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{{Short description|American record executive, television presenter and musician (born 1956)}}
{{Expand|article|date=August 2008}}
{{other people|Randy Jackson}}
{{Two other uses||the former member of [[The Jackson 5|The Jacksons]]|Randy Jackson (musician)|other uses|Randy Jackson (disambiguation)}}
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Infobox Musical artist
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2011}}
| Img = <!-- only free-content images are allowed for depicting living people - see [[WP:NONFREE]] -->
{{Infobox musical artist
| Img_size = 150 | <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| Name = Randy Jackson
| name = Randy Jackson
| Background = solo_singer
| background = solo_singer
| Birth_name = Randall Darius Jackson
| birth_name = Randall Darius Jackson
| Alias =
| image = Randy Jackson by Gage Skidmore.jpg
| Born = {{birth date and age|1956|6|28}}
| caption = Jackson in March 2018
| Origin = [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana]], U.S.
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1956|6|23}}
| Occupation = [[Music producer]], [[musician]], [[television personality]]
| birth_place = [[Baton Rouge]], [[Louisiana]], U.S.
| spouse = {{marriage|Elizabeth Jackson|1990|2019|reason=divorced}}
| Instrument = [[Vocals]], [[Bass guitar|bass]], [[keyboards]]
{{Infobox person
| Genre = [[Rock music|Rock]], [[Pop music|pop]], [[blues rock]], [[dance music|dance]], [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]], [[dance-pop]], [[Rap music|rap]], [[hard rock]]
| child = yes
| Years_active = 1983&ndash;present
| Label = [[Columbia Records|Columbia]]
| education = [[Southern University]] ([[Bachelor of Music|BM]])
| Associated_acts = [[Journey (band)|Journey]], [[Mariah Carey]], [[Paula Abdul]], [[Simon Cowell]], [[Richie Sambora]], [[Breakfast Club (band)|Breakfast Club]]
| URL =
| Notable_instruments =
}}
}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Record executive|television presenter|musician|record producer}}
| instrument = {{hlist|Bass|keyboards}}
| years_active = 1983–present
| label = {{hlist|Dream Merchant 21|[[Concord Music Group|Concord]]| [[Columbia Records|Columbia]]}}
| past_member_of = {{hlist|[[Divinyls]]|[[Journey (band)|Journey]]}}
| website =
}}
'''Randall Darius Jackson'''<ref name="AllMusic bio"/> (born June 23, 1956) is an American record executive, television presenter and musician, best known as a judge on ''[[American Idol]]'' from 2002 to 2013.


Jackson began his career in the 1980s as a [[session musician]] playing [[bass guitar]] for an array of jazz, pop, rock, and R&B performers. He moved on to work in music production and in the [[Artists and Repertoire|A&R]] department at [[Columbia Records]] and [[MCA Records]]. Jackson is best known from his appearances as the longest-serving judge on ''[[American Idol]]'' and executive producer for MTV's ''[[America's Best Dance Crew]]''.
'''Randall Darius "Randy" Jackson''' (born June 23, 1956 in [[Baton Rouge]], [[Louisiana]]) is best known as a judge on ''[[American Idol]]''; he is also a [[Grammy Award]]-winning [[bassist]], [[singer]], [[record producer]], [[music manager]], and former [[A&R|A&R executive]].


In May 2020, Jackson was rehired as bassist for [[Journey (band)|Journey]] following their sudden split with founding member [[Ross Valory]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|date=2020-05-24|title=Journey Reveal Lineup Changes, Randy Jackson's Return|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/journey-lineup-changes-randy-jackson-1004704/|access-date=2020-06-05|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref> Jackson had previously filled the role on the band's 1986 album ''[[Raised on Radio]]'' and [[Raised on Radio Tour|its tour]].
==Personal life==
Randy Jackson has been married twice. His first marriage, to Maude Jackson, ended in divorce in 1990; they had one child (Steve "The Typhoon" Jackson) together. Since 1995, he has been married to Erika Riker, with whom he has two children Zoe (age 13) and his son Dweezel (age 11).


