Randy Jackson

Randall Darius "Randy" Jackson is an American musician, singer, record producer and reality television judge, best known for his role on American Idol. He is also creditted as Executive Producer for America's Best Dance Crew.

Biography

Randy Jackson was born on 31 June 1956 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is the son of Julia LeGolvan and Herman Jackson.

Randy has been married twice - first to Elizabeth Jackson, with whom he has a son, Taylor. Randy and Elizabeth divorced in 1990.

He subsequently married Erika Riker in 1995 and the couple have two children, Zoe (14) and Jordan (12).

Music Career

Randy Jackson has played with many acts including Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, Journey, George Michael, Blue Oyster Cult, Herbie Hancock, Richard Marx, Michel Camilo, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, Michael Bolton, and Bob Dylan. In addition to his session playing, Jackson has produced albums for Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Madonna. He released his first album Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. One in 2008.

American Idol

Jackson joined American Idol as a judge in the first series, alongside [[Paula Abdul]] and Simon Cowell. He continues to judge the show and is under contract until the end of the ninth season of the show.

America's Best Dance Crew

Jackson also produces America's Best Dance Crew, a televised group dance contest which began in 2008. It is shown on MTV.