
Randy Jackson
United StatesMember of The Jackson 5
Also known as: Little Randy
Birthday
October 29, 1961
Birth Sign
Scorpio
Birthplace
Gary, Indiana, USA
Age
64 years old
About
Steven Randall Jackson, known as Randy Jackson, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Born October 29, 1961, in Gary, Indiana, he is the ninth child of the Jackson family, the youngest Jackson brother, and the second-youngest sibling before his sister Janet. Randy joined the family band in 1975, replacing his brother Jermaine when the group left Motown for Epic and rebranded as The Jacksons. He brought multi-instrumental skills to the group, playing percussion, keyboards, bass, and guitar. At age 16, he co-wrote the Jacksons' biggest Epic hit, "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)," with Michael. His work on the 1980 album Triumph earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. After the group disbanded in 1990, Randy formed his own band, Randy & the Gypsys, and moved into business, founding Modern Records and THE RANJACK GROUP. He remains active as a strategic business advisor and music producer, operating his consulting firm in Los Angeles. As of 2026, he continues to produce music and advise celebrities, maintaining a sustainable career in the entertainment industry.
Early Life & Background
Randy was only three years old when the Jackson 5 formed in 1965, so he grew up watching his older brothers rehearse and perform. He taught himself to play multiple instruments at home, including bongos, congas, drums, piano, bass, and guitar. Nicknamed "Little Randy," he was largely homeschooled in music by his father and older brothers. His first live appearance with the group came in December 1971 at a Christmas show for blind children. From 1972 onward, he toured with the Jackson 5, primarily playing congas and other percussion, but he was not yet an official member. The turning point came in 1975 when the Jackson 5 left Motown for Epic Records. Older brother Jermaine chose to stay with Motown, creating a vacancy. Randy, then 14, officially stepped in as the youngest member, and the group changed its name to The Jacksons because Motown owned the name "The Jackson 5."
Career Growth
Randy quickly became a vital part of The Jacksons, contributing his instrumental versatility and songwriting. In 1978, at just 16, he co-wrote "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" with Michael, which became the group's most successful single on Epic. He sang lead on two tracks for the 1984 Victory album. In 1979, Randy prepared his first solo album, How Can I Be Sure?, which featured an early recording of sister Janet on "Love Song for Kids," but the project was shelved after he was injured in a car crash. After The Jacksons disbanded in 1990, he formed Randy & the Gypsys, releasing one album before the group dissolved. That same year, he co-founded Total Multimedia Inc. with former Iron Butterfly bassist Philip Taylor Kramer to develop CD-ROM data compression. In the 1990s, he served as director of MJJ Productions, overseeing Michael's official website "MJJ Source." On June 28, 1998, he purchased Modern Records from Stevie Wonder. In 2006, he founded THE RANJACK GROUP, an entertainment and consulting firm based in Los Angeles, where he continues to advise companies and celebrities. He also works as a Strategic Business Advisor and Consultant, engaging in philanthropic endeavors.
Public Image & Style
Within the Jackson family narrative, Randy is known as the youngest brother who replaced Jermaine and brought a multi-instrumentalist energy to The Jacksons. Media portrayals emphasize his versatility on percussion, keyboards, bass, and guitar, as well as his behind-the-scenes business acumen. He is less prominent in the public eye than Michael or Jermaine, but he holds a dedicated place in Jackson family fandom. His social media presence is professional and family-oriented, and he occasionally participates in family reunions and events. His Instagram handle is @rjacksonjr and his X (Twitter) handle is @randyjackson8.
