Randy Jackson

Best known as the American Idol judge who rules TV’s “Dawg Pound,” Randall “Randy” Jackson is a Grammy-winning musician and producer. Born in 1956 in Baton Rouge, La., Jackson began his music career playing bass for such musical acts as Carlos Santana and Journey. When he wasn’t producing, managing and touring with well-known artists like Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, he was holding executive positions at Columbia and MCA Records.

In 2002, Jackson teamed with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul to serve as a judge on FOX reality smash American Idol. Jackson enters his eight season on Idol this winter. Additionally, Jackson helms the MTV dance series, America’s Best Dance Crew, now in its third season, which premiered in 2008.

The industry vet is married to Erika Jackson and has three children, Taylor, Zoe and Jordan.