Freddie Jackson, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer known for the 1980s hits “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” and “You Are My Lady,” died Monday at 70, three days after his birthday.
His family confirmed the death in a statement posted on his official Instagram account. No cause was given. Arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
“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,” the statement said. “For decades he gave us the songs that became the soundtrack to our love stories, our celebrations, and our most treasured memories.”
Born and raised in Harlem, Jackson sang gospel at White Rock Baptist Church and started in the New York club scene before heading west with the band Mystic Merlin in the late 1970s. He returned to New York and released his debut album, “Rock Me Tonight,” in 1985. The album was certified platinum and brought Grammy nominations for best new artist and best male R&B vocal performance for “You Are My Lady.”
The record made Jackson a Billboard and urban-radio mainstay through the 1980s and early 1990s. In 2024, he said he had been diagnosed with kidney disease and partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness.