R&B singer Freddie Jackson dies at 70

R&B singer Freddie Jackson, whose 1980s hits included “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” and “You Are My Lady,” has died at the age of 70.

A statement shared by his family on his official “Instagram” account said Jackson died on Monday, three days after his birthday. The family did not give a cause of death.

“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 statement said. It added that his songs had become part of listeners’ love stories, celebrations and treasured memories.

Jackson was born and raised in Harlem, where he was exposed to soul music and sang gospel at White Rock Baptist Church. He began performing in New York clubs and later joined the band Mystic Merlin, travelling west with the group in the late 1970s.

He returned to New York and released his debut album, “Rock Me Tonight,” in 1985. The album was quickly certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and brought Jackson two Grammy nominations: best new artist and best male R&B vocal performance for “You Are My Lady.”

Jackson became a regular on the “Billboard” charts and contemporary urban radio through the 1980s and early 1990s. His 1987 album, “Just Like the First Time,” also achieved platinum certification.

In 2024, Jackson said in a video shared on social media that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease. He also announced a partnership with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness of the condition.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in seven American adults has chronic kidney disease, and as many as nine in 10 people with the condition may not know they have it.

Details of Jackson’s funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days, his family said.