Randy Jackson (musician)

Steven Randall "Randy" Jackson (October 29, 1961 in Gary, Indiana) is an American singer and musician, a member of the Jacksons. He is the ninth out of ten Jackson children to be born and is the youngest son in the Jackson family.

Biography

Early career

He joined his older brothers in The Jackson 5 at age 11 (1972) playing the conga, but did not sing until he and his family began performing their act in Las Vegas. Randy often sung with younger sister Janet, and the duo won fame on Dinah Shore's show in 1975 after performing Mickey & Sylvia's "Love is Strange" for the first time on national television.

Enter the Jacksons

In 1976, after moving to CBS Records and changing their name to The Jacksons, Randy was named as the newest member of the group after Jermaine left to have a solo career in the group's former label, Motown. In 1978, Randy helped the Jacksons return back to fame after co-producing the album, Destiny. One of the songs, "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)", was co-written by Randy and Michael, and went on to sell over 2 million copies becoming the group's biggest-selling single to date.

Randy was prepping for his own solo album around that time and one of his singles, "How Can I Be Sure?", featured the first recording of sister Janet on the b-side of the song titled "Love Song For Kids". Randy never got to release the album as he suffered injuries from a car crash around 1979. In 1984, he was thrust into the forefront of his brothers' Victory tour after Jackie's leg injury forced him to the sidelines. Afterwards, Randy and his brothers Jackie and Tito became renowned session musicians for other acts during this time. The trio recorded the title track to the Whoopi Goldberg film, The Burglar, in 1987.

After the Jacksons

After one last album with the Jacksons, the group split up for good in 1990. After this split, Randy formed his own band, Randy & the Gypsys. The group only lasted one album and Randy, like most of his siblings, laid low for the most part afterwards. During his brother Michael's trial on child molestation, alcohol and conspiracy charges, Randy served as one of his consultants. Randy runs Jesco Records with all of his other brothers: Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Jackie Jackson, and Tito Jackson; all except Michael Jackson. Many of his brothers kids and well as all the brothers are signed to Jesco Records.Randy is sometimes mistaken for American Idol judge Randy Jackson.

In 1993 Randy was kindapped by Colombian rebels who were planning to hold him for ransom. He was held for only eight hours before Jackson was able to convince the kidnappers that he was a penniless Jamaican missionary.

As MJJ Productions Manager

In early 2005 as his mega star brother Michael Jackson was fighting claims of child molestation in a Santa Maria court, Randy Jackson became the manager of all his business affairs.

Randy Jackson was appointed CEO of Jackson's company MJJ Productions. In this position, Randy was responsible for overseeing his label MJJ Music, official website mjjsource.com and all affairs related to his Neverland Ranch. Randy moved into the ranch with his partner during the trial. Most of the Jackson family resided here at this time.

Almost immeadiately after taking the position, rumours were circulating of Randy's changes to the company. There were reports of staff being laid off within the ranch and Randy paying Michael $1,000,000 simply to pay staff wages. Michael Jackson's public relations office was closed down and days before the trial verdict - his publicist Raymone Bain was terminated in an official statement via the website:MJJ Productions regretfully announces the termination of Raymone Bain and Davis, Bain & Associates. We thank you for your services.

For a short time Randy's partner Taunya Zilkie acted as publicist until Michael re-hired Bain. After the trial ended and Michael Jackson moved to Bahrain, Randy was no longer needed since MJJ Productions was closed down to make way for the new Michael Jackson Company. Raymone Bain is part of the management team for this company.

Instruments

It has been said by Michael that Randy is the best musician in the family. Because he was too young when the boys joined Motown in 69, Joe told him to learn an instrument. He started with the conga/bongo, and later learned to play drums from a Jackson5 session drummer. He is also an accomplished bassist, guitarist and keyboardist.

Randy Jackson (musician): Encyclopedia BETA

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