Randy Jackson is a name that many people associate with music and entertainment. But did you know that there are two different Randy Jacksons who have made their mark in the industry? One is a former member of the Jacksons, the legendary family band that also included Michael and Janet Jackson. The other is a record executive, musician, and former judge on American Idol. So, are these two Randy Jacksons related to each other or to the King of Pop? Here is the truth about the famous last name.
Randy Jackson: The Jacksons Singer
The first Randy Jackson we will talk about is Steven Randall Jackson, who was born on October 29, 1961, in Gary, Indiana. He is the youngest brother of Michael Jackson and the second-youngest sibling of the nine performing Jacksons. He is also the ninth child of Joseph and Katherine Jackson, the parents who raised their children to become musical stars.
Randy was not an original member of the Jackson 5, the group that launched the careers of his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. He first appeared live with them in 1971 at a Christmas show for blind children. He played various instruments, such as congas, percussion, keyboards, bass, and guitar. He officially joined the family band in 1975 when they left Motown for CBS Records and changed their name to the Jacksons. Jermaine chose to stay with Motown, so Randy replaced him as a vocalist.
Randy co-wrote some of the Jacksons’ most successful songs, such as “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” and “Can You Feel It”. He also worked with Michael on his solo album Off the Wall. He participated in the Jacksons’ world tours and collaborated with other artists like Lionel Richie and USA for Africa. He also formed his own band in the 1980s called Randy and the Gypsys.
Randy has three children from two different relationships. His first wife was Eliza Shaffy, whom he married in 1989 and divorced in 1992. They have a daughter named Stevanna, who is an actress. His second partner was Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, with whom he has two children: Genevieve and Steven Jr. Interestingly, Alejandra was also married to Jermaine before and after her relationship with Randy. She has two children with Jermaine as well: Jermajesty and Jaafar.
Randy is still close to his sister Janet, who is five years younger than him. He supported her during her divorce from Wissam Al Mana in 2017 and appeared with her on stage in 2018. He also defended her against Justin Timberlake’s apology for the infamous Super Bowl incident in 2004.
Randy Jackson: The American Idol Judge
The second Randy Jackson we will talk about is Randall Darius Jackson, who was born on June 23, 1956, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is not related to Michael Jackson or any of the other Jacksons by blood or marriage. He has a different background and career path than his namesake.
Randy graduated from Southern University in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in music. He started his career as a session musician playing bass guitar for various jazz, pop, rock, and R&B artists. Some of the famous names he worked with include Jean-Luc Ponty, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, and Bruce Springsteen.
He also joined the rock band Journey as a session musician for their 1986 album Raised on Radio and its tour. He later rejoined the band in 2020 after their founding member Ross Valory was fired.
Randy moved on to work as a record producer and an executive at Columbia Records and MCA Records. He produced albums for artists like *NSYNC, Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, and Kelly Clarkson.
Randy became a household name when he joined American Idol as a judge in 2002. He was part of the original panel along with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. He stayed on the show for 12 seasons until 2013. He was known for his catchphrases like “Yo dawg” and “It’s a no from me”. He also mentored some of the contestants and gave them constructive feedback.
Randy has one child from his marriage to Elizabeth Jackson, whom he married in 1990 and divorced in 2019. Their son is named Jordan Michael (named after Michael Jordan). Randy also has a daughter named Taylor from a previous relationship.
Randy has struggled with his weight and health issues for most of his life. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2001 and underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2003. He lost over 100 pounds after the surgery and adopted a healthier lifestyle. He also launched his own eyewear line called Randy Jackson Eyewear in 2010.
Randy has continued to work in the music and entertainment industry after leaving American Idol. He has appeared as a guest judge on other shows like America’s Best Dance Crew, The Next Great American Band, and The Masked Singer. He has also hosted his own radio show called Randy Jackson’s Hit List and released his own music album called Randy Jackson’s Music Club, Vol. 1.
