Randy Jackson
From LoveToKnow Music
Randy Jackson, aka Randall Matthew Jackson, is most famous for appearing as a judge on American Idol, but he is an accomplished musician in his own right with a career going back many years.
Music Artist
Jackson’s instrument of choice is the electric bass. He joined his first band, John Fred and His Playboy Band, in 1973 at the age of 17. Though that band had a string of success in the 1960s, including knocking The Beatles off of the number 1 spot in charts with a parody of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, their popularity had waned by the time Jackson joined the band. He subsequently studied music at Southern University in his native Baton Rouge, LA.
In the 1980s, Jackson moved to Los Angeles, where he got the first of his breaks, playing bass in violinist Jean-Luc Ponty’s band. He then went on to replace Ross Valory as bass player with 80s chart-topping favorites Journey, with whom he completed one album and one tour before the group disbanded.
In addition to his work as members of those groups, Jackson also was an in-demand session musician throughout the 80s. He worked with Bob Dylan, Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, Madonna, and Bruce Springsteen, to name but a few.
Music Producer and More
Jackson relocated to Italy in the late 1980s to produce what went on to be a hit record for Italian pop star Zucchero. Since then, he has recorded and produced albums for Celine Dion, NSYNC, Mariah Carey and Bruce Springsteen, among others. He has also written songs for Mariah Carey, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and many more.
Jackson also had stints working as an A&R rep for two major labels, Columbia and MCA.
American Idol
Jackson became a judge on American Idol in the very first season in 2002. He is known for his balanced approach with the contestants; somewhere between the biting sarcasm of Simon Cowell and the ultra-supportiveness of Paula Abdul. He usually provides constructive criticism while being honest about the chances of a particular contestant. His use of slang on the show has also made him famous; he is most notably associated with dawg and You can blow.
Other Projects
Mariah Carey’s 2005 album The Emancipation of Mimi featured Jackson on bass, as well as four songs written and produced by him. Jackson also auditioned and rehearsed Carey’s touring band and performed with her on stage at the 2006 Grammy Awards.
Also at the 2006 Grammy show, Jackson played bass as part of the Sly and the Family Stone reunion performance.
In 2003, Jackson released a book, What’s Up Dawg: How to Become a Superstar in the Music Business.
Jackson also runs his own label and acts as manager for artists Nikki Costa and Van Hunt.
Personal Life
Jackson has been married to his second wife, Erika Riker, since 1995. He has two children with Riker, and one with his previous wife, Elizabeth Jackson.
Jackson dropped 100 pounds after having gastric bypass surgery in 2003.
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