Mike Curb is the former Acting Governor and Lieutenant Governor of California, a GRAMMY award-winning record producer, a Billboard Record Producer of the Year, a BMI multi-award-winning songwriter, and a championship motorsports owner. He is the founder and chairman of Curb Records and has remained active across multiple areas of American culture for more than six decades. His career reflects consistent contributions to music, business, philanthropy, and public service.
Mike is widely recognized as a leader in the entertainment industry. He continues to guide his independent record company, which he established over 60 years ago. He remains the oldest independent record company in the United States, and it is still distributed independently. He is also known for his ongoing involvement in community-focused initiatives and civic causes.
An in-depth look at Mike Curb of California highlights a record of sustained professional achievement and long-term influence on education and civil rights. His participation in social programs reflects a clear commitment to serving communities across the nation.
With Curb Records, Curb demonstrated a strong ability to identify and develop artists with broad appeal. The label quickly grew into one of the most respected independent record companies in the United States. He earned recognition as Billboard’s Producer of the Year and produced multiple number one records including “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 notable recordings by Al Martino, Roy Orbison, Tony Bennett, Solomon Burke, Debby Boone, Eddy Arnold, Steve Lawrence, and Eydie Gorme.
As a songwriter, he created music for several films, including Roger Corman’s The Wild Angels, which produced his first top 40 Billboard hit “Blues’ Theme” by The Arrows and “Wild Angels Theme” by The Ventures. He also wrote “Burning Bridges” for the film Kelly’s Heroes, which became a worldwide success for his group. The group appeared regularly on Glen Campbell’s national CBS television program.
Mike contributed to commercial and television themes for Honda, Chevrolet, Hot Wheels, and Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. Additional compositions include the theme for Frank Sinatra’s “Dirty Dingus Magee,” Andy Williams’ “If I Could Only Go Back Again,” Hank Williams Jr.’s “All For The Love Of Sunshine,” and “It Was A Good Time,” which became associated with Liza Minnelli’s Emmy-winning production.
His record label expanded beyond a traditional business model by supporting music across multiple genres. It received Billboard recognition for co-producing “How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes, one of the longest-running songs, and “You Light Up My Life,” which reached number one across three genres. Earlier, Debby Boone’s version of the same song became the number one record of the 1970s. Other achievements include “Oh What A Night” by the Four Seasons, which remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for over one year, and “More Than A Memory” by Garth Brooks, the only song to debut at number one on the Billboard Country Chart.
He has also been active in contemporary Christian music, supporting early artists and later contributing to the success of award-winning performers. His involvement extended to leadership roles within Word Records, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2026. His work in this space contributed to major chart successes and industry recognition.
Curb’s leadership reflects a consistent effort to connect audiences through music while maintaining a strong business direction. His influence continues to shape the industry through both creative and operational contributions.
Mike Curb pursued public service alongside his entertainment career. He was elected Lieutenant Governor of California and later served as Acting Governor for over 200 days during his first two years in office. During this time, he made more than 400 appointments, supported legislation addressing the gasoline crisis, and worked on public safety and border issues. He also responded to emergencies, including major fires and floods.
He supported Proposition 13, which introduced limits on property taxes and contributed to broader national tax reform discussions. He also played a role in developing economic policy through his collaboration on the Kemp-Roth Bill. He later served as co-chairman of a presidential campaign. He held leadership roles in national organizations, including the RNFC, the Presidential Trust, the USO Board, and the World Trade Negotiations Board.
His work in government included involvement in immigration policy and other national initiatives. Through these efforts, he demonstrated a commitment to public responsibility and policy development.
Following his government service, Mike shifted focus toward philanthropy. Through the Curb Foundation, he supported education, healthcare, civil rights, historic preservation, and programs for underserved communities.
He directed resources toward universities and healthcare initiatives while also contributing to major medical institutions. His leadership included involvement with the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and the development of health policy programs. His support extended to institutions in multiple states through collaborative medical education efforts.
He has consistently supported civil and human rights initiatives, focusing on fairness and inclusion. His work also includes preserving historic music properties and investing time to ensure long-term community impact.
Education remains a central focus of his work. Mike Curb has established programs, colleges, and institutes across 15 universities, supporting music education and creative industries. These include Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, California State, and several other institutions connected to performance venues and academic programs.
He has supported cultural preservation through partnerships with museums and historic sites, including the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Memphis Music Hall of Fame, and the National Civil Rights Museum. His involvement also extends to motorsports achievements and community engagement projects.
Curb has contributed to community development through programs addressing homelessness, including shelters and resource centers across several cities. These initiatives provide housing, support services, and outreach programs designed to improve stability for individuals and families.
He has also supported animal welfare programs and youth development initiatives, demonstrating a broad commitment to community support and partnership building.
Mike Curb has received numerous honors for his work in music, public service, and philanthropy. These 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 a sustained effort to contribute across multiple fields while maintaining a focus on service and responsibility. He continues to be recognized for his role in shaping music, supporting communities, and advancing public initiatives.
Website: https://mikecurb.com/css/
Portfolio 1: https://mike-curb.com/
Portfolio 2: https://mikecurbca.com/