===Obesity and health===
==Early life==
Jackson was born June 23, 1956, in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana]],<ref name="AllMusic bio">{{cite web|url= https://www.allmusic.com/artist/randy-jackson-mn0000866743/biography|title=Randy Jackson Biography|first=Matt|last= Collar|publisher=[[AllMusic.com]]|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> the son of Julia, a homemaker, and Herman Jackson, a plant foreman. He graduated from [[Southern University]] in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in music.<ref name=Biography.com>{{cite web|url=https://www.biography.com/personality/randy-jackson|title=Randy Jackson Biography (1956–)|publisher=[[Biography.com]]|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref><ref>[http://www.filmreference.com/film/93/Randy-Jackson.html Randy Jackson Biography (1956–)], FilmReference.com</ref>
In 2003, Jackson lost over 105 pounds following [[gastric bypass]] surgery. He stated in a February 2008 television commercial that he has [[Type 2 diabetes]].<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/02/02/earlyshow/leisure/main597581.shtml Idol Judge: Nearly Half The Man, Randy Jackson Goes On The Lighter Side For A New Look - CBS News]</ref>


==Music career==
==Music career==
{{BLP sources section|date=December 2017}}
While in the Bay Area, Jackson played in bands with [[Carlos Santana]] and [[Jerry Garcia]]. From 1986 to 1987 he was a member of the rock group [[Journey (band)|Journey]]. Jackson joined Journey for their 1986 album ''[[Raised on Radio]]'' and subsequent tour. He moved to Italy in the late 1980s and played on a record by Italian pop star [[Zucchero]]. The record, ''Zucchero and the Randy Jackson Band'', was produced by [[Corrado Rustici]] who played guitar with Randy on many albums in the early 80's and who became Zucchero's producer for 15 years creating Zucchero's biggest albums of his career.<ref>Zucchero would later work with another former member of Journey, [[Steve Smith (musician)|Steve Smith]].</ref>
[[File:Randy Jackson crop.jpg|thumb|upright|Jackson in 2009]]


In the early 1980s, he played on three albums for [[Jean-Luc Ponty]] and with the rock band [[Taxxi]]. From 1986 to 1987, he joined the rock group [[Journey (band)|Journey]], initially as a [[session musician]] for their 1986 album ''[[Raised on Radio]]'', before joining the band for the subsequent tour. He moved to Italy in the late 1980s and played on a record by Italian pop star [[Zucchero]]. The record, ''Zucchero and the Randy Jackson Band'', was produced by Corrado Rustici who played guitar with Jackson on many albums in the early 1980s.
Jackson was bass guitarist for [[Tracy Chapman]] and is featured on several tracks of her 1992 release, ''[[Matters of the Heart]]''. He performed on the singles "Bang Bang Bang", "Open Arms", and "Dreaming on a World". That same year, Jackson also played bass on Bruce Springsteen's hit "Human Touch".


In 1985, [[Keith Richards]] was asked to provide music for the [[Whoopi Goldberg]] comedy vehicle ''[[Jumpin' Jack Flash (film)|Jumpin' Jack Flash]]''. Richards assembled an all-star band which included [[Aretha Franklin]] on piano and lead vocals and Jackson on bass guitar. This song was the fourth track on Aretha's 1986 album titled ''[[Aretha (1986 album)|Aretha]]''. Jackson can be seen in the song's video.
Jackson has recorded, produced, or toured with many well-known artists and bands, ranging from [[Mariah Carey]] (he has been her musical director for a number of her tours; he was in her band at [[Live 8 concert, London|Live 8 in London]] in 2005) to [[*NSYNC]], [[Whitney Houston]], [[Celine Dion|Céline Dion]], [[Fergie (singer)|Fergie]] (dating back to her days in [[Wild Orchid (band)|Wild Orchid]]), [[Stryper]]<ref name="Erickson_Sturdevant_06">{{cite book |last=Erickson, Sturdevant |title=Stryper: Loud n' Clear |year=2006 |publisher=Classic CD Books |location=[[Maryland]] |edition=unabridged audio |isbn=0976480549 }}</ref>, and [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]] (he played bass on her number-one hit "[[Like a Prayer (song)|Like a Prayer]]").
In the late 1980s, Jackson was still doing sessions. He was notably on the first solo album by famed session guitarist [[Steve Lukather]]. Jackson was a featured bass guitarist on five songs on [[Maze (band)|Maze's]] 1989 "Silky Soul" album. He also performed on several of [[Kenny G]]'s albums.


