The R&B world has lost one of its greats. Freddie Jackson, a top-charting artist in the 1970s and 1980s, has died at age 69.
Freddie Jackson died Monday, Oct. 5, his family announced. A statement about the You Are My Lady singer’s passing was posted on his social media.
“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 post read. “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.”
It 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.”
In a 2024 social media post, Jackson revealed he had been diagnosed with a kidney disease. He said at the time that “this journey has had its challenges,” but added that he was “decuided to face it with openness and resilience.”
His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Born October 2, 1956, in Harlem, New York, Freddie Jackson joined the Laurence-Jones Ensemble after finishing school. In the early 1980s, he became the lead singer of the R&B group Mystic Merlin.
R&B legend Freddie Jackson dies
In 1985, Freddie released his debut album Rock Me Tonight. The title track reached the top of the R&B chart and stayed for six weeks. Another hit from the album You Are My Lady earned Jackson a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, which he lost to Sade.
His second album produced hits such as Tasty Love and Jam Tonight. His last album, My First Love, was released in 2023. According to his website, Freddie Jackson was touring until earlier this year.
Besides his music career, Jackson also acted. Per his IMDb page, he appeared as himself in one episode of Family Matters, as well as in the film King of New York. Moreover, Freddie starred as Sam in an episode of The Golden Girls.
Rest in peace, Freddie Jackson. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.
