R+B star Freddie Jackson dead at 70
Freddie Jackson died at the age of 70 on Monday (05.10.26) - just three days after his birthday.
Freddie Jackson has died at the age of 70.
The Grammy-nominated R+B singer, best known for his 1985 hit Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake), passed away on Monday (05.10.26) - just three days after his birthday.
A statement shared on Freddie's Instagram account on Tuesday (06.10.26) read: "It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Freddie Jackson, who went home to rest last night.
"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. (sic)"
The statement continued: "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.
"Please keep his family, friends, and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time. Details regarding arrangements and how to honor his legacy will be shared in the coming days.
"Rest in peace, Freddie. Your legacy and your voice will live on forever.
"— The Freddie Jackson Family (sic)."
Tributes have poured in for the You Are My Lady chart topper, whose cause of death was not shared.
Singer Deniece Williams, 76, penned: "Another great one gone. Praying for your loved ones Freddie."
Sister Sledge member Kathy Sledge, 67, typed: "Heartbreaking news!!! Rest in Paradise Freddie (sic)."
Media personality Scottie Beam, 36, wrote: "This BREAKS MY HEART.
"What a light he was physically but still will continue to be with his bright legacy. (sic)"
One fan reacted: "3 days after his birthday. Rest well and thank you for all the wonderful songs throughout the years here with us on earth. (sic)"
Another supporter commented: "Rest in peace, one of the greatest vocalists of this century- praying for his family and loved ones during this time (sic)."
And a third follower said: "You were my favourite artist growing up and I can remember all your hits, were songs that I loved. Thank you for the timeless pieces that are still in heavy rotation in my Playlist.
"Sleep in Peace. (sic)"
In 2024, Freddie announced he had been diagnosed with kidney disease and, despite the "challenges" of his journey, wanted to "face it with openness and resilience".
Per People, he said: "It is 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.
"As I take this step, I’m turning my personal experience into a platform for greater understanding and advocacy. With your help, we can work towards better awareness and improved outcomes for everyone with kidney disease."
Born in Harlem, New York City, on October 2, 1957, Freddie grew up singing gospel at White Rock Baptist Church, where he met future producer and songwriting partner Paul Laurence.
Freddie later joined Laurence’s group, LJE (Laurence Jones Ensemble), performing in New York nightclubs before becoming the lead singer of the funk band Mystic Merlin.
After the group released three albums between 1980 and 1982, he returned to New York and began working with Laurence at Hush Productions.
In 1984, Jackson signed with Capitol Records and released his debut album, Rock Me Tonight, the following year.
The title track spent six weeks at No. 1 on the R+B chart, while the album went platinum and established Freddie as one of the leading male voices in R+B.
His success continued with the 1986 album Just Like the First Time, which also went platinum and produced three R+B number-one hits - Tasty Love, Have You Ever Loved Somebody and Jam Tonight.
He went on to score further chart-toppers including Hey Lover, Nice ’N’ Slow, Do Me Again and Love Me Down.
Later in his career, Freddie appeared as a lounge singer on an episode of The Golden Girls in 1989 and recorded Love Survives with the late Irene Cara for the soundtrack to the animated film All Dogs Go to Heaven.
He also appeared in the 1990 crime film King of New York before continuing his recording career with albums including Here It Is, Private Party, Life After 30 and Transitions.
Freddie continued performing and recording into the 2010s, releasing singles including Love and Satisfaction and A Million Ways, while his 2017 single One Night reached number one on the Indie Soul chart.