Jackson was the bass guitarist on the 1991 self-titled [[Divinyls (album)|Divinyls album]] (which features the song "[[I Touch Myself]]") as well as featured bassist on several tracks of [[Tracy Chapman]]'s 1992 release, ''[[Matters of the Heart (Tracy Chapman album)|Matters of the Heart]]''. He performed on the singles "Bang Bang Bang", "Open Arms", and "Dreaming on a World". That same year, Jackson also played bass on Bruce Springsteen's song "[[Human Touch (Bruce Springsteen song)|Human Touch]]".<ref name="Erickson_Sturdevant_06">{{cite book |last=Erickson, Sturdevant |title=Stryper: Loud n' Clear |year=2006 |publisher=Classic CD Books |location=[[Maryland]] |edition=unabridged audio |isbn=0-9764805-4-9 }}</ref>
Jackson played numerous times in [[Jean-Luc Ponty]]'s backing band. His credits as a session musician range from playing with [[Aretha Franklin]], [[Roger Waters]], [[Bruce Springsteen]], [[Journey (band)|Journey]], [[George Michael]], [[Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown]], [[Billy Cobham]], [[Blue Öyster Cult]], [[Herbie Hancock]], [[Richard Marx]], [[Billy Joel]], [[Bon Jovi]], [[Michael Bolton]], and [[Bob Dylan]] to playing at the [[Grand Ole Opry]] with [[The Charlie Daniels Band]]. His production/songwriting work in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]] with [[Narada Michael Walden]] and [[Walter Afanasieff]] led Jackson to be in demand as a producer as well.


On March 11, 2008, Jackson released an album produced entirely by himself, titled ''[[Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1]]''. The album's release was preceded by the single "[[Dance Like There's No Tomorrow]]" sung by [[Paula Abdul]]. In 2009, Randy began working with former Idol finalist [[Kimberley Locke]], producing her 4th album. The lead single, "Strobe Light", was released March 16, 2010.<ref name="strobelight">Locke, Kimberley. [http://kimberleylockeblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/new-single-strobe-light.html "New Single&nbsp;– Strobe Light"], Official Kimberley Locke Blog, February 8, 2010.</ref> In February 2010, Jackson participated in [[We Are the World 25 for Haiti]] as part of the chorus. {{Citation needed|reason=This statement needs a reliable source.|date=June 2012}}
He has also worked as an executive, spending eight years as vice president of artists and repertoire ([[A&R]]) at [[Columbia Records]] and four years heading A&R at [[MCA Records]]<ref name="AP stardom">[http://www.dailyvidette.org/media/paper420/news/2005/02/03/EZone/american.Idol.Judge.Randy.Jackson.Strives.For.Stardom-851165.shtml 'American Idol' judge Randy Jackson strives for stardom], ''The Daily Vidette'' from AP, February 3, 2005</ref>.


Jackson is the manager for the [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]]-based band [[Paper Tongues]]. With the help of Jackson, they signed with a major label, [[A&M/Octone Records]]. He has also worked as an executive, spending eight years as vice president of artists and repertoire ([[A&R]]) at [[Columbia Records]] and four years heading A&R at [[MCA Records]].
Since 2002, Jackson has been one of the three panel judges, along with [[Paula Abdul]] and [[Simon Cowell]], on the [[Fox Network]] [[reality television]] series ''[[American Idol]]''.


===Radio program===
===Radio program===
Jackson also hosts a radio top 40 countdown known as [http://www.rjhitlistonline.com "Randy Jackson's Hit List"], which is syndicated by [[Westwood One]]<ref>[http://affiliates.westwoodone.com/music/rjhitlist.asp?loc=hotac Randy Jackson's Hit List]</ref>. Every week Jackson counts down his top 30 Urban AC and Mainstream AC hits, and gives behind-the-scenes information on ''American Idol'' with American Idol Underground.
Jackson also hosts a radio top 40 countdown known as ''Randy Jackson's Hit List'',<ref>[http://www.rjhitlistonline.com Randy Jackson's Hit List], RJHitList.com</ref> which is syndicated by [[Westwood One (1976–2011)|Westwood One]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://affiliates.westwoodone.com/music/rjhitlist.asp?loc=hotac |title=Randy Jackson's Hit List |publisher=Affiliates.westwoodone.com |access-date=2013-12-13}}</ref> Every week, Jackson counts down his top 30 Urban AC and Mainstream AC hits. He also gives behind-the-scenes information on ''American Idol'' on the internet radio station [[Artist Underground]].{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}


==Television==
On March 11, 2008, Jackson released an album produced entirely by himself, titled ''[[Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1]]''. The album's release was preceded by the single "[[Dance Like There's No Tomorrow]]" sung by [[Paula Abdul]].


