Randy Jackson
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.
For other people named Randy Jackson, see Randy Jackson (disambiguation).
Randy Jackson
Randall Darius Jackson
June 23, 1956
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
- Record executive
- television presenter
- musician
- record producer
- Bass
- keyboards
1983–present
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]
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]