American Idol judge Randy Jackson

Born Randall Darius Jackson in Baton Rouge, Louisana, he started playing the bass at age 13. He has recorded with Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Herbie Hancock, Madonna to name a few. It is estimated that he has played on over 1000 albums. From 1986 to 1987 he was a member of the band "Journey" touring with them extensively.

He became a record executive in the 1990s serving as vice-president of Artist and Repertoire(A&R) at Columbia Records. He was there for 8 years before moving on to MCA Records where he served as senior vice-president in the same category for 4 years.

In 2002 he was chosen to be a judge along with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul on Fox's phenomenal hit series "American Idol".