R&B singer Freddie Jackson, the smooth-voiced star behind "You Are My Lady" and "Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)," has died. His family announced the news Tuesday, October 6, saying he "went home to rest" Monday night, October 5, in a statement shared on his verified Instagram account.
No cause of death has been disclosed, and the family did not state his age. Outlets have reported it as both 69 and 70, and his listed birth date is October 2, 1956. Funeral arrangements and plans to honor his legacy will be shared in the coming days.
The family remembered him as a kind and generous person who loved his fans, family, friends, and music. They thanked listeners who sang along and danced to his songs, and asked supporters to keep his loved ones "in your prayers."
From a Harlem church to the top of the R&B charts
Jackson was born in Harlem and trained as a gospel singer from an early age at White Rock Baptist Church. That church foundation carried into the romantic ballads that made him a staple of "quiet storm" radio.
He signed with Capitol Records in 1985, and his debut album, Rock Me Tonight, produced a title track that spent six weeks at No. 1 on the R&B chart. In 1986 he followed it with chart-toppers including "Have You Ever Loved Somebody," "Tasty Love," and "Jam Tonight." He kept recording for decades, releasing Love Signals in 2018.
For many fans, his songs became the soundtrack to weddings, anniversaries, and family gatherings. His story is also a reminder of how many of soul music's defining voices first found their sound in a church choir.
JubileeCast extends its condolences to Freddie Jackson's family, friends, and fans.
