On Tuesday, Freddie Jackson’s family revealed that the “Rock Me Tonight” singer died Monday, just three days after his 70th birthday.
In a social media post released on Tuesday evening, the family said Jackson passed on Monday evening. The family did not reveal the cause of death, though Jackson revealed he was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2024.
“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 post read. “Rest in peace, Freddie. Your legacy and your voice will live on forever.”
Freddie Jackson was born in Harlem and came up through the New York music scene. While he was trained as a gospel singer, his professional career began with the funk band Mystic Merlin, with whom he recorded three albums. The band was known for both their soulful sound and elaborate performances.
Jackson rose to fame in the 80s with the release of his debut album Rock Me Tonight in 1985. The album went platinum, and its title track, “Rock Me Tonight,” reached number one on the R&B charts. His follow-up single, “You Are My Lady,” was equally successful in R&B and reached number three on Adult Contemporary charts as well.as well
His second album, Just Like the First Time, continued his hot streak on the R&B charts. He had three No.1 hits in “Tasty Love,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” and “Jam Tonight,” with “I Don’t Want to Lose Your Love” hitting No. 2. Jackson released his final album, My First Love, in 2023 and dedicated it to his mother.
I can’t even lie, folks, my attachment to Jackson’s music largely stems from his song “Love Survives,” which was the main theme for All Dogs Go To Heaven, and a vaporwave remix of “A Little Bit More,” a duet he recorded with Melba Moore (what can I say, I’m a millennial). After listening to some of his biggest hits to write this, it’s clear he was a musical talent, and it’s easy to see why his music meant so much to so many.
As news of Jackson’s death spread, there was an outpouring of support from those who had memories and a love for Jackson’s music. “His powerful voice helped provide the soundtrack to generations of love and joy. Rest in Power, Brother Freddie. Your music lives on,” civil rights attorney Ben Crump wrote in a social media post.
“Some voices become part of the soundtrack of our lives. Freddie Jackson’s was one of those,” actress Holly Robinson Peete wrote in a social media post. “His music made people feel loved, reminded us of someone special, and brought us back to moments we thought we had forgotten. What an extraordinary gift to leave the world.”Freddie Jackson left a robust musical legacy, with his songs becoming the soundtrack of so many first loves, marriages, and anniversaries. Though he is gone, his art will never be forgotten.
We send our thoughts and prayers to Jackson’s family as they mourn. Rest in Peace, Freddie Jackson. You will be missed.
This story was originally published on NewsOne.
