Grammy-nominated R&B singer Freddie Jackson, known for '80s hits like
'You Are My Lady,' dies at 70
[October 07, 2026]
By MARIA SHERMAN
Grammy-nominated R&B singer Freddie Jackson, known for his smooth '80s
hits “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” and “You Are My Lady,” has
died. He was 70.
A statement shared by his family on his official Instagram account
confirmed Jackson died Monday, three days after his 70th birthday. No
cause of death was provided.
“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 statement read.
“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,” it continued.
Details regarding arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
Jackson was born and raised in Harlem, where he learned all about soul
music and sang gospel at White Rock Baptist Church. He started his
career in the New York club scene, eventually making his way out West
with the band Mystic Merlin in the late '70s. He soon returned to New
York and released his debut album, “Rock Me Tonight,” in 1985. His
distinctive voice proved to be his superpower: The album, which was
quickly certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of
America, also led to his two career Grammy nominations. Those were for
best new artist and best male R&B vocal performance for the single “You
Are My Lady.”
“Rock Me Tonight” also created a new R&B superstar: Jackson became a
mainstay of those Billboard charts and a fixture of contemporary urban
radio play throughout the ’80s and early '90s.
His sophomore album, 1987's “Just Like the First Time,” was also
certified platinum.
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Freddie Jackson attends a special screening of "The Magnificent
Seven" in New York on Sept. 19, 2016. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP,
File)
 Jackson shared his kidney disease
diagnosis in 2024
In 2024, Jackson revealed he had been diagnosed with kidney disease
in a video shared to his social media accounts.
“This journey has had its challenges but I’ve decided to face it
with openness and resilience,” he said in the clip. “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.”
At the time, Jackson also revealed he had partnered with the
National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness of the disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more
than 1 in 7 American adults has chronic kidney disease. As many as 9
in 10 don’t know they have it.
Chronic kidney disease is a condition where the kidneys are damaged
and struggle to filter blood. As a result, excess waste and fluids
remain and can lead to other health issues, such as heart disease.
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