curb’s giving. He has established colleges, institutes, and programs across 15 universities, supporting music education, creative industries, and related academic opportunities.
These partnerships include Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, California State, and other institutions connected to academic programs and performance spaces.
His work in cultural preservation has included support for organizations and historic sites such as the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, and the National Civil Rights Museum.
Curb has also contributed to community programs addressing homelessness through shelters and outreach centers in several cities. His support has extended to animal welfare and youth programs as part of a broader commitment to community development.
Recognition and Continuing Influence
Mike Curb has received recognition across music, public service, business, and philanthropy. His honors include a GRAMMY award, recognition on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Music City Walk of Fame, honorary degrees from seven universities, and induction into multiple halls of fame.
His career reflects sustained involvement across several areas of American life. Whether through music production, public service, education, healthcare, cultural preservation, or philanthropy, Mike has continued to focus on building institutions, supporting communities, and creating opportunities that can remain meaningful over time.