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- This article is about the record label. For the Johnny Cash album, see American Recordings (album)
American Recordings is a Los Angeles-based record label headed by record producer Rick Rubin. The label's most successful artists include The Black Crowes, Danzig, Johnny Cash, Slayer and System Of A Down.
Company History
The label was founded as Def American after Rick Rubin left Def Jam Recordings in 1988. Among the first acts to be signed were Slayer, Danzig, Masters of Reality, The Cult and Wolfsbane, as well as indie rockers The Jesus & Mary Chain and controversial stand up comedian Andrew Dice Clay. Rubin continued his association with rap music by signing artists like the Geto Boys and Sir Mix-a-Lot. American had its first major success with The Black Crowes' 1990 debut album, Shake Your Money Maker. The album eventually went 5x Platinum. Their 1992 follow-up, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion gave American its first No.1 album. Rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot managed a No.1 hit with the song, Baby Got Back, as well as a platinum-selling album Mack Daddy. Heavy rock acts Slayer and Danzig also enjoyed notable commercial success with Slayer in particular managing several Gold albums. The label changed to its current name in 1993. Rubin produces most of the recordings on the label, as well as directing other music related ventures.
Distribution
The label has been distributed through several labels over the years. American's first incarnation was distributed by Geffen through Warner Brothers Records from 1988 to 1990. After a falling out with Geffen over the content of the Geto Boys' first (and only) Def American release, Warner Bros. themselves took over distribution duties from 1990 to 1997. Distribution was then passed on to Sony Music. In 2001, Universal Music Group took over distribution. In 2005, the label went back to Warner Brothers Records.
The current partnership entails that American Recordings will sign and provide creative services for artists, while Warner Bros. will handle promotion, sales, marketing and distribution. Current American Recordings artists who will make the transition include International Noise Conspiracy, Dan Wilson and Slayer. American will be based out of Warner Bros.' Burbank, California, headquarters where Rubin will maintain an office.
In 2007, Warner Bros. will also acquire the rights to the extensive American Recordings catalog, which includes Johnny Cash, The Black Crowes, The Jayhawks, Slayer, and Danzig. Warner Bros. was American's home from 1992 through 1997.
Current Artists
- Dan Wilson
- The (International) Noise Conspiracy
- Johnny Cash
- Luna Halo
- Neil Diamond
- Slayer
- System of a Down
- The Vacation
Past Artists
- American Head Charge
- Andrew 'Dice' Clay
- The Black Crowes
- Danzig
- Deconstruction
- Frank Black
- Geto Boys
- God Lives Underwater
- Julian Cope
- Jesus and Mary Chain
- The Jayhawks
- John Frusciante
- Laika
- Lindsey
- Lords of Acid
- Lordz of Brooklyn
- Love and Rockets
- MC 900 Ft. Jesus
- Messiah
- Paloalto
- Ruth Ruth
- Sir Mix-a-Lot
- Skinny Puppy (1993-1995)
- The Stiffs
- Wesley Willis
See also
External link
"American Recordings"