Freddie Jackson, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer whose smooth love songs helped define the sound of the 1980s, has died just days after celebrating his 70th birthday.
Jackson’s family announced his death in a statement shared on his official Instagram account. A cause of death was not disclosed.
The singer had previously revealed that he was living with kidney disease, but his family has not said whether the condition played any role in his death.
Jackson became one of R&B’s most recognizable voices after breaking through in the mid-1980s with songs including “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” and “You Are My Lady.”
His 1985 debut album, Rock Me Tonight, became a major commercial success and helped turn the Harlem-born singer into a star.
“You Are My Lady” became one of Jackson’s signature recordings and helped earn him Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 1986 Grammy Awards.
His success was not limited to one hit.
Jackson ultimately scored 10 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s R&B chart and built a career around romantic ballads that became staples of quiet-storm radio and R&B playlists.
His second album, Just Like the First Time, was also certified platinum and continued a remarkable run that made Jackson one of the genre’s leading male vocalists during the decade.
Long before his chart success, Jackson developed his voice singing gospel music in Harlem.
He later performed with the group Mystic Merlin before beginning his solo career and signing with Capitol Records.
Jackson continued recording and performing for decades, releasing music well beyond the height of his 1980s fame.
In 2024, he publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease and began using his platform to encourage others to pay closer attention to their kidney health.
At the time, Jackson said sharing the diagnosis was about more than simply discussing his own health battle. He wanted his experience to help raise awareness and potentially make a difference for others.
Chronic kidney disease can gradually reduce the kidneys’ ability to properly filter blood and perform other essential functions, and it can progress for years without obvious symptoms.
Jackson’s family remembered him not only for his music but also for the person he was away from the stage.
They described him as a kind and generous man who deeply loved his family, friends, fans and music.
For generations of R&B listeners, Jackson’s songs became closely tied to romances, weddings, celebrations and memories.
His family said that connection is what they hope listeners will continue to remember.
Jackson leaves behind a musical catalog that helped shape romantic R&B and a distinctive voice that remained instantly recognizable decades after his biggest hits.
Details about memorial services and other plans honoring his life are expected to be announced by his family.