Rick Rubin
In addition to being a podcast host, Frederick Jay “Rick” Rubin is an American record producer and former co-president of Columbia Records. Along with Russell Simmons, he is the co-founder…
Join Pushkin+
Gain access to ad-free versions of 20+ podcasts from the Pushkin library along with exclusive bonus episodes and other member benefits.
In the opening lines of his New York Times bestselling memoir “Let Love Rule” Lenny Kravitz writes that he is deeply two-sided.
His young life was all about opposites and extremes — black and white. He grew up between his West Indian grandparents’ home in Brooklyn, and his parents’ home on the Upper East Side where he was surrounded by his family’s famous friends like Miles Davis and Duke Ellington.
When Lenny was 11, his mother, Roxie Roker, landed a starring role on the iconic sitcom “The Jeffersons.” The family picked up and moved to L.A where Lenny fell in love with classic rock, funk, and skate culture.
It’s also where Lenny and Rick Rubin eventually became friends in the late ‘80s. In this conversation, Lenny tells candid stories about his relationship with Lisa Bonet and talks about how writing his memoir helped him finally find peace with his overbearing father.
They also talk about the time Lenny, Rick, and Johnny Cash were all roommates and the day Lenny received the most devastating news of his life. And, at the end, Lenny performs a beautiful acoustic version of his song, “Johnny Cash,” from his album Raise Vibration.
You can find some of our favorite Lenny Kravitz songs, including rarities, by clicking HERE — enjoy!
The Hosts
Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell is president and co-founder of Pushkin Industries. He is a journalist, a speaker, and the author of six New York Times bestsellers including The Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers,…
Justin Richmond
Justin Richmond is producer and co-host of the music podcast Broken Record with writer Malcolm Gladwell, New York Times editor Bruce Headlam, and music producer—and Def Jam co-founder—Rick Rubin. Justin…
Bruce Headlam
Bruce Headlam is one of the co-creators of the music podcast Broken Record. He worked at The New York Times for 19 years, including two years running the 50-person Video…
