Randy Jackson (The Jacksons)

This article is about the member of the Jackson family. For the bass player and former American Idol judge, see Randy Jackson.
Randy Jackson
Birth name Steven Randall Jackson
Born (1961-10-29) October 29, 1961
Gary, Indiana, U.S.
Genres R&B, pop, new jack swing
Occupation(s) Musician, singer, songwriter
Instruments Vocals, percussion, keyboards, bass guitar
Years active 1971–90, 2001
Labels CBS, Epic, A&M
Associated acts The Jacksons
Website randyjackson.us
From left, back row: Jackie Jackson, Michael Jackson, Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson. Middle row: Randy Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Rebbie Jackson. Front row: Janet Jackson (1977)

Steven Randall "Randy" Jackson (born October 29, 1961) is an American singer and musician. He is best known as a former member of The Jacksons. Nicknamed "Little Randy", he is the eighth child of the Jackson family and youngest of the Jackson brothers.

Randy was only three when the Jackson 5 was formed and therefore was not an original member. While his brothers toured, he honed his skills as a musician, mastering piano.

Personal life

Randy was born in Gary, Indiana to Joseph Jackson and Katherine Jackson. He was the youngest son and the second youngest Jackson sibling before his sister Janet Jackson was born.

Jackson has two children with his ex-girlfriend Alejandra Oaziaza; Steven Jr and Genevieve. He also has one daughter with his ex-wife Eliza Shaffy; Stevanna.

Career

The Jacksons

Randy first officially appeared live with his brothers at the end of 1971. The event was a Christmas show the Jackson 5 held for blind children. Although he was on every Jackson 5 tour from 1972 forward mainly playing the congas among other instruments, Randy didn't officially join the family band until 1975 when they left Motown Records for Epic Records and older brother Jermaine chose to stay with Motown, prompting Randy to replace him. The Jackson 5 officially changed their name to The Jacksons when they signed with Epic due in part to the fact Motown owned the name The Jackson 5. At the age of 16, he co-wrote The Jacksons' most successful single on Epic, "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" with Michael. He is widely thought of as the most talented instrumentalist of the Jackson brothers, playing congas, percussion, drums, keyboards, piano, bass, guitar and assorted other instruments. In addition to singing and playing on the Jacksons' recordings, he worked with Michael on his Off the Wall album.

On February 4, 1980, Randy was seriously injured in a car crash in Hollywood, California. In June 1980, he appeared on the cover of the weekly African-American newsmagazine Jet. The cover headline read: "Randy Jackson Walks Again: Talks About His Future."[1]

Jackson was able to fully participate in the Jacksons' 1981 Triumph Tour and in the band's later projects. After the record-setting Victory Tour in 1984, Michael and Marlon left the band. Randy and his remaining three brothers later made one last album. He was part of the Jacksons 2001 reunion at Madison Square Garden, but chose not to appear on their 2009 A&E reality series The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty. However, he did contribute backing vocals with Jackie, Tito and Jermaine for Michael's This Is It.

After The Jacksons

After recording the 2300 Jackson Street album, the group disbanded and focused on separate projects in 1990. After this split, Jackson formed his own band, Randy & the Gypsys. The group only released one album before breaking up. On June 28, 1998, Jackson opened up his own record label Modern Records.

On June 25, 2009, his older brother Michael Jackson died after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home. On July 7, 2009, Jackson attended Michael's memorial service along with his brothers and family. Randy gave his first interview since the death of his brother on CNN during a live segment on June 10, 2010.

Discography

Promotional singles

Title Year
"How Can I Be Sure" 1978

Randy and the Gypsys discography

Studio albums

Title Album details
Randy & the Gypsys

Singles

Title Year Album
"Perpetrators" 1989 Randy & the Gypsys
"Not Because of Me"
"Love You Honey"

Promotional singles

Title Year Album
"The Love We Almost Had" 1989 Randy & the Gypsys

References

  1. ↑ Jet magazine; June 19, 1980

External links

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