Randy Jackson

Randall Darius Jackson, born June 23, 1956, is an American record executive, television presenter, and musician. He first gained recognition as a session musician in the 1980s, playing bass guitar for various jazz, pop, rock, and R&B artists. Jackson later ventured into music production and worked in the A&R department at Columbia Records and MCA Records. He is best known for his role as a judge on the popular TV show American Idol, where he served from 2002 to 2013. Additionally, Jackson has worked as an executive producer for MTV's America's Best Dance Crew. In May 2020, he was rehired as the bassist for Journey. Jackson was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and graduated from Southern University in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in music.