Randy Jackson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Randy Jackson
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Jackson in March 2018
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| Birth name | Randall Darius Jackson |
| Born | June 23, 1956 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1983–present |
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Randall Darius Jackson (born June 23, 1956) is an American record executive, television presenter, and musician. He is best known for being a judge on the popular TV show American Idol for many years.
Randy Jackson started his career in the 1980s. He played the bass guitar for many different types of music, like jazz, pop, rock, and R&B. He also worked behind the scenes in the music industry. He helped find new artists and produce their music at big record companies like Columbia Records.
In May 2020, Randy Jackson rejoined the famous band Journey as their bassist. He had played with them before on their 1986 album Raised on Radio and its tour.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Randy Jackson was born on June 23, 1956, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His mother, Julia, was a homemaker, and his father, Herman, worked as a plant foreman. Randy went to Southern University and earned a bachelor's degree in music in 1979.
Music Career Highlights
In the early 1980s, Randy Jackson played bass on albums for Jean-Luc Ponty and the rock band Taxxi. From 1986 to 1987, he joined the rock group Journey. He first played as a studio musician for their 1986 album Raised on Radio. After that, he joined them for their concert tour.
Randy also lived in Italy for a while in the late 1980s. He played on a record for Italian pop star Zucchero. This record was called Zucchero and the Randy Jackson Band.
In 1985, Randy played bass with a supergroup put together by Keith Richards. This group included the legendary singer Aretha Franklin. Randy can even be seen in the music video for their song. He also played on albums for famous musicians like Kenny G and Steve Lukather.
Randy Jackson was the bass guitarist on the 1991 Divinyls album. This album featured the hit song "I Touch Myself". He also played on several songs for Tracy Chapman's 1992 album, Matters of the Heart. In the same year, he played bass on Bruce Springsteen's song "Human Touch".
On March 11, 2008, Randy Jackson released his own album. It was called Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1. The album included the song "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" sung by Paula Abdul. Randy also managed the band Paper Tongues, helping them sign with a major record label.
Radio Show
Randy Jackson also hosted a radio show called Randy Jackson's Hit List. On this show, he counted down his top 30 popular songs each week.
Television Appearances
American Idol
Randy Jackson became a judge on the TV show American Idol in 2002. He was one of the original judges, along with Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. He was a judge for 12 seasons, making him the longest-serving judge on the show.
He was known for his catchphrases, like "Dawg!" and "It's a no from me." Randy announced he was leaving American Idol in May 2013 to focus on other projects. However, he returned as an in-house mentor for the show in September 2013. He left the series for good in November 2014.
America's Best Dance Crew
Randy Jackson was also an executive producer for America's Best Dance Crew. This was a reality TV show where dance groups competed against each other. It first aired on MTV in February 2008. Each week, teams showed off their dance moves and choreography. The winning crew received $100,000 and the title of America's Best Dance Crew.
Name That Tune
More recently, Randy Jackson has been the bandleader on the new version of the game show Name That Tune.
Personal Life
Randy Jackson has three children. He has a daughter named Taylor from his first marriage. He also has a daughter named Zoe and a son named Jordan from his second marriage to Erika Riker.
In 2003, Randy Jackson lost a lot of weight. He has also shared that he has type 2 diabetes.
Discography
Albums
- Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1 (2008)
Singles
- "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" (with Paula Abdul) (2008)
- "Real Love" (with Katharine McPhee and Elliott Yamin) (2008)
As a Musician for Other Artists
Randy Jackson has played bass on many albums for other artists. Some of these include:
- Journey (on albums like Frontiers, Raised on Radio, and Freedom)
- Richard Marx (on Repeat Offender)
- Neal Schon (on Late Nite)
- Jean-Luc Ponty (on albums like Civilized Evil and Mystical Adventures)
- Stryper (on Against the Law)
Images for kids
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Jackson in March 2018
See also
In Spanish: Randy Jackson para niños
