It is not every day that one hears of a three-second sound generating millions of dollars consistently, but for record producer and composer Mike Post, this is his reality. With a net worth of $50 million as of May 31, 2023, he is no stranger to success, having created captivating television theme music for numerous popular TV shows like “Law & Order,” “The A-Team,” and “L.A. Law.” His creative abilities extend beyond compositions for TV shows, as he also produced Mason Williams’ hit single “Classical Gas” and albums for iconic musicians such as Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and Van Halen.
Born Leland Michael Postil in Berkeley California on September 29th in 1944, Mike Post began playing piano at age six before becoming a professional musician while attending Grant High School. He gained access to the LA recording scene by working with different artists before recording demos with Terry and Carol Fischer during the early ’60s. This led him to other successful productions with various bands such as The Outcasts, creating an instrumental piece called “Classical Gas” that won a Grammy award.
| Person Name: | Mike Post |
|---|---|
| Net Worth: | $50 million |
| Date of Birth: | September 29, 1944 |
| Place of Birth: | Berkeley, California |
| Gender: | Male |
| Profession: | Record producer, composer |
Post’s career-defining moment came when he composed the iconic theme tune for “The Rockford Files,” which scored top-ten hits on the US charts. He continued creating outstanding music themes such as those for “Hill Street Blues,” “L.A. Law,” and “NYPD Blue” among several other action-packed TV shows that have earned him accolades and admiration in the industry.
The Importance of Collaboration and Mentorship in Building a Successful Net Worth in the Music Industry
One anecdote about Post’s lucrative career revolves around the signature sound he invented (the ‘dun-dun’) which became synonymous with the entire “Law & Order” franchise. To create it required wisely taking elements from different sources; sounds like jail cell doors slamming together with hammer hitting an anvil noises and drum beats combined were effective ingredients upon which Post added stomping from 100 men wearing work boots onto a wooden floor. The signature sound he created became a piece of music considered subject to paying royalties every time it played, and this alone has earned Mike around $30 million in revenue.
Mike is a twice-married man. He first married Patty McGettigan and later on, Darla Eyer, who remains his current wife with whom he has two children – Aaron and Jennifer. In 1989, he partnered with the BMI Foundation to establish the Pete Carpenter Fellowship in honor of musician Pete Carpenter, who co-composed several television themes and soundtracks with him. This fellowship granted aspiring composers residencies to hone their artistic pursuits in fields like television, film, and video games.
In conclusion, Mike Post’s career achievements stand as proof that patience nurtures talent towards exceptional outcomes. His contributions within the music industry have not only advanced his career but contributed significantly to TV entertainment’s general improvement across generations of audiences worldwide.
Conclusion
Despite his impressive net worth of $50 million, Post is known for his down-to-earth attitude and commitment to his craft. In interviews, he often emphasizes the importance of collaboration and working closely with directors and producers to create a cohesive vision for a project’s music.
In addition to his work in television and record production, Post has also composed for feature films such as “Brewster’s Millions,” “The Karate Kid Part III,” and “To Live and Die in L.A.” He has won multiple Grammy Awards, as well as an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore) for the pilot episode of “Murder One.”
Post’s net worth is a testament to his talent and hard work, but he remains dedicated to mentoring the next generation of composers through programs like the Pete Carpenter Fellowship. Aspiring musicians can learn from Post’s example that success in the music industry requires not only skill but also collaboration, creativity, and perseverance.