==''America's Best Dance Crew''==
===''American Idol''===
Starting in 2002, Jackson was one of the panel judges on the [[Fox Network]] reality television series ''[[American Idol]]'', along with [[Paula Abdul]] (2002–2009), [[Simon Cowell]] (2002–2010), [[Kara DioGuardi]] (2009–2010), [[Ellen DeGeneres]] (2010), [[Jennifer Lopez]] (2011–2012), [[Steven Tyler]] (2011–2012), [[Nicki Minaj]] (2013), [[Mariah Carey]] (2013), and [[Keith Urban]] (2013). As a result of Cowell's departure, Jackson was left as the sole original judge on ''American Idol''. His role was originally going to be reduced to that of a mentor, so the 2013 season would have all new judges,<ref>{{cite web|first=Daniel |last=D'Addario |url=http://observer.com/2012/08/randy-jackson-no-longer-american-idol-judge/ |title=Randy Jackson No Longer American Idol Judge |work=Observer |date=2012-08-31 |access-date=2013-12-13}}</ref> but it was later decided that he would remain as a judge for season 12.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Ross |first=Dalton |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/09/10/simon-cowell-tweets-randy-jackson-back-on-idol/ |title=Simon Cowell tweets Randy Jackson 'back on Idol' |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=2012-09-10 |access-date=2013-12-13}}</ref> On May 9, 2013, Jackson announced that he would be leaving ''American Idol'' after twelve seasons due to him wanting to focus on other business ventures.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130607024310/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/05/09/randy-jackson-is-leaving-american-idol-after-this-season/181815/ Randy Jackson is Leaving 'American Idol' After This Season]. Retrieved May 9, 2013</ref> On September 3, 2013, it was announced that Jackson would replace [[Jimmy Iovine]] as the in-house mentor on ''American Idol''.<ref>[http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/09/03/american-idol-jennifer-lopez-harry-connick-jr/ Official: J. Lo and Harry Connick Jr. join 'American Idol'] ''Entertainment Weekly''. Retrieved September 3, 2013</ref> He departed the series for good in November 2014.<ref>[http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/11/11/randy-jackson-american-idol/ Randy Jackson exiting 'American Idol'] ''Entertainment Weekly''. Retrieved November 12, 2014</ref>
''[[America's Best Dance Crew]]'' is a group dance contest produced by Jackson, premiering on February 7, 2008. Season 1 ended on March 27, 2008; season 2 started on June 7, 2008, and ended on August 19, 2008. On the finale of season 2, it was claimed that season 3 would begin in October.

===''America's Best Dance Crew''===
Jackson produced ''[[America's Best Dance Crew]]'', an American group dance competition and reality television show, which premiered on February 7, 2008, on MTV and was cancelled in 2012 due to declining ratings.<ref>{{cite web|author=Marechal, AJ|url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118062047|title=Music stops for 'Best Dance Crew'|access-date=2012-11-11|date=2012-11-11|work=Variety}}</ref> Each week, the teams showcased their creative talents in choreography and their dance skills, and one crew was eliminated by the judges. The competition continued until the sole winning dance crew was awarded the title of America's Best Dance Crew, and a cash prize of $100,000.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/general/view.bg?articleid=1071754 |title=Randy Jackson is executive producer of 'America's Best Dance Crew.' |access-date=February 25, 2008 |date=February 6, 2008 |agency=Associated Press |work=Boston Herald}}</ref>

===''Name That Tune''===
Jackson serves as bandleader on the revival of ''[[Name That Tune#2021 version|Name That Tune]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/fox-revives-name-that-tune-with-jane-krakowski-randy-jackson-4094375/ |title=Fox Revives 'Name That Tune' With Jane Krakowski, Randy Jackson |access-date=August 2, 2022 |date=November 18, 2020 |work=[[Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>

