Randy Jackson (The Jacksons)
Randy Jackson | |
---|---|
Birth name | Steven Randall Jackson |
Born |
Gary, Indiana, U.S. | October 29, 1961
Genres | R&B, pop |
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 |
![](../I/m/Jacksonstvshow.jpg)
Steven Randall "Randy" Jackson (born October 29, 1961) is an American singer and musician. He is known as a former member of The Jacksons. Nicknamed "Little Randy", he is the ninth 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.
Early 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.
In 1986, he met Alejandra Oaziaza. They dated for years but never married. They have three children together: Genevieve Jackson (b. December 3, 1989), Donte (1991) and Steven Randall Jackson Jr. (b. October 2, 1991).
Alejandra married and later divorced Randy's older brother, Jermaine Jackson. Alejandra and Jermaine have two children together: Jaafar (1996) and Jermajesty (2000). Alejandra was Randy's ex-girlfriend so her kids share 3 half siblings/cousins from their uncle Jermaine.
Later, Randy had a relationship with Eliza Shaffel. They have one child together: Stevanna Jackson (1990). Stevanna looks like Randy's younger sister, Janet Jackson.
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
- ↑ Jet magazine; June 19, 1980