Rick Rubin is a bit of an enigma. Even though Rubin has zero musical skill, his taste and taste alone has made him one of the most successful and iconic producers in the music business. In his career, Rubin has notably produced the Beastie Boys, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and Weezer. Frankly, with Rubin, it’s not who has he produced. It’s who hasn’t he produced? That being so, the famed producer has even toiled with a bit of country music.
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That last statement probably seems a bit surprising to some of you readers, as Rubin has always been acclaimed and known for his work in rap and rock. However, the man’s taste is diverse, and so are his musical services. So, here are three country acts Rick Rubin unexpectedly produced.
Johnny Cash
The relationship between Johnny Cash and Rick Rubin started in 1993. Subsequently, Rubin went on to produce four albums for Cash. The albums he produced are the following: American Recordings, American IV: The Man Comes Around, American V: A Hundred Highways, and American VI: Ain’t No Grave.
The most notable song Rubin produced for Cash was the infamous track written by Nine Inch Nails, “Hurt.” Released in 2002, Rubin and Cash didn’t only take over country music, they took over the whole music industry with just this song.
The Avett Brothers
This collaboration is rather surprising given Rubin’s track record. However, the man seemingly has no musical bounds and can even produce Americana/Country music. Starting in 2009, Rubin has produced a total of four albums for the brotherly duo. Most notably, Rubin produced their major label debut album, I and Love and You.
Who knew Rick Rubin had the musical capacity to work with a group as quaint and folky as the Avett Brothers? Regardless, Rubin has remained a constant in the Avett Brothers’ career, as he most recently produced their 2024 album, The Avett Brothers.
The Chicks
By now you’ve surely realized that Rick Rubin can do it all. Hence, it is no surprise that he produced an album for the female country vocal group, The Chicks. In 2006, Rubin produced The Chicks’ fourth album, Taking the Long Way. To date, the album still remains as one of the group’s most successful LPs.
In addition to The Chicks’ success, Rubin also garnered quite a bit of success as well thanks to the album. In 2007, Rubin won two Grammys for his work on Talking the Long Way. Specifically, Rubin won Producer of the Year and an award for Album of the Year. Some of the album’s more notable songs include “The Long Way Around” and “Easy Silence.”
Rick Rubin on December 31, 2014, in St Barthelemy-d’Anjou, France per Getty Images.
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