by THE INNER-CITY NEWS
Beloved singer and Harlem native Freddie Jackson, a two-time Grammy-nominated vocalist who released a long string of hit R&B songs throughout the 1980s and 1990s, has died at 70. News of his death was confirmed on his official Instagram page on Tuesday morning.
“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” read the statement from the Instagram posting. “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 cause of Jackson’s death has yet to be disclosed, although he did reveal in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease. “This journey has had its challenges but I’ve decided to face it with openness and resilience,” Jackson said in a video message to his fans. “It’s important to me that I share this with you, not just as a part of my personal story, but as a way to make a positive difference.”
Jackson was one of the most prolific hitmakers of his generation. He made his mark as an icon of classy sensuality. He was best known for lending his warm tenor vocals to romantic love ballads. In an era when Luther Vandross, James Ingram, Jeffrey Osborne, and Peabo Bryson ruled the quiet-storm airwaves, Jackson stood out as one of most consistent hitmakers of his peers.
Born in Harlem, New York, on October 2, 1956, Jackson found and honed his voice in the church choir at White Rock Baptist Church on 127th Street. It was there that he met Paul Laurence and joined Laurence’s singing group, LJE.
After years of singing in the New York club circuit, Jackson ventured to California, where he joined the funk band Mystic Merlin. His stint with Mystic Merlin was brief; after three albums, he returned to New York City, reuniting with Laurence and singing backup for singer/actress Melba Moore.
In 1985, a year after landing a contract with Capital Records, Jackson released his solo debut album, “Rock Me Tonight,” with Laurence producing the leading “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Time’s Sake).” The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B charts. Barry Eastmond, a Moore collaborator, handled the bulk of the album’s production, as well as “You Are My Lady,” another chart-topping R&B hit from the LP. “Rock Me Tonight” earned Jackson the lone two Grammy nominations of his career, for Best New Artist and Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male, for “You Are My Lady.”
Jackson’s first two albums, “Rock Me Tonight” and 1986’s “Just Like the First Time,” went platinum. That marked the beginning of his dominance on Black radio.
With Laurence and Eastmond by his side, Jackson achieved 10 No. 1 singles on the Billboard R&B charts from 1985 to 1992, including “Jam Tonight,” “Tasty Love,” and “A Little Bit More” with Melba Moore. During that run, he racked up a total of 19 Top 10 singles on the Billboard R&B charts. He released his final album, “My First Love,” in 2023.
Despite having kidney disease, Jackson continued to record and tour. His last performance took place on June 6 at City Winery in Philadelphia.
Discover more from InnerCity News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