Fame & Fandom
Randy Jackson has been evaluated by iFANN's Global Fame Engine, and he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings. While he is a significant figure in music history as a member of The Jacksons, his individual fame metrics do not place him within the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope lists at this time. The fanbase that follows Randy Jackson and The Jacksons does not have a formally recognized or official name. Fans are generally referred to as 'fans of The Jacksons' or 'Jackson family fans.' While dedicated fan pages and discussions exist on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, there is no evidence of organized fan campaigns or initiatives specifically in Randy's name. Fan interactions primarily occur through social media, where Randy Jackson maintains an active presence.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Randy Jackson, the second-youngest of the Jackson siblings, joined his brothers in The Jackson 5 (later The Jacksons) at the age of 11, playing the conga. He was not an original member of the group, first appearing live with them at the end of 1971. He officially became a member after his brother Jermaine left the group. He was only three years old when the Jackson 5 initially formed. His first live performance with the group was a 1971 Christmas show for blind children. At the age of 16, he co-wrote the Jacksons' hit song "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" with his brother Michael. An unreleased solo album by Randy, titled How Can I Be Sure?, featured what is noted as Janet Jackson's first-ever recording. He co-founded the company Total Multimedia Inc. with Philip Taylor Kramer of the band Iron Butterfly. His former partner, Alejandra Oaziaza, later married and divorced his brother Jermaine. He purchased Modern Records from Stevie Wonder in 1998. Randy was not inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Jacksons in 1997, as he was not an original member of the Jackson 5. Fans still retell stories of the extraordinary crowd reactions during The Jacksons' early tours, which included fans fainting and streets being shut down due to the overwhelming response to their performances.
Family & Personal Life
Randy is the ninth child of Joseph and Katherine Jackson. His siblings include Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Michael, and Janet. He was born at St. Mary's Mercy Hospital in Gary, Indiana. He married Eliza Shaffy in August 1989; they divorced in 1992 and have one daughter. He was in a long-term relationship with Alejandra Oaziaza from 1986 to 1994; they have two children, including a daughter named Genevieve. After their split, Alejandra married Randy's brother Jermaine in 1995 and divorced him in 2003. Randy has three children total. He lives in Los Angeles and runs his business, THE RANJACK GROUP, from there. He occasionally participates in Jackson family reunions and events.
Relationships & Dating History
Randy's most notable relationship was with Alejandra Oaziaza, whom he dated from 1986 to 1994. They had two children together, including daughter Genevieve. After their split, Alejandra married Randy's brother Jermaine Jackson in 1995 and divorced him in 2003. In August 1989, Randy married Eliza Shaffy; the marriage ended in divorce in 1992, and they had one daughter. As of 2026, Randy is not publicly known to be in a relationship and is considered single.
- DatedAlejandra Oaziaza1986 - 1994Long-term relationship; they had two children together. After splitting, she married Randy's brother Jermaine.
- MarriedEliza Shaffy1989 - 1992Married in August 1989; divorced in 1992; they have one daughter.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$2 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Randy Jackson's estimated net worth is approximately $2 Million. His financial success stems from various ventures, including songwriting royalties from hits like "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)". He also generates revenue from Modern Records, a label he purchased from Stevie Wonder in 1998, and from THE RANJACK GROUP, his entertainment and consulting firm established in 2006. Residual income from The Jacksons' extensive music catalog and past touring, along with previous earnings as director of MJJ Productions, also contribute to his wealth. Randy Jackson remains alive and active as of 2026.
Awards & Accolades
View 2 records, honours and achievementsKnown For
How Can I Be Sure?
1979 · Solo album (unreleased)
Randy & the Gypsys
1990 · Band founder and lead performer
Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)
1978 · Co-writer
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- singer, songwriter, musician
- Born
- October 29, 1961
- Birthplace
- Gary, Indiana, USA
- Gender
- Male
- Birth Sign
- Scorpio
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Steven Randall Jackson
- Spouse
- Eliza Shaffy (m. 1989; div. 1992)
- Children
- 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Randy Jackson from The Jackson 5 still alive?
Why wasn't Randy Jackson inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Jackson 5?
What is Randy Jackson from The Jackson 5 doing now?
How old was Randy Jackson when he joined the Jackson 5?
Did Randy Jackson date his brother Jermaine's wife?
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