The Musician
From Journey's bassist to *American Idol*'s longest-serving judge — a session ace turned hit-making executive.
via Wikipedia: Randy Jackson · see source
Randy Jackson is an American record executive, television presenter, and musician, best known as a judge on *American Idol* from 2002 to 2013. He began his career in the 1980s as a session musician playing bass guitar for jazz, pop, rock, and R&B performers. Jackson is also known as the longest-serving judge on *American Idol* and as an executive producer for MTV's *America's Best Dance Crew*. In May 2020, he was rehired as bassist for Journey following their split with founding member Ross Valory, having previously served as a full touring and recording member on the band's 1986 album *Raised on Radio* and its tour.
- Role
- Bassist
- Affiliation
- Journey
- First Appears
- Raised on Radio (1986)
- Status
- Active
- Platform
- N/A
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Jackson's music career began in the early 1980s, laying down bass lines on three albums for jazz violinist Jean-Luc Ponty and with the rock band Taxxi. From 1986 to 1987, he joined Journey as a full touring and recording member for their 1986 album *Raised on Radio*, then hit the road for the subsequent tour. He moved to Italy in the late 1980s and played on a record by Italian pop star Zucchero, titled *Zucchero and the Randy Jackson Band*, produced by Corrado Rustici. The lead single "Donne" was presented at the 37th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival. In 1986, Keith Richards assembled an all-star band for the film *Jumpin' Jack Flash*, which included Aretha Franklin on lead vocals and Jackson on bass guitar; the song appeared on Aretha's 1986 album *Aretha*. Jackson also played on Steve Lukather's second solo album *Candyman* (1994), on five songs on Maze's 1985 album *Can't Stop the Love*, and on several Kenny G albums.
In Their Own Story
On March 11, 2008, Jackson released an album produced entirely by himself, *Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1*, preceded by the single "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" sung by Paula Abdul. In 2009, he began working with former *Idol* finalist Kimberley Locke, producing her 4th album; the lead single "Strobe Light" was released March 16, 2010. Jackson also manages the Charlotte-based band Paper Tongues, helping them sign with A&M/Octone Records. He spent eight years as vice president of A&R at Columbia Records and four years heading A&R at MCA Records. He hosts a radio top 40 countdown, *Randy Jackson's Hit List*, syndicated by Westwood One, and provides behind-the-scenes information on *American Idol* on the internet radio station Artist Underground.
Reader's Guide
Jackson was a panel judge on *American Idol* from 2002 to 2013, alongside Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, and Keith Urban. After Cowell's departure, Jackson was the sole original judge. His role was originally going to be reduced to mentor for season 12, but he remained as a judge. On May 9, 2013, he announced he would leave after twelve seasons to focus on other business ventures. On September 3, 2013, it was announced he would replace Jimmy Iovine as in-house mentor, and he continued to mentor contestants until the show's end in 2016.
Did You Know?
- Jackson lost 114 pounds (52 kilograms) following gastric bypass surgery in 2003.
- He has type 2 diabetes, as stated in a February 2008 television commercial.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is The Musician?
They are the silent protagonist created by thatgamecompany for the 2012 title Journey. This nameless figure travels through a desert landscape without dialogue or backstory.
What defines their abilities?
Their primary tool is singing to extend their scarf and gain energy from light fragments. This mechanic allows them to glide across chasms and climb the sacred mountain.
How does The Musician's journey conclude?
At the peak, they ascend into a blinding light and transform into an ethereal spirit. They eventually return to the beginning of the desert as part of a continuous cycle.
Why is this character significant?
They embody the game's themes of connection and spiritual growth through wordless interaction. Their lack of identity allows players to project their own emotions onto the experience.
On which platforms does The Musician appear?
Originally a PlayStation 3 exclusive, the story is now playable on PS4, iOS, and Windows systems. Fans can access this adventure across multiple modern devices today.
More in Characters & Companions
Elsewhere in the Journey universe
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