Freddie Jackson, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer behind classics including “You Are My Lady” and “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake),” has died at the age of 70.
Jackson passed away Monday, October 5, just three days after celebrating his 70th birthday. His death was confirmed Tuesday in a statement shared through his verified Instagram account.
A specific cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Freddie Jackson,” his family said in the announcement.
Freddie Jackson’s Family Confirms His Death
Jackson’s family remembered the R&B star as a “generous soul” who maintained a close connection with his fans throughout his decades-long career.
They also thanked the millions of listeners who supported his music over the years.
“To everyone who ever sang along, danced, or felt something when Freddie took the stage: thank you,” the family said.
Funeral and memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.
Freddie Jackson Became An R&B Star With ‘Rock Me Tonight’
Born in Harlem in 1956, Jackson began singing in church before eventually emerging as one of the defining R&B voices of the 1980s.
His career took off with the release of his 1985 debut album, Rock Me Tonight.
The album’s title track, “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake),” spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart.
Jackson followed it with “You Are My Lady,” which became one of his signature records and reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Freddie Jackson Scored 10 No. 1 R&B Hits
Jackson continued his success throughout the decade with songs including “Tasty Love,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody” and “Jam Tonight.”
Over the course of his career, he earned 10 No. 1 singles on the R&B chart and became closely associated with the smooth, romantic sound of the era’s “quiet storm” radio format.
He also collaborated with fellow soul singer Melba Moore on “A Little Bit More,” which became another chart-topping R&B hit.
His success earned him Grammy recognition and established Jackson as one of the prominent voices of his generation.
Freddie Jackson Leaves Behind A Lasting R&B Legacy
Jackson’s music remained part of R&B culture long after his biggest chart successes, with his records continuing to appear on classic soul playlists and being sampled by hip-hop artists.
His smooth vocals and romantic catalog also made his music a longtime fixture at weddings, celebrations and quiet-storm radio stations.
Following news of his death, Jackson is being remembered for a career that helped define an era of R&B.
He was 70 years old.