== Personal life ==

Jackson's first marriage, to Elizabeth Jackson, was dissolved in 1990; they had one daughter named Taylor. In 1995, Jackson married Erika Riker, with whom he has two children, a daughter named Zoe and a son named Jordan. In 2014, Riker filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences; it was finalized in 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://people.com/music/randy-jackson-settles-divorce-four-years-later-erika-riker/|title=Randy Jackson Settles Divorce 4 Years After His Estranged Wife Erika Riker Filed: Report|last=Merrett|first=Robyn|date=January 2, 2019|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref>

In 2003, Jackson lost {{convert|114|lb|abbr=off|sp=us}} following [[gastric bypass surgery]]. He stated in a February 2008 television commercial that he has [[type 2 diabetes]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Rome |last=Neal |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/02/02/earlyshow/leisure/main597581.shtml |title=Idol Nearly Half The Man, Randy Jackson Goes On The Lighter Side For A New Look |publisher=[[CBS News]] |date=2004-02-02 |access-date=2013-12-13}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==

===Albums===
===Albums===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
!align="left"|Album Information
|-
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
|align="left"|'''''[[Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1]]'''''
! rowspan="2"| Album details
*Released:March 11, 2008
! colspan="2"| Chart positions
*Chart Positions: #50 (U.S.)
|- style="font-size:smaller;"
*[[RIAA Certification]]: <small>TBR</small>
! style="width:50px;"| [[Billboard 200|US]]
*U.S. Sales: <small>TBR</small>
! style="width:50px;"| [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums|US R&B]]
*Singles:
|-
**"[[Dance Like There's No Tomorrow]]" (performed by [[Paula Abdul]])
| 2008
**"[[Real Love (Lee Ryan song)|Real Love]]" (performed by [[Katharine McPhee]] and [[Elliott Yamin]])
| style="text-align:left;"| '''''[[Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1]]'''''
* <small>Released: March 11, 2008</small>
* <small>Label: Dream Merchant</small>
| 50
| 33
|}
|}


===Singles===
===Singles===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
!rowspan="2"|Year
!rowspan="2"|Title
!colspan="4"|Chart positions
!rowspan="2"|Album
|-
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
!width="40"|<small>[[Billboard Hot 100|U.S. Hot 100]]</small>
! rowspan="2"| Single
!width="40"|<small>[[Pop 100|U.S.<br>Pop 100]]</small>
! colspan="5"| Peak chart positions
!width="40"|<small>[[UK Singles Chart]]
! rowspan="2"| Album
!width="40"|<small>[[Canadian Hot 100|CAN Hot 100]]</small>
|- style="font-size:smaller;"
! style="width:35px;"| [[Billboard Hot 100|US]]
! style="width:35px;"| [[Pop 100|US Pop]]
! style="width:35px;"| [[Hot Dance Club Songs|US Dance]]
! style="width:35px;"| [[Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks|US AC]]
! style="width:35px;"| [[Canadian Hot 100|CAN]]
|-
|-
|rowspan="1"|2008
| rowspan="2"| 2008
|"[[Dance Like There's No Tomorrow]]" <small>(with [[Paula Abdul]])</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| "[[Dance Like There's No Tomorrow]]" <small>(with [[Paula Abdul]])</small>
| 62
|align="center"|62
| 48
|align="center"|48
| 2
|align="center"|-
| 29
|align="center"|68
| 68
|''Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1''
| style="text-align:left;" rowspan="2"| ''Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1''
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| "[[Real Love (Lee Ryan song)|Real Love]]" <small>(with [[Katharine McPhee]] and [[Elliott Yamin]])</small>
|rowspan="1"|2008
|&nbsp;—
|"[[Real Love (Lee Ryan song)|Real Love]]" <small>(with [[Katharine McPhee]] and [[Elliott Yamin]])</small>
|&nbsp;—
|align="center"|-
|&nbsp;—
|align="center"|-
|&nbsp;—
|align="center"|-
|&nbsp;—
|align="center"|-
|-
|''Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1''
| colspan="10" style="font-size:8pt"| "—" denotes releases that did not chart
|}
|}


