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R&B-singer Freddie Jackson, best known for his smooth ’80s hits “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” and “You Are My Lady,” has died. He was 70.
A statement shared by his family on his official Instagram account confirmed that Jackson died on Monday, three days after his 70th birthday. No cause of death was given.
“Freddie had more than a legendary voice. He was a kind, generous soul who loved his fans, his family, his friends, and his music with everything he had. For decades he gave us the songs that became the soundtrack to our love stories, our celebrations and our most wonderful memories. That gift will live on forever,” the statement read.
“To everyone who sang, danced or felt something when Freddie took the stage: thank you. You were family to him, and he carried your love with him always,” he continued.
Details of arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
Jackson was born and raised in Harlem, where he learned about soul music and singing gospel at White Rock Baptist Church. He began his career in the New York club scene, eventually making his way out West with the band Mystic Merlin in the late 70’s. He soon returned to New York and released his first album, “Rock Me Tonight,” in 1985. His unique voice was his superpower: The album, which was quickly certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, earned him two career Grammy nominations. These were for Best New Artist and R&B vocal performance for the single “You Are My Lady.”
“Rock Me Tonight” spawned a new R&B superstar: Jackson became a mainstay on these Billboard charts and a fixture of urban contemporary radio play throughout the ’80s and early ’90s.
His sophomore album, 1987’s “Just Like the First Time,” was also certified platinum.
In 2024, Jackson revealed that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease in a video shared to his social media accounts.
“This journey has had its challenges but I have decided to face it with openness and resilience,” he said in the clip. “It’s important to me that I share this with you, not just as part of my personal story, but as a way to make a positive difference.”
At the time, Jackson also revealed that he had partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness about the disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 7 American adults have chronic kidney disease. As many as 9 out of 10 don’t know they have it.
Chronic kidney disease is a condition where the kidneys are damaged and struggle to filter blood. As a result, there is an excess of waste and fluids and this can lead to other health issues, such as heart disease.
