Jackson began his career in the 1980s as a session musician playing bass guitar for an array of jazz, pop, rock, and R&B performers.

Jackson is best known from his appearances as the longest-serving judge on American Idol and executive producer for MTV's America's Best Dance Crew.

Zucchero and Jackson presented the album's lead single "Donne" at the 35th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival.

[5] In 1985, Keith Richards was asked to provide music for the Whoopi Goldberg comedy vehicle Jumpin' Jack Flash.

Richards assembled an all-star band which included Aretha Franklin on piano and lead vocals and Jackson on bass guitar.

[citation needed] Starting in 2002, Jackson was one of the panel judges on the Fox Network reality television series American Idol, along with Paula Abdul (2002–2009), Simon Cowell (2002–2010), Kara DioGuardi (2009–2010), Ellen DeGeneres (2010), Jennifer Lopez (2011–2012), Steven Tyler (2011–2012), Nicki Minaj (2013), Mariah Carey (2013), and Keith Urban (2013).

As a result of Cowell's departure, Jackson was left as the sole original judge on American Idol.

[11] On May 9, 2013, Jackson announced that he would be leaving American Idol after twelve seasons due to him wanting to focus on other business ventures.

[12] On September 3, 2013, it was announced that Jackson would replace Jimmy Iovine as the in-house mentor on American Idol.

[15] Each week, the teams showcased their creative talents in choreography and their dance skills, and one crew was eliminated by the judges.