Freddie Jackson, the entertainer whose unmistakable voice powered classics such as “You Are My Lady,” “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” and “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” has died. He was 69.

Jackson transitioned Monday night, October 5, according to an announcement shared through his verified Instagram account the following day. A cause of death was not disclosed. His passing came three days after his 69th birthday.

“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,” the statement said. “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 continued, reading: “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. 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.”

Born Frederick Anthony Jackson in Harlem on October 2, 1957, Jackson began his professional career in the late 1970s and performed with the funk group Mystic Merlin before embarking on a solo career. His breakthrough arrived in 1985 with his debut album, Rock Me Tonight, beginning a run that made him one of R&B’s leading male vocalists during the decade.

“Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” spent six weeks atop Billboard’s R&B chart, while “You Are My Lady” also reached No. 1 and became his biggest crossover success, peaking at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album eventually earned platinum certification.

Jackson followed his debut with Just Like the First Time in 1986, another platinum release. The album produced several major singles, including “Tasty Love,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody” and “Jam Tonight,” all