Randy Jackson

Best known for his 13-year role as “American Idol” judge (2002-2014), Randy Jackson has enjoyed a long and storied career as a session musician, producer and A & R executive. Jackson, Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul were the rage of reality television in their seven years together as “Idol” judges, as the show proved a massive hit for the FOX network. Jackson embarked on a full-time music career in the ‘80s as a session musician, playing bass on more than 1,000 albums for artists that included Bruce Springsteen, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan. Jackson toured with “Journey” in the late ‘80s before  moving into artists & repertoire in the ‘90s, spending eight years as vice president of A & R at Columbia Records and four at MCA Records. Jackson was executive producer of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew from 2008 to 2010. The Louisiana native lives in Los Angeles, and has raised three children.