For the Jacksons singer and brother of Michael Jackson, see: Randy Jackson (musician).

Randy Jackson (born February 29, 1956 Baton Rouge, Louisiana) is an American bassist and record producer, now most known for being a judge on the television show American Idol.

As a musician Jackson plays the electric bass. He was bass player for the band Journey for a period in the 1980s. He has also recorded, produced, or toured with many well-known artists, ranging from Mariah Carey to NSync to Bruce Springsteen. He has also worked as an executive with Columbia Records and MCA Records.

Jackson has been a judge with American Idol since its inception in 2002. On the show he is known for taking a middle road of criticism between the supportiveness of Paula Abdul and the nastiness of Simon Cowell. He has popularized "pitchy" as the way to describe off-key singing. He is also renowned for his heavy use of slang terms and gestures, most notably the word "dawg". Jackson sometimes wears outrageous outfits and supplies an endless inspirational resource for those looking for eye glasses.

He was married to Elizabeth Jackson until 1990 when he divorced her. Since 1995, he has been married to Erika Riker. In 2003 Jackson had well-publicized gastric bypass surgery and has subsequently lost over a hundred pounds.

Jackson is the cousin of actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Books

• Jackson, Randy. What's Up Dawg?: How to Become a Superstar in the Music Business.. Hyperion, 2003. ISBN 1401307744.