Randy Jackson
bass guitar · lead vocals
b. 1956 in Baton Rouge
Randall Darius Jackson (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.
Early life
Jackson was born June 23, 1956, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 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.
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. 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.
Every band they have passed through, with what they played and when — and whether they were there at the start.
Where they came from, where they are, and who they are to other people.
- Born
- 1956-06-23 · Baton Rouge
- Schooled at
- Southern University
- Also works as
- composer, singer, jazz musician, record producer
- Plays
- bass guitar, guitar, voice, bass
Shows where their tenure covers the date — not just any night the band played.
Where to hear from them lately. These are live searches, not a list somebody froze — so they stay current.
- Wikipedia →the full article
- Interviews on YouTube →newest first
- Recent news & comments →Google News
- Blabbermouth →metal press
Portrait: Wikimedia Commons