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Home › Dad of the Month

Randy Jackson

By Jill Weinlein

Each month, iParenting.com spotlights a father who inspires and moves us, who embodies the qualities that we all admire in a person, a man and a father. Above all, the Dad of the Month is dedicated to his children. Rich or poor, famous or not, he shines as an example of what fathering is all about.

On the hit reality show American Idol, Paula is the "heart," Simon the "reality" and Randy is the "knowledge." He is an expert in the music industry. With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, Randy Jackson is a Grammy-winning producer, performer, songwriter and record executive, as well as a teacher. He has worked on more than a thousand gold and multi-platinum albums with Mariah Carey, Madonna, Elton John, Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, Destiny's Child, NSYNC, Celine Dion and Aretha Franklin.

A Passion for Music
Jackson was born and raised in Baton Rouge, La. He fell in love with music in grade school, learning to play the saxophone, guitar and drums. In high school he joined marching, symphony and jazz bands, winning a grant from the National Association of Jazz Education and the Endowment for the Arts to study with Chuck Rainey, a master bass player. Jackson soon realized the bass guitar would become his favorite instrument.

Later, while studying music at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Jackson got his first big break auditioning for jazz-rock fusion great Billy Cobham. He won the audition, joined Cobham's band, made two albums and toured the country meeting some of the music industry giants.

Things in Jackson's "Dawg Pound"

Favorite Music: Many people assume Randy listens to rap music. However, his preference is jazz or classical music. His favorite artist is Stevie Wonder. "God may have taken away his sight, yet [he] gave him an amazing gift of music," says Jackson. "Stevie Wonder sings with passion and spirit."

Favorite Product: iPod

Favorite Book: Diabesity: The Obesity-Diabetes Epidemic That Threatens America and What We Must Do to Stop It (Bantam, 2005) by Dr. Francine Kaufman

In 1993, Jackson auditioned for the hit rock group Journey. They needed an experienced musician to help with a new album and tour the country. Jackson was exactly what the band members were looking for. "Being a rock star was unbelievable," Jackson says. "I would be on stage with 100,000 people singing the words to our songs."

A Health Challenge
Jackson was a healthy, normal weight as a child, but he began bulking up in high school to play varsity football. While touring with Journey, he retained the weight from his high-school football days. "I tried numerous diet and exercise programs, but couldn't lose weight," he says. "About five years ago I developed type 2 diabetes."

In 2002, Jackson had gastric bypass surgery to improve his health. After the surgery he lost nearly 100 pounds, began exercising and consumed one-third of what he formerly ate. His type 2 diabetes is now controlled with oral medication, good eating habits and exercise.

For more information on diabetes, call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org.

According to the American Diabetes Association, type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. With type 2, excess weight destroys the body's ability to process sugar. The body doesn't produce enough insulin or the cells seem to ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to assimilate sugar, the basic fuel for the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood, instead of going into cells, it can cause life-threatening consequences, such as heart disease, blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage. Once called Adult Onset Diabetes, now most overweight children will develop type 2 diabetes, if not as children then as young adults.

When his daughter developed a weight problem, Jackson and his wife of 10 years, Erica, were introduced to Dr. Francine Kaufman, one of America's foremost pediatric endocrinologists, director of the comprehensive Childhood Diabetes Center and head of the Center of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles.

"We hit it off immediately and collaborated with her to start a foundation to help Dr. Kaufman in her research to find a cure," Jackson says. "With the rise of obesity and type 2 diabetes, kids aren't eating well or getting the proper exercise." Experts believe that more than one-third of the children born in 2000 will develop diabetes.

Helping Others
Jackson is also involved in numerous charities and functions involving children. He and his family were among the celebrity guests at a recent Make-A-Wish fundraiser aboard the Disney Magic cruise ship. He graciously signed autographs and offered advice on the music industry. "I try to bring my family to many of these functions," he says. He also helps his good friend Mariah Carey with her Fresh Air Fund.

Low-fat Collard Greens
Erica makes low-fat collard greens to remind Jackson of his momma's home cooking.

1/2 cup onion
1 clove crushed garlic
2 smoked turkey wings
2 bags pre-washed collard greens
2 large cans low-sodium fat-free chicken stock

Saute onion and garlic in a teaspoon of canola oil. Pour broth, collard greens, onion, garlic and turkey wings into a large stockpot. Cover and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with brown rice.

At his children's school, he has read the anti-drug pledge during Red Ribbon Week. "It was a kick to shout 'What's up, Dawg?' and the kids scream back with excitement," says Jackson. "I told the kids that the reason why I have been successful in life is because of hard work, talent and not drinking or taking drugs."

Life Change Since American Idol
Before American Idol, Jackson was senior VP of A&R (Artist & Repertoire) and staff producer at Columbia Records and MCA. "A&R people find producers, songwriters and musicians to help a singer make a hit album," he says. He discovered Mariah Carey and became her A&R guy. He won a Grammy for co-producing Gladys Knight's album At Last.

Jackson was usually off to New York for four to five days, or traveling with Mariah Carey when she went on tour. In the beginning Erica traveled with him, but when they began having a family, both strongly agreed that a parent should be at home with the children. She enjoys being with their two children, Zoe and Jordan, and is actively involved at their school.

"In some aspects our family life is better because we see Randy more, especially on the weekends; he comes to the kids' baseball and softball games," says Erica about life after American Idol. One drawback from Jackson working on American Idol is the family can't go to Sea World or Disneyland with him anymore. "Instead of Randy being a vacationing dad, he is a celebrity dad. He talks to kids, signs autographs and it interferes with family time."

Parenting Advice

"If your child is interested in music or singing, find the best lessons in town," says Jackson. "Ask the music teacher at school to recommend a professional. Even if your child was born gifted, vocal training and music lessons help prevent bad habits. Next, practice at least one to two hours a day. The music industry is like competing in the Olympics. To be successful, you must be talented and prepared for your big chance to shine."

To learn more, read Jackson's book What's up, Dawg? How to become a Superstar in the Music Industry (Hyperion, 2003).

Jackson and Erica maintain a normal household for their children. The kids attend a neighborhood public school instead of a private school filled with celebrity children. "Money, huge houses and fancy cars don't matter," says Jackson. "What does matter is what we give back to the community."

Jackson's foundation is helping Dr. Kaufman raise more money for research in finding cures for kids in need. "Life is about what you give, not what you get," says Jackson.



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