Freddie Jackson, R&B Hitmaker Behind 'You Are My Lady' and 'Rock Me Tonight,' Dies at 70

Freddie Jackson, the silky-voiced R&B singer whose 1980s ballads including "You Are My Lady" and "Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)" became staples of quiet storm radio, died Monday at age 70. His family announced the death on his verified Instagram account on Tuesday, October 6, saying he "went home to rest last night." No cause of death was given, though Jackson had disclosed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease.

The announcement came three days after Jackson's 70th birthday. Born Frederick Anthony Jackson in Harlem on October 2, 1957, he sang gospel at White Rock Baptist Church before breaking into the New York club scene. A stint with the California funk band Mystic Merlin preceded a return to New York, where he worked as a backup singer for Melba Moore and others. Moore later recalled discovering him in a nightclub and telling herself, "My God, what a voice."

Jackson's 1985 debut album, "Rock Me Tonight," was certified platinum and produced four R&B hits, including the title track and "You Are My Lady." The album earned him two Grammy nominations, for best new artist and best male R&B vocal performance. Over the next seven years he logged 10 No. 1 singles on Billboard's R&B chart, among them "Tasty Love," "Have You Ever Loved Somebody," "Jam Tonight," and "Love Me Down." In all, Jackson placed 35 entries on the R&B songs chart, with 19 reaching the top 10.

His family's statement described Jackson as "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 read. "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."

“My heart is broken over the loss of a great singer and even a greater friend, Freddie Jackson. When we worked together on songs such as our hit, 'A Little Bit More,' his sense of humor had me laughing during the sessions. We had such a special relationship. I will forever miss my dear friend. Rest peacefully, Freddie.”

: Melba Moore, in a statement

Jackson continued to record into the 2000s, releasing albums including "Transitions" in 2006 and "For You" in 2010, and remained a draw on the concert and festival circuit. His career also included a duet with Irene Cara on the "All Dogs Go to Heaven" soundtrack and a cameo as a lounge singer on a 1989 episode of "The Golden Girls."

In a September 2024 Instagram video, Jackson spoke publicly about his kidney disease diagnosis. "This journey has had its challenges but I've decided to face it with openness and resilience," he said at the time, adding that he had partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness. His family said details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days.