Singer Freddie Jackson, best known for hits such as You Are My Lady and Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake), has died aged 70. His family announced the news, describing the musician as "beloved" and "legendary".
Born in New York City, Jackson was renowned for his smooth 1980s hits and achieved 10 number one singles on the Billboard R&B charts during his decades-long career, along with two Grammy nominations.
Family statement on Instagram
In a statement shared on Instagram, Freddie's 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."
The statement continued: "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 added: "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 honour his legacy will be shared in the coming days."
The statement concluded: "Rest in peace, Freddie. Your legacy and your voice will live on forever," before being signed off by "The Freddie Jackson Family."
Tributes from fellow artists
No cause of death has been disclosed. The comments were flooded with mourners offering their condolences and paying tribute to the singer, who died three days after his 70th birthday.
US singer-songwriter Kathy Sledge, who shot to fame alongside her siblings in the 1970s in music group Sister Sledge, wrote: "Heartbreaking news!!! Rest in paradise, Freddie."
Actor and singer Palmer Williams Jr said: "I was just singing along to one of his songs I used to sing back in the day when I was in a club band. I used to get nervous every time I sang it because he was such an amazing voice that some of those notes made me nervous."
He added: "I met him one time in New York at the Apollo and he was so nice. I knew I had met a legend that day." Others to comment include The Josephine Baker Story actress Lynn Whitfield, as well as US singers Wolf James and India Arie Simpson.
Career and health
Jackson was trained as a gospel singer in his youth at the White Rock Baptist Church in Harlem, where he was raised. The music star joined the group Mystic Merlin in the 1970s, where he sang lead and released three studio albums.
Jackson released his debut album, Rock Me Tonight, in 1985, and quickly became known for his distinctive and soulful voice, with the record becoming certified platinum and leading to his two Grammy nominations. His 1987 follow-up, Just Like The First Time, was also certified platinum, and he achieved chart success in the US throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
Jackson revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease, sharing a video on social media saying he would be facing it with "openness and resilience". The singer also wished to make a "positive difference" by sharing his story and had partnered with the National Kidney Foundation at the time to raise awareness of the disease.
