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Original soundtrack cover for Knight Rider, featuring the iconic KITT car and futuristic typography.
1982–1986
Composer

Knight Rider

Redefining action television through a pioneering blend of analog synthesis and orchestral tension. For 77 episodes, Don's score provided the high-tech heartbeat for one of NBC's most iconic series.

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Don Peake working in a recording studio.
The Artist

In the
Studio.

Don started out as a guitarist, touring with the Everly Brothers and Ray Charles before settling into the Los Angeles studio scene.

He played on Motown records, worked with the Wrecking Crew, and later moved into arranging and film and television scoring.

Discover the Journey
Project Context

The Soundscape.

The score for Knight Rider wasn't just background music; it was a character in itself. Using a massive array of synthesizers, Don created a sonic identity that was as sleek and futuristic as KITT.

Original soundtrack cover for Knight Rider, featuring the iconic KITT car and futuristic typography.

Knight Rider

Album artwork for The Hills Have Eyes score.

Opening Credits

The Hills Have Eyes
2:54
Jackson 5 — I Want You Back recording artwork.

I Want You Back

Jackson 5
2:58
Original soundtrack artwork for The People Under the Stairs.

Main Title

The People Under the Stairs
2:52
Sonny & Cher — I Got You Babe soundtrack.

I Got You Babe

Sonny & Cher
3:11
Marvin Gaye — Let's Get It On album cover.

Let's Get It On

Marvin Gaye
3:58
Jackson 5 — ABC recording artwork.

ABC

Jackson 5
2:38
Listen On
Behind the Score

The Creative Process

Knight Rider synthesizer
Expanding an Iconic Theme

Electronic Revolution

For Knight Rider, Don expanded upon the iconic main theme by introducing a dynamic, action-oriented electronic score that became synonymous with 80s television.

Don Peake studio
Analog Synthesizers

High-Tech Personality

Utilizing an array of analog synthesizers, including the Prophet-5 and Moog, the music provided K.I.T.T. with a distinct, high-tech personality while propelling the high-speed pursuits.

Knight Rider action
Driving Basslines

A New Template

The driving basslines and sharp synthetic stabs created a template that influenced countless action series to follow.

Recognition

Awards & Accolades

Winner: BMI TV Music Award (1984)

Winner: BMI TV Music Award (1985)

Archive

Available Releases.

Explore official releases preserved from original masters through verified legacy partners.

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