'80s R'n'B singer Freddie Jackson dies, three days after his 70th birthday
R’n’B singer Freddie Jackson, known for You Are My Lady and Rock Me Tonight, has died aged 70, just three days after his birthday.
You Are My Lady and Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake) singer Freddie Jackson has died aged 70.
The R'n'B star sadly passed away on Monday (05.10.26), three days after his milestone birthday. His cause of death is unknown at this time.
In a social media statement, his family said: "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.
"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."
Freddie embarked on a music career in the late 1970s when he joined California funk outfit Mystic Merlin. After returning to the East Coast, he shifted into R'n'B.
By the mid‑80s, he was stacking hits that turned him into one of the decade’s biggest R'n'B voices. His breakout run included chart favourites such as Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake), You Are My Lady, Have You Ever Loved Somebody, Jam Tonight and Do Me Again, records that made him a fixture on US charts.
He also branched into film work, recording Love Survives - a duet with Irene Cara - for the 1989 animated movie All Dogs Go to Heaven. He later appeared on screen in the cult crime drama King of New York.
He remained active for many years, releasing his final album, Love Signals, in 2018. In 2020, he released the single Why about racial injustice.
