On tonight's (April 13th) episode of American Idol, the 2026 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was announced, and among the eighteen entities is one of the foremost producers in the nu world, and in music overall. Rick Rubin, the founder of American Recordings and Def Jam Records, will be inducted under the Musical Excellence Category.
Rubin, whose CV includes Rage Against The Machine, System of a Down, and Slayer, just to name a few, is one of the most prolific music producers in recorded history. His range and resume more than warrant the induction, particularly after a four-and-a-half decade career.
Joining Rubin in the Musical Excellence category are producers Linda Creed, Jimmy Miller (Rolling Stones, Steve Winwood, et al), and Arif Mardin (Atlantic Records & Manhattan Records).
The full list of inductees, to be properly inducted in Los Angeles, CA on November 14th, are as follows:
Performers:
Phil Collins
Billy Idol
Iron Maiden
Joy Division/New Order
Oasis
Sade
Luther Vandross
Wu-Tang Clan
Early Influence Award:
Celia Cruz
Fela Kuti
Queen Latifah
MC Lyte
Gram Parsons
Musical Excellence Award:
Linda Creed
Arif Mardin
Jimmy Miller
Rick Rubin
Ahmet Ertegun Award: Ed Sullivan
In tribute to Rick Rubin, check out his cameo among hip-hop royalty in the music video for Korn's 2005 hit "Twisted Transistor."
