Mike Curb

Music, Entertainment & Public Service

Mike Curb is the 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 the founder and chairman of Curb Records and has played a significant role in shaping American culture for over six decades. Known for his influence in music, business, and public service, Mike Curb has also significantly contributed to philanthropy and education. 

He continues to lead the independent record label he founded more than 60 years ago, which remains the oldest independent record company in the United States still operating under independent distribution. Alongside his entertainment career, he has made a lasting impact through civic and charitable efforts. “Mike Curb” is associated with creativity, leadership, and community involvement.

His professional journey reflects consistent achievement and a deep commitment to social causes, education, and civil rights. His lifelong dedication to public service demonstrates his belief in using success to help others.

A Voice in Music and Leadership

He demonstrated a strong ability to recognize and guide musical talent through Curb Records. The company soon became one of the nation's most respected independent record labels. He earned Billboard’s Producer of the Year and produced several #1 songs that reached national and international success. He also made other recordings that charted highly across different genres.

As a songwriter, he composed music for several films, including one that produced his first Billboard Top 40 hits. He wrote and directed a motion picture theme that became a worldwide success for his group and appeared weekly on national television. He created commercial music for major brands and composed songs that became recognizable parts of both television and film.

Curb Records grew into a platform that supported diverse styles of music. The label received Billboard recognition for long-running hits and albums that debuted at #1 on multiple charts. Several of its songs achieved major industry awards and became some of the best-selling records of their time. His label’s artists reached #1 across multiple decades, with several recordings achieving historic milestones.

He also played an essential role in developing contemporary Christian music, signing early artists and producing many award-winning performers whose songs became mainstream hits.

In 2002, he became a partner and chairman of the oldest gospel recording company in America, completing its full purchase in 2016. The label went on to earn significant honors, including a GRAMMY in 2021 for an anniversary album. In 2024, he served as executive producer of an award-winning film, and in 2025, the label received another GRAMMY for a song that remained #1 on the Billboard Gospel Chart for 49 weeks.

His leadership in music combined business understanding with creative direction, establishing him as one of the most influential figures in American entertainment.

Public Service and Civic Responsibility

Alongside his music career, he pursued a life in public service. He was elected Lieutenant Governor of California and, by court ruling, served as Acting Governor for over 200 days during his first two years in office. During that period, he made over 400 appointments and enacted primary legislation addressing energy shortages, home burglary laws, border cooperation, and emergency management during fires and floods. He was later elected National Chairman of the National Lieutenant Governors Association, representing members nationwide.

He was an early supporter of property tax reform in California, helping inspire wider efforts in national fiscal policy. His leadership influenced major federal economic proposals. He later served in a presidential administration as Chairman of the RNFC and the Presidential Trust, while also serving on boards related to national service and trade. He worked on immigration reform that provided a path to citizenship for over 3,000,000 immigrants.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

After serving in public office, he devoted himself to philanthropy through the Curb Foundation. His foundation has supported causes including education, civil rights, historic preservation, homelessness, and outreach for underserved populations. His philosophy emphasizes using success to create a positive social impact.

He has consistently supported initiatives promoting equality and justice, working to elevate overlooked voices. His involvement extends beyond contributions, ensuring each project has a lasting and meaningful effect.

Community Building and Educational Partnerships

Education has been one of his most outstanding commitments. He has established colleges, institutes, and programs at 15 universities across the United States to promote music, arts, and cultural studies. The Curb College at Belmont University is the largest stand-alone music business college in the nation and is connected to a 5,000-seat event center. The Curb Center at Vanderbilt University supports national creativity and policy development programs. The Mike Curb College of Arts, Media & Communication at California State University has approximately 7,000 students and is connected to a major performing arts center established through his support.

The Curb Institute at Rhodes College in Memphis connects cultural and educational projects such as museums and galleries honoring American music and civil rights history. Other partnerships include collaborations with universities nationwide. His motorsports teams have also achieved significant success, including multiple championships and Indianapolis 500 victories.

He has played a central role in community development, including the Linda & Mike Curb Center for Women and the renovated Men’s Shelter in Nashville, providing more than 250,000 square feet of shelter space. The Curb Foundation continues to address homelessness and support programs for underserved communities.

Lasting Influence and Recognition

His achievements have been recognized through numerous awards, including a GRAMMY, stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Music City Walk of Fame, honorary degrees from five universities, and induction into several halls of fame.

Mike Curb of California continues representing leadership rooted in creativity, service, and purpose. His lasting influence in music, education, public service, and philanthropy exemplifies dedication, vision, and responsibility that continue to inspire future generations.