Randy Jackson is a singer and reality show judge from the United States of America. He has a net worth of $50 million. Although Jackson is a talented musician, he is most well-known as a former judge on the reality television show “American Idol.” Outside of reality television, Jackson has a remarkable reputation as a session musician, having played bass guitar with a variety of high-profile bands during his career.
As of 2020, he is the band Journey’s bassist. Randy is an award-winning music producer in addition to judging and singing. Randy has also worked as a television executive producer. Additionally, Randy Jackson conducts the radio show “Randy Jackson’s Hit List,” a top 40 countdown.
Childhood
Randall Darius Jackson was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on June 23rd, 1956. Randy’s mother was a stay-at-home mom, while his father worked as a plant foreman. Randy attended Southern University after graduating from high school. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music in 1976.
Career
Jackson began his career as a session bass guitarist in the 1980s, working with bands like Taxi and performers such as Jean-Luc Ponty and Carlos Santana. From 1986 to 1987, he was a member of the band Journey and was in the studio with them when they recorded the album “Raised on Radio.” After relocating to Italy, he cooperated with Zucchero, a pop artist. He also collaborated with Billy Cobham at this time.
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Jackson joined an all-star band in the mid-1980s to record music for the film “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” Aretha Franklin and Keith Richards were among the group’s members. Randy featured on Steve Lukather’s first solo album and Maze’s “Silky Soul” near the end of the 1980s. He also appeared on Kenny G’s, the Divinyls’, Tracy Chapman’s, and Bruce Springsteen’s albums.
Randy Jackson has collaborated with some high-profile musicians, including Mariah Carey, as a producer. He released “Randy Jackson’s Music Club, Vol. 1” in 2008. Jackson produced the record in its entirety. He has produced songs for several American Idol finalists throughout the years, notably Kimberley Locke.
Randy Jackson made his debut appearance as a judge on “American Idol” in 2002. He eventually became the sole surviving member of the original panel. Jackson finally stepped down from the show in 2014, claiming a desire to focus on other business pursuits. He later developed “America’s Best Dance Crew,” a spin-off series. The series premiered in 2008 and was discontinued owing to low ratings in 2010.
Relationships
Randy Jackson married Elizabeth Jackson in his first marriage. They had one child together before divorcing. Jackson married Erika Riker in 1995. They shared two children before divorcing in 2014.
Salary of an American Idol
Jackson received a $10 million pay for his first season as a judge on “American Idol.” That figure increased as the series gained popularity, and Jackson was undoubtedly earning far more by the time he left in 2014. Randy Jackson reportedly earned around $30 million less each year on average than Simon Cowell.
Residential Real Estate
Randy Jackson reportedly sold a Los Angeles house for $1.9 million in 2014. The home is located in a gated community near Tarzana. The mansion, which was constructed in 1990 with Spanish architectural influences, includes 5,878 square feet of living space, a pool, a spa, and a guesthouse.
He initially purchased the home in 2005 for $2.725 million. Randy Jackson seems to be well aware that he would lose money on the transaction from the outset, as he initially listed the house for $2.199 million. He eventually agreed to accept a loss of $825,000 when he sold the residence.
Randy Jackson’s Net Worth
Randy Jackson’s net worth was $60 million as of May 1, 2021. He amassed his fortune over a lengthy career in music and television.
Jackson earned a total of $10 million during his first season on American Idol as a judge. It’s safe to believe that number has continually increased as reality television has grown in popularity.
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However, while Jackson is widely regarded as the longest-serving American Idol panel judge, he is far from wealthy. The estimated net worth of various American Idol judges is listed below, along with the seasons in which they performed on the show:
What Is Randy Jackson’s Salary?
During his time on the show, the Louisiana native made between $5 to $6.5 million per season (via Billboard). While the salary was impressive, it was about $30 million less than that of Simon Cowell.
Conclusion
Randy Jackson is an American bassist, singer, and television personality best known for serving as one of the American Idol panel judges. Jackson is also a record producer, an executive in the music industry, and a host of a radio show. As of May 2021, he is worth $60 million.