Freddie Jackson, the rhythm and blues singer whose hits included “You Are My Lady” and “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake),” has died, according to a family statement posted to his official social media account on Tuesday, October 6.
The statement said Jackson died Monday night, October 5. People and TMZ reported the announcement. No cause of death was disclosed.
Jackson was 70. His official biography lists his birth date as October 2, 1956, in Harlem, New York.
His 1985 Capitol Records debut, Rock Me Tonight, established him as a major voice on urban contemporary radio. The title track and “You Are My Lady” reached No. 1 on the rhythm and blues singles chart, according to his official biography. His subsequent hits included “Tasty Love,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody” and “Jam Tonight.”
Jackson’s career began with gospel singing at White Rock Baptist Church in Harlem, where he met future collaborator Paul Laurence. He later sang with Mystic Merlin and worked as a backup singer for Melba Moore before his solo breakthrough, according to his official biography. Radio Facts’ career retrospective also traces those roots and his impact on adult rhythm and blues radio.
The family said details about arrangements and ways to honor Jackson would be shared in the coming days.