Randy Jackson Today, Randy Jackson is probably best known for his role as a judge on the popular television show, American Idol, along with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. He has also had a successful musical career in his own right before becoming a record producer. His nicknames include “The Dawg” and “The Emperor”. He was born in 1956 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Unlike many musicians of his time, Jackson did not begin to pursue his music career until after he completed his college education. He attended Southern University and was a double major in music and psychology. It was his skills at playing the electric bass that landed Jackson his first gig playing with Jean-Luc Ponty. That gig led to his work with the band Journey. He toured with the group for two years during the 1980’s. Jackson became known in Los Angeles as one of the top session musicians in the industry. He has performed with too many major musical acts to mention. Some of his performances include playing with Carlos Santana and the infamous Jerry Garcia. After his success as a session musician had taken off, Randy quietly began making the switch over to producing/songwriting work in the San Francisco Bay area. Once again, he was a success and became highly sought after as a producer. Jackson has also recorded, produced and toured with acts like Mariah Carey (a long time friend whom he had known since she was a teenager), Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen, and Madonna.
Recently, Jackson also helped Mariah Carey record and produce her Emancipation of Mimi album. He also played the bass for her at the 2006 Grammy’s. Jackson considers Carey to be one of his best friends and one of the top five female singers in the world. Although he had shaped a very successful career for himself in the United States, Jackson wanted more. So in the late 1980’s, Jackson decided to move to Italy where he produced and recorded an album for the Italian star, Zucchero. The single Donne on this album became one of Zucchero’s biggest hits. In 1990, Randy divorced his first wife, Elizabeth Jackson, with whom he had one child. Later, in 1995 Jackson married Erika Riker. They remain married to this day and have two children together. When the show American Idol aired in 2001, Randy Jackson was a natural choice for a judge. He is the one who balances out the ultra supportive, Paula Abdul, and the ultra critical, Simon Cowell. He is also known for using slang to describe the quality of a singer’s voice. Jackson concentrates on giving the contestants on the show constructive criticism that they may not directly hear from a recording executive. By season three of American Idol Jackson had dramatically lost over 100 pounds from the previous season. His drastic weight loss was due to a highly-publicized gastric bypass surgery. The surgery was even filmed and aired on television. American Idol as a springboard for young recording artists has proven to be very successful. Two previous American Idol finalists, Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia, have each been nominated for a Grammy. The show is a legitimate opportunity for contestants to launch their musical careers. Winners of the show receive a recording contract with the legendary Clive Davis.
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