(September 29, 1944- )
Born in Berkeley, California
Birth name was Leland Michael Postil
Musical director for 'The Andy Williams Show' (1969-72)
Composed theme songs for 'The Rockford Files,' 'Hill Street Blues,' 'Magnum, P.I.,' 'The A-Team,' 'The Greatest American Hero,' 'L.A. Law,' 'Blossom,' 'Silk Stalkings,' 'NYPD Blue,' 'Law and Order' and 'Murder One'

He was a poor student in high school.
Despite his jazz/MOR-influenced music, he claimed to have 'a rock and roll heart. I'd quit the business if I could be Keith Richards.'
He wrote songs for the Sylvester Stallone musical 'Rhinestone.'
Despite having been one of the most popular and recognized TV theme composers for decades, he did not win an Emmy until 1996.

Three of his TV themes became Top 10 hits: 'The Rockford Files,' 'Hill Street Blues' and 'The Greatest American Hero (Believe It Or Not).'
He won five Grammy Awards.
To honor his late songwriting partner, he established the Pete Carpenter Memorial Fund to benefit young composers.
Appropriately for someone who wrote so many cop show themes, he donates to the Law Enforcement Officers Education Foundation.

Credit: C. Fishel

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