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Freddie Jackson, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer whose smooth vocals produced enduring 1980s hits such as “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” and “You Are My Lady,” has died days after his birthday.
A statement posted to Jackson’s official Instagram account on Monday confirmed his passing, coming just three days after his 69th birthday. A cause of death was not provided.
“Freddie was 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 treasured memories. That gift will live on forever,” the family statement read.
“To everyone who ever sang along, danced, or felt something when Freddie took the stage: thank you. You were family to him, and he carried your love with him always,” it added.
Information regarding upcoming memorial arrangements will be released in the coming days.
Born and raised in Harlem, Jackson gained early musical experience performing gospel music at White Rock Baptist Church. After performing on the New York club circuit, he moved West in the late 1970s with the band Mystic Merlin. Returning to New York, he launched his solo career with his 1985 debut album, “Rock Me Tonight.”
The record quickly attained platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America and earned him two Grammy nominations, for best new artist and best male R&B vocal performance for the hit “You Are My Lady.”
The success of “Rock Me Tonight” launched Jackson into stardom, establishing him as a mainstay on the Billboard charts and a staple of contemporary urban radio throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
His follow-up release, 1987’s “Just Like the First Time,” was also certified platinum.
In 2024, Jackson publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease through a video posted to his social media channels.
“This journey has had its challenges but I’ve decided to face it with openness and resilience,” he explained in the video. “It’s important to me that I share this with you, not just as a part of my personal story, but as a way to make a positive difference.”
Following his announcement, Jackson collaborated with the National Kidney Foundation to help generate awareness about the condition.
Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that more than 1 in 7 American adults live with chronic kidney disease, with as many as 9 in 10 unaware that they have it.
The condition occurs when damaged kidneys struggle to filter blood effectively, allowing waste and fluids to accumulate in the body, which can trigger additional medical issues such as heart disease.
