All-in-one rock bassist, singer and record producer Randall Darius “Randy” Jackson was born June 23, 1956 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He started his music career at the age of thirteen and got his big break when he played bass for the famed band Journey.
This music veteran has played, recorded and toured with several artists over his years in the industry. His credits include playing with Aretha Franklin, George Michael, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Billy Cobham, Blue Öyster Cult, Richard Marx, Madonna, Billy Joel, Journey, Bon Jovi and Bob Dylan. Jackson also performed and produced records for Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, ‘N Sync, Elton John, Destiny's Child, Joss Stone and Van Hunt. Jackson was bass guitarist for Tracy Chapman's album, Matters of the Heart.
Randy Jackson served as Vice President for A&R at Columbia Records for eight years. He was also Senior Vice President for A&R at MCA Records for four years. Since 2002, he has regularly appeared as judge on FOX's reality hit show
American Idol .
Jackson is currently polishing his project, Randy Jackson Music Club Vol. 1. It is a solo album which will be released under Dream Merchant 21. He also hosts a weekly radio countdown, the Randy Jackson's Hit List. It can be heard on over 100 stations nationwide under West One radio network. Aside from enumerating his top urban and mainstream hits, he also provides behind-the-scenes information on American Idol.
He has ventured into TV production and created Dream Merchant Entertainment under Warner Horizon Television. In 2008, he produced MTV's talent search Randy Jackson Presents:
America's Best Dance Crew ; where hip-hop dance groups from all over US compete for the prize money and for the opportunity to be given a touring contract.
Despite his hectic schedule, Jackson finds time for charitable organizations. He is actively involved with The Gibson Foundation, Save the Children, The Lili Claire Foundation, The Ronald McDonald House and NARAS Music for Schools. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and children.
(Photo courtesy of MTV)