Randall Darius “Randy” Jackson (born June 23, 1956) is an American bassist, singer, record producer, music manager, A&R executive, and television personality. He is best known as a judge on American Idol and Executive Producer for MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew. Jackson has won a Grammy Award as a producer.
(Wiki)
Twenty-year music industry veteran and Grammy Award-winning producer Randy Jackson began playing bass guitar at age 13 and got his big break when he joined the band Journey. A prolific producer, Jackson spent eight years as the Vice President of A&R at Columbia Records followed by four years as Senior Vice President of A&R at MCA Records. However, it was AMERICAN IDOL that propelled Jackson into the mainstream.
Jackson has since expanded into television production, setting up his Dream Merchant 21 Entertainment banner at Warner Horizon Television and launching the hit reality-competition series “Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew,” which recently completed its fifth season.
As a result of his continued success in television, Jackson has been included for the past three years on The Hollywood Reporter’s annual “Reality Power List.”
While working on more than 1,000 gold and multi-platinum albums, which have sold over 200 million albums worldwide, Jackson’s amazing talent, vast studio knowledge, performing, touring and record company expertise have made him one of today’s most-coveted music industry experts. He continues to manage the careers of rising talent such as the critically acclaimed singer Van Hunt and the band Paper Tongues.
In 2006, Jackson executive-produced and performed on the legendary Sam Moore’s Grammy-nominated album “Overnight Sensational.” Jackson also teamed with country music superstar Travis Tritt, and most recently, he brought together an eclectic mix of artists on “Randy Jackson’s Music Club, Vol. 1,” the first release from his Dream Merchant 21 record label. He is currently in the studio working with R&B hitmakers Boyz II Men.
Jackson has recorded, toured, performed and produced records for Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, *NSYNC, Madonna, Elton John, Destiny’s Child, Joss Stone and many, many more. He launched two radio countdown shows, including “Randy Jackson’s Hit List,” which can be heard nationwide on more than 100 stations.
Also a published author, Jackson has penned two books: “What’s Up, Dawg? How to Become a Superstar In The Music Business” and “Body With Soul: Steady Your Sugar, Cut Your Cholesterol and Get a Jump on Your Best Health.”
In addition, Jackson is involved with numerous charitable organizations, including Save the Children, the Gibson Foundation, the Lili Claire Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities and NARAS’ Music for Schools. Jackson has also assisted in worldwide relief efforts through the multi-million dollar fundraiser IDOL GIVES BACK and traveled back to his home state of Louisiana to help those devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Most recently, Jackson was involved with the remake of “We Are The World,” helping benefit the relief efforts in Haiti.
Jackson resides with his wife and children in Los Angeles.
via American Idol
