Mike Post at a Glance
Mike Post’s Net Worth: A Composer’s Riches
Mike Post, a name synonymous with iconic television theme songs, has amassed an impressive net worth of $50 million. His career, spanning decades, has cemented his status as one of the most successful composers and record producers in the industry. From the catchy tunes of classic TV shows to producing hit records, Post’s journey is a testament to his musical talent and business acumen. This article dives into the details of his career, the source of his wealth, and the legacy he has created.
Table of Contents
- The “Dun Dun” Earnings: The Sound That Pays
- Early Life and Musical Beginnings
- Career Beginnings: From Demos to Grammys
- Television Theme Music: The Maestro of Melodies
- Other Projects: Producing Hits and Charting Singles
- The Pete Carpenter Fellowship
- Personal Life
The “Dun Dun” Earnings: The Sound That Pays
The iconic “dun dun” sound effect, a two-note musical sting, has become a globally recognized symbol of the “Law & Order” franchise. But the story behind this sound is as remarkable as its cultural impact. According to legend, it was a last-minute request from Dick Wolf, the creator of “Law & Order,” that led to the creation of this now-famous sound. Initially, Wolf asked Post to create the sound. Post composed the piece using a jail cell door slamming shut, a hammer hitting an anvil, drum noises, and the sound of 100 men stomping on a wood floor. Post recalls in interviews that he was asked to come up with something really distinctive, and that it would end up being important.
What makes this anecdote particularly noteworthy is the financial aspect. Because Mike Post composed the “dun dun,” it is treated as a piece of music, entitling him to royalties every time it is played. As Post himself humorously stated, “I call it the ‘ching ching’ because I’m making money off it.” A well-placed source has reported that Post has earned over $30 million from this three-second sound alone. This underscores the lasting financial rewards of music composition in television.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Leland Michael Postil, known professionally as Mike Post, was born on September 29, 1944, in Berkeley, California. He was raised in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. From a young age, Post showed a keen interest in music, beginning piano lessons at six. By the age of 15, he was already performing in clubs throughout Los Angeles, showcasing his early musical talent and laying the foundation for his future career. After graduating from Grant High School, Post explored various musical avenues, including playing with rock groups and a brief stint with the house band of a topless club in San Francisco. He also formed the folk ensemble the Wellingbrook Singers, touring the United States and gaining valuable experience in the industry.
Career Beginnings: From Demos to Grammys
Mike Post’s career began with providing musical guidance and working with various Los Angeles recording artists. He started his journey by cutting demos for singing sisters Terry and Carol Fischer in the early 1960s, and continued with them as the Murmaids. Post also served as the songwriter and producer for the garage rock band the Outcasts. His producing skills were first recognized when the Murmaids had their one hit single, “Popsicles and Icicles” in 1964. Post achieved widespread recognition in 1968 when he produced Mason Williams’s instrumental piece “Classical Gas.” The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Post the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement. This early success set the stage for his later achievements in television and music production.
Television Theme Music: The Maestro of Melodies
Mike Post’s impact on television is undeniable. He is renowned for creating unforgettable theme music for numerous hit shows. Following his musical director role on “The Andy Williams Show” and the theme song for “Toma,” Post’s breakthrough came in 1974 with “The Rockford Files,” co-composed with Pete Carpenter. The theme song became a top-ten hit and earned him a Grammy. The success continued in 1981 with the theme to “Hill Street Blues,” another top-ten hit that garnered two more Grammy Awards. Further recognition followed with his theme for “L.A. Law,” securing another Grammy Award.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Post became the go-to composer for shows created by prominent producers such as Dick Wolf, Steven Bochco, Stephen J. Cannell, and Donald P. Bellisario. His extensive work included theme songs for series such as “NYPD Blue,” “Murder One,” “Hunter,” “The A-Team,” “Blossom,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “NewsRadio,” “Quantum Leap,” “Silk Stalkings,” “Wiseguy,” “Renegade,” “The Commish,” and “Hardcastle and McCormick.” His work expanded to include the “Law & Order” franchise, which includes the iconic “dun, dun” sound effect, and the theme to “The Greatest American Hero,” which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100. His international work included music for the BBC series “Roughnecks.”
Mike Post (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images)
Other Projects: Producing Hits and Charting Singles
Beyond his composition work, Post also achieved success as a record producer. He produced the first three albums Kenny Rogers recorded with his group the First Edition between 1967 and 1969. His production skills were further highlighted when he co-produced Dolly Parton’s hit album “9 to 5 and Odd Jobs” in 1980, which topped Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart for ten weeks. His production credits also include Van Halen’s successful 1998 studio album “Van Halen III.” As part of the Mike Post Coalition in the 70s, Post released the single “Afternoon of the Rhino.” The song charted on the UK Singles Chart at number 47 in 1975. In later releases, he issued an album in 1994 entitled “Inventions from the Blue Line,” which contains a number of his best-known television themes.
The Pete Carpenter Fellowship
In 1989, Mike Post partnered with the BMI Foundation to establish the Pete Carpenter Fellowship in honor of the late musician, who co-composed with Post on many television themes and soundtracks. Awarded annually, the Fellowship provides a residency for aspiring composers in television, film, and video game fields. The fellowship keeps Carpenter’s legacy alive and supports the next generation of composers.
Personal Life
Mike Post was previously married to Patty McGettigan, and after their divorce, he married Darla Eyer. They have two children, Aaron and Jennifer. His personal life reflects the stability and success he has found in his professional career.