Nick Terzo and bad-ass bassist Randy Jackson have a long-time friendship which shines through in this candid interview of a major record executive and a prolific entrepreneur.
From Journey to Mariah Carey by way of San Francisco and LA, Randy talks about his vast experience in the music biz and also encourages Nick to take care of his Italian health!
On top of all his accomplishments, Randy is one of the most generous and authentic humans you’ll ever meet, don’t miss this one.
Key Takeaways
[2:10] Nick welcomes Randy Jackson and asks him to talk a little bit about what he's been up to, TV shows, products for building a healthier Randy (and eventually a healthier Nick Terzo!), eyewear lines, and of course, music.
[8:38] Randy recounts his story, from growing up in Baton Rouge to New York and touring with Billy Cobham from the Mahavishnu Orchestra, to San Francisco’s Fantasy recording studio, working with Journey.
[17:23] Working records with Clarence Clemmons, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Kenny G, Herbie Hancock, Madonna, the Santana crew, and more eventually led to Randy meeting Steve Smith and beginning with Journey.
[21:16] Randy talks about working out of L.A. with Elton John, Billy Joel, Lionel Ritchie, Bruce Springsteen, and many more, as well as how he got to doing A&R — for about a decade with Columbia and for MCA, working with Mariah Carey who had just been picked up by Arista.
[30:26] During his time at MCA, Randy’s love of A&R began to wane… He speaks to the list of criticisms you build as an A&R person that colors all of the people you meet. The Idol thing came up at a very opportune moment in his life and career.
[35:37] The American Idol juggernaut did come with some challenges, Randy speaks to the more difficult parts of being a judge as well as the inner workings and most wonderful camaraderie of the show itself.
[44:23] Randy shares the story of how Bruce Springsteen was amazed at how much free stuff Randy and Jeff Procaro were getting and upon being offered free stuff himself, Springsteen replied “No, man I don’t like it. When I was broke and I had nothing, nobody would give me a nickel, now that I can buy it for myself they want to give it to me for free? No, you don’t really love me.”
[46:46] As well as what Randy is listening to right now: kids pushing the envelope like Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamarr, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, and the new Taylor Swift album.
[49:02] Nick thanks Randy for coming on and sharing so much of his experience.
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Find out more about today’s guest, Randy Jackson
Find out more about your host, Nick Terzo
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