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80s R&B legend Freddie Jackson has died just days after turning 69, his heartbroken family have announced.
Jackson, known for chart-topping hits including You Are My Lady and Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake), died on Monday, October 5, a statement on his Instagram page confirmed.
The message posted Tuesday read: 'It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Freddie Jackson, who went home to rest last night.
'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.
'To everyone who ever sang along, danced, or felt something when Freddie took the stage: Thank you. You were family to him, and he carried your love with him always.
80s R&B legend Freddie Jackson has died just days after turning 69, his heartbroken family have announced - pictured 1988
Jackson, known for chart-topping hits including You Are My Lady and Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake), died on Monday, October 5, a statement on his Instagram page confirmed
'Please keep his family, friends, and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time. Details regarding arrangements and how to honor his legacy will be shared in the coming days.
'Rest in peace, Freddie. Your legacy and your voice will live on forever. The Freddie Jackson Family.'
A cause of death has not been revealed at this time.
In 2024, Jackson revealed to People that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease.
'This journey has had its challenges but I’ve decided to face it with openness and resilience', he said.
'It’s important to me that I share this with you, not just as a part of my personal story, but as a way to make a positive difference.
'As I take this step, I’m turning my personal experience into a platform for greater understanding and advocacy. With your help, we can work towards better awareness and improved outcomes for everyone with kidney disease.'
Jackson racked up an impressive 10 number one singles on the R&B charts in the 1980s, with his biggest singles being Rock Me Tonight and You Are My Lady, both released in 1985.
The album, also named Rock Me Tonight, landed in the top 10 on the Billboard 200.
The latter single scored him two Grammy nominations in 1986 for Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
Jackson is pictured in 1990 with Whitney Houston and Melba Moore
Jackson is seen performing in 2023 in Texas
Jackson is pictured with legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and Reverend Al Sharpton in 1988
However, his career was not without controversy. In 1988, he raised eyebrows when he publicly slammed George Michael over his chart success.
Speaking to the LA Times, he said, 'That... that George Michael. Who does he think he is? We’ve gotta stop him.
'Just kidding, George, wherever you are - just kidding. He’s doing better on the black charts than the black singers. What gives? The brothers must not be doing something right if he can come in and take over.
'Listen, the black man is still the soul singer. People like George Michael and Michael Bolton are good singers. I’m not taking anything from them. White singers can have soul too, but it’s not the same as black soul. Black singers are born with soul, we live it.'
Reflecting on his upbringing in Harlem, New York, he added, 'I grew up in Harlem, eating collard greens and fried chicken.
'That’s not learned soul, it’s not acquired in some singing school or from copying what you hear on records. I live soul. That’s what you hear in my music or in the music of any black singer. That George Michael hasn’t been through any of that. Who does he think he is?'
English (US) ·