Kings of A&R

Producer and American Recordings chief Rick Rubin is weighing an offer to become co-chairman of Columbia Records, according to the New York Times.

Rubin who never held an executive position founded Def Jam in the 1980s.

He produced two major hit albums, the Dixie Chicks’ “Taking the Long Way” and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Stadium Arcadium,” while his label had only moderate sales success with albums from Tom Petty and the Vacation. He revived the career of Johnny Cash, but struggled with Neil Diamond and Donovan.