I'm Randall Matthew Jackson (born June 23, 1956), an American musician and record producer, now best known to the general public for being a judge on the television show American Idol.
I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was not into music until sixth grade. My first big break in the industry came when I played with fellow Baton Rouge act John Fred & His Playboy Band when I was 17 years old. I subsequently attended Southern University, where I graduated with a double major in music and psychology.
As a musician, I play the electric bass. One big break of his was that I played bass for violin virtuoso Jean-Luc Ponty as well as bass in the band Journey from 1985 to 1987. I was a highly regarded session musician in Los Angeles during the 1980s. My production/songwriting work in the San Francisco Bay area with Narada Michael Walden and Walter Afanasieff led me to be quite in demand as a producer.
While in the Bay area, I played in bands with Carlos Santana and Jerry Garcia. I moved to Italy in the late 1980s and produced a record for Italian pop star Zucchero. The record Zucchero and the Randy Jackson Band produced one of Zucchero's biggest hits, "Donne". I have also recorded, produced, or toured with many well-known artists and bands, ranging from Mariah Carey to *NSYNC, Céline Dion, Wild Orchid, Bruce Springsteen, and Madonna. I have also worked as an executive with Columbia Records and MCA Records.
I also manage current artists Van Hunt and Nikka Costa. I do very select session work, usually just for close friends, but continue to maintain my ability to play very diverse styles of bass. I played bass onstage on the 2006 Grammy Awards with Mariah Carey as well as the Sly & The Family Stone tribute. Later in 2006 I will serve as the musical director for Carey's The Adventures of Mimi Tour.
Just a reminder that I get a lot of emails and friend requests, but I try my best to keep up with them. Thanks to everyone for the good luck wishes.
Check out Americanidol.com because the new season starts soon!
