Mike Curb, born Michael Curb on December 24, 1944, in Savannah, Georgia, is a multifaceted American figure known for his contributions to music, politics, business, and philanthropy.
Raised in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley after his family relocated there, he attended Grant High School and later studied at San Fernando Valley State College, now known as California State University, Northridge.
His early exposure to the entertainment industry in California shaped his diverse career path, blending creative pursuits with public service and entrepreneurial ventures.
Today, he serves as the chairman of Curb Records, one of the largest independent record labels in the United States.
Siblings
Mike has one sibling, a sister named Carole Curb Nemoy.
Carole has been involved in her brother’s professional endeavors, serving as the president of Curb Records during certain periods.
She attended the University of Houston before graduating from UCLA and has maintained a close relationship with Mike, including supporting him during key personal moments such as his engagement and marriage.
Career
Curb’s career began in the music industry during the 1960s when he founded his first record label, Sidewalk Records, while still in college.
He composed music for films and commercials, achieving early success with hits like those performed by The Mike Curb Congregation, a group he led that appeared on television shows such as The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour and scored a number one hit backing Sammy Davis Jr. on “The Candy Man.”
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In the 1970s, he became president of MGM Records, where he signed and produced artists including The Osmonds, Lou Rawls, Roy Orbison, and Kenny Rogers.
His political career took off in 1978 when he was elected Lieutenant Governor of California, serving from 1979 to 1983 under Governor Jerry Brown, during which he also acted as governor on several occasions.
After his term, Curb returned to music, revitalizing Curb Records and expanding into Nashville in the 1990s, where he signed acts like The Judds, Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, and Wynonna Judd.
Beyond music, he has owned motorsports teams, including those in NASCAR, and established the Mike Curb Family Foundation to support education and charitable causes.
His business acumen has led to over 300 number one records and ongoing leadership in gospel music through Word Entertainment.
Accolades
In 1972, Curb was named Billboard’s overall Producer of the Year for his work in the industry.
Curb Records was honored as Billboard’s Country Music Label of the Year in 2001 and Radio & Records magazine’s Overall Gold Label of the Year in 2005.
He has been inducted into various halls of fame, including receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007 and another on Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame.
In 2007, he was also named Nashvillian of the Year.
His philanthropic efforts, particularly in music education, have been acknowledged through institutions like Belmont University and California State University, Northridge, where facilities bear his name.
Additionally, Curb has been recognized as Father of the Year by the National Father’s Day Council.
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