Randy Jackson is an American musician, producer, and television personality, best known for his role as a judge on the reality singing competition show, American Idol. He was born on June 23, 1956, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and gained fame for his work in the music industry, playing bass guitar for various artists and bands. In addition to his work on American Idol, Randy Jackson has produced albums for several well-known musicians, including Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. He has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts and continues to influence the music industry through his work as a mentor and producer.