From the opening chords of his earlier work to his iconic television themes, composer Mike Post has written music that has become instantly recognizable to millions. He is best known for creating the theme songs for shows like Law & Order, The Rockford Files and Hill Street Blues, and also for composing the sharp “dun dun” sound that opens Law & Order. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles County, California.
Mike Post was born in Berkeley, California on September 29, 1944 (though some sources say 1945) and grew up in the San Fernando Valley near Los Angeles. His father, architect Sam Postil, encouraged his interest in music, and Mike began taking piano lessons at age six. In high school he quietly “played” on a homemade paper keyboard behind a book, wore dark glasses, and spent his evenings playing in clubs. These early years shaped his passion for music before he began his work in television and recording.
Mike Post began working in television music around 1970 and went on to compose for more than 7,000 hours of TV shows, including “The Rockford Files”, “The A-Team”, “Hill Street Blues”, “Magnum, P.I.” and the “Law & Order” franchise. His theme for “The Rockford Files” became a Top 10 hit in the U.S., and his work for “The Greatest American Hero” reached No. 2 on the Billboard chart.
Beyond composing for TV, Post also produced and arranged music for well-known recording artists in earlier years, which set the stage for his later success. He has received multiple Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and many industry honors for his ability to craft memorable themes that match the story and mood of the shows.
As of 2025, Mike Post has an estimated net worth of around 50 million dollars. He made this amount through his long and successful career as a television music composer. Most of his earnings come from creating theme songs for hit TV shows like Law & Order, The Rockford Files, Hill Street Blues, and Magnum, P.I.. He also earned from producing music for other artists and receiving royalties from his popular TV themes that continue to be used worldwide.