==External links==
===As sideman===
'''With [[Journey (band)|Journey]]'''
*[http://www.randyjacksonsmusicclub.com Randy Jackson's Music Club Vol. 1]
*''[[Frontiers (Journey album)|Frontiers]]'' (Columbia, 1983) <small>(bass on "[[After the Fall (song)|After the Fall]]")</small>
*[http://www.rjhitlistonline.com Randy Jackson's Hit List from Westwood One]
*''[[Raised on Radio]]'' (Columbia, 1986)
*{{imdb name|id=1193098|name=Randy Jackson}}
*''[[Freedom (Journey album)|Freedom]]'' (BMG, 2022)
'''With [[Richard Marx]]'''
*''[[Repeat Offender (Richard Marx album)|Repeat Offender]]'' (Capitol, 1989)
'''With [[Neal Schon]]'''
*''[[Late Nite]]'' (Columbia, 1989)
'''With [[Jean-Luc Ponty]]'''
*''[[Civilized Evil]]'' (Atlantic, 1980)
*''[[Mystical Adventures]]'' (Atlantic, 1982)
*''[[Individual Choice]]'' (Atlantic, 1983)

'''With [[Stryper]]'''
*''[[Against the Law (album)|Against the Law]]'' (Enigma, 1990) <small>(bass on "[[Shining Star (Earth, Wind & Fire song)|Shining Star]]")</small>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Randy Jackson (musician born 1956)}}
*[http://www.rjhitlistonline.com Randy Jackson's Hit List from Westwood One]
*{{IMDb name|id=1193098|name=Randy Jackson}}

{{s-start}}
{{succession box|title=[[Journey (band)|Journey bass-guitarist]]|before=[[Bob Glaub]]|after=[[Ross Valory]]|years=1986}}
{{s-end}}
{{s-start}}
{{succession box
| before = None
| title = Judge on [[American Idol]]
| years = 2002–2013
| after = [[Harry Connick Jr.]]
}}
{{s-end}}


{{American Idol}}
{{American Idol}}
{{America's Best Dance Crew}}
{{America's Best Dance Crew}}
{{Journey}}
{{Journey}}
{{Divinyls}}


{{start box}}
{{Authority control}}
{{succession box|title=[[Journey (band)|Journey bass-guitarist]]|before=[[Bob Glaub]]|after=[[Ross Valory]]|years=1986}}
{{end box}}


{{Lifetime|1956|LIVING|Jackson, Randy}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jackson, Randy}}
[[Category:African American musicians]]
[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:American television personalities]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American radio personalities]]
[[Category:American Idol participants]]
[[Category:American Idol participants]]
[[Category:American male singers]]
[[Category:American male singers]]
[[Category:American music critics]]
[[Category:American music managers]]
[[Category:Participants in American reality television series]]
[[Category:American radio personalities]]
[[Category:American record producers]]
[[Category:American rock bass guitarists]]
[[Category:American rock bass guitarists]]
[[Category:Columbia Records artists]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Journey members]]
[[Category:Louisiana musicians]]
[[Category:People from Baton Rouge, Louisiana]]
[[Category:Idol series judges]]
[[Category:American session musicians]]
[[Category:American session musicians]]
[[Category:A&R people]]
[[Category:A&R people]]
[[Category:People with diabetes]]
[[Category:Columbia Records artists]]
[[Category:Journey (band) members]]

[[Category:Singers from Louisiana]]
[[it:Randy Jackson]]
[[Category:Musicians from Baton Rouge, Louisiana]]
[[ja:ランディ・ジャクソン (プロデューサー)]]
[[Category:American jazz bass guitarists]]
[[fi:Randy Jackson]]
[[Category:American male bass guitarists]]
[[sv:Randy Jackson]]
[[Category:American rhythm and blues bass guitarists]]
[[Category:American male guitarists]]
[[Category:Guitarists from Louisiana]]
[[Category:20th-century American guitarists]]
[[Category:Jazz musicians from Louisiana]]
[[Category:Record producers from Louisiana]]
[[Category:American male jazz musicians]]
[[Category:Southern University alumni]]
[[Category:Judges in American reality television series]]

Latest revision as of 08:23, 22 April 2024

For other people named Randy Jackson, see Randy Jackson (disambiguation).

Randy Jackson
Jackson in March 2018
Jackson in March 2018
Background information
Birth nameRandall Darius Jackson
Born (1956-06-23) June 23, 1956 (age 67)
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
Occupation(s)
  • Record executive
  • television presenter
  • musician
  • record producer
Instrument(s)
  • Bass
  • keyboards
Years active1983–present
Labels
Formerly of
Spouse(s)
Elizabeth Jackson
​
​
(m. 1990; div. 2019)​
EducationSouthern University (BM)

Randall Darius Jackson[1] (born June 23, 1956) is an American record executive, television presenter and musician, best known as a judge on American Idol from 2002 to 2013.

Jackson began his career in the 1980s as a session musician playing bass guitar for an array of jazz, pop, rock, and R&B performers. He moved on to work in music production and in the A&R department at Columbia Records and MCA Records. Jackson is best known from his appearances as the longest-serving judge on American Idol and executive producer for MTV's America's Best Dance Crew.

In May 2020, Jackson was rehired as bassist for Journey following their sudden split with founding member Ross Valory.[2] Jackson had previously filled the role on the band's 1986 album Raised on Radio and its tour.

Early life

Jackson was born June 23, 1956, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana,[1] the son of Julia, a homemaker, and Herman Jackson, a plant foreman. He graduated from Southern University in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in music.[3][4]

Music career

Jackson in 2009

In the early 1980s, he played on three albums for Jean-Luc Ponty and with the rock band Taxxi. From 1986 to 1987, he joined the rock group Journey, initially as a session musician for their 1986 album Raised on Radio, before joining the band for the subsequent tour. He moved to Italy in the late 1980s and played on a record by Italian pop star Zucchero. The record, Zucchero and the Randy Jackson Band, was produced by Corrado Rustici who played guitar with Jackson on many albums in the early 1980s.

In 1985, Keith Richards was asked to provide music for the Whoopi Goldberg comedy vehicle Jumpin' Jack Flash. Richards assembled an all-star band which included Aretha Franklin on piano and lead vocals and Jackson on bass guitar. This song was the fourth track on Aretha's 1986 album titled Aretha. Jackson can be seen in the song's video. In the late 1980s, Jackson was still doing sessions. He was notably on the first solo album by famed session guitarist Steve Lukather. Jackson was a featured bass guitarist on five songs on Maze's 1989 "Silky Soul" album. He also performed on several of Kenny G's albums.

Jackson was the bass guitarist on the 1991 self-titled Divinyls album (which features the song "I Touch Myself") as well as featured bassist on several tracks of Tracy Chapman's 1992 release, Matters of the Heart. He performed on the singles "Bang Bang Bang", "Open Arms", and "Dreaming on a World". That same year, Jackson also played bass on Bruce Springsteen's song "Human Touch".[5]

On March 11, 2008, Jackson released an album produced entirely by himself, titled Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1. The album's release was preceded by the single "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" sung by Paula Abdul. In 2009, Randy began working with former Idol finalist Kimberley Locke, producing her 4th album. The lead single, "Strobe Light", was released March 16, 2010.[6] In February 2010, Jackson participated in We Are the World 25 for Haiti as part of the chorus. [citation needed]

Jackson is the manager for the Charlotte-based band Paper Tongues. With the help of Jackson, they signed with a major label, A&M/Octone Records. He has also worked as an executive, spending eight years as vice president of artists and repertoire (A&R) at Columbia Records and four years heading A&R at MCA Records.

Radio program

Jackson also hosts a radio top 40 countdown known as Randy Jackson's Hit List,[7] which is syndicated by Westwood One.[8] Every week, Jackson counts down his top 30 Urban AC and Mainstream AC hits. He also gives behind-the-scenes information on American Idol on the internet radio station Artist Underground.[citation needed]

Television

American Idol

Starting in 2002, Jackson was one of the panel judges on the Fox Network reality television series American Idol, along with Paula Abdul (2002–2009), Simon Cowell (2002–2010), Kara DioGuardi (2009–2010), Ellen DeGeneres (2010), Jennifer Lopez (2011–2012), Steven Tyler (2011–2012), Nicki Minaj (2013), Mariah Carey (2013), and Keith Urban (2013). As a result of Cowell's departure, Jackson was left as the sole original judge on American Idol. His role was originally going to be reduced to that of a mentor, so the 2013 season would have all new judges,[9] but it was later decided that he would remain as a judge for season 12.[10] On May 9, 2013, Jackson announced that he would be leaving American Idol after twelve seasons due to him wanting to focus on other business ventures.[11] On September 3, 2013, it was announced that Jackson would replace Jimmy Iovine as the in-house mentor on American Idol.[12] He departed the series for good in November 2014.[13]

America's Best Dance Crew

Jackson produced America's Best Dance Crew, an American group dance competition and reality television show, which premiered on February 7, 2008, on MTV and was cancelled in 2012 due to declining ratings.[14] Each week, the teams showcased their creative talents in choreography and their dance skills, and one crew was eliminated by the judges. The competition continued until the sole winning dance crew was awarded the title of America's Best Dance Crew, and a cash prize of $100,000.[15]

Name That Tune

Jackson serves as bandleader on the revival of Name That Tune.[16]

Personal life

Jackson's first marriage, to Elizabeth Jackson, was dissolved in 1990; they had one daughter named Taylor. In 1995, Jackson married Erika Riker, with whom he has two children, a daughter named Zoe and a son named Jordan. In 2014, Riker filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences; it was finalized in 2019.[17]

In 2003, Jackson lost 114 pounds (52 kilograms) following gastric bypass surgery. He stated in a February 2008 television commercial that he has type 2 diabetes.[18]

Discography

Albums

Year Album details Chart positions
US US R&B
2008 Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1
  • Released: March 11, 2008
  • Label: Dream Merchant
 50 33

Singles

Year Single Peak chart positions Album
US US Pop US Dance US AC CAN
2008 "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" (with Paula Abdul) 62 48 2 29 68 Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1
"Real Love" (with Katharine McPhee and Elliott Yamin)  —  —  —  —  —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

As sideman

With Journey

With Richard Marx

With Neal Schon

With Jean-Luc Ponty

With Stryper

References

  1. ^ a b Collar, Matt. "Randy Jackson Biography". AllMusic.com. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  2. ^ Kreps, Daniel (May 24, 2020). "Journey Reveal Lineup Changes, Randy Jackson's Return". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  3. ^ "Randy Jackson Biography (1956–)". Biography.com. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  4. ^ Randy Jackson Biography (1956–), FilmReference.com
  5. ^ Erickson, Sturdevant (2006). Stryper: Loud n' Clear (unabridged audio ed.). Maryland: Classic CD Books. ISBN 0-9764805-4-9.
  6. ^ Locke, Kimberley. "New Single – Strobe Light", Official Kimberley Locke Blog, February 8, 2010.
  7. ^ Randy Jackson's Hit List, RJHitList.com
  8. ^ "Randy Jackson's Hit List". Affiliates.westwoodone.com. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  9. ^ D'Addario, Daniel (August 31, 2012). "Randy Jackson No Longer American Idol Judge". Observer. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  10. ^ Ross, Dalton (September 10, 2012). "Simon Cowell tweets Randy Jackson 'back on Idol'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  11. ^ Randy Jackson is Leaving 'American Idol' After This Season. Retrieved May 9, 2013
  12. ^ Official: J. Lo and Harry Connick Jr. join 'American Idol' Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved September 3, 2013
  13. ^ Randy Jackson exiting 'American Idol' Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 12, 2014
  14. ^ Marechal, AJ (November 11, 2012). "Music stops for 'Best Dance Crew'". Variety. Retrieved November 11, 2012.
  15. ^ "Randy Jackson is executive producer of 'America's Best Dance Crew.'". Boston Herald. Associated Press. February 6, 2008. Retrieved February 25, 2008.
  16. ^ "Fox Revives 'Name That Tune' With Jane Krakowski, Randy Jackson". Hollywood Reporter. November 18, 2020. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  17. ^ Merrett, Robyn (January 2, 2019). "Randy Jackson Settles Divorce 4 Years After His Estranged Wife Erika Riker Filed: Report". People.
  18. ^ Neal, Rome (February 2, 2004). "Idol Nearly Half The Man, Randy Jackson Goes On The Lighter Side For A New Look". CBS News. Retrieved December 13, 2013.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Randy Jackson (musician born 1956).
Preceded by Journey bass-guitarist
1986 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
None
 Judge on American Idol
2002–2013 		Succeeded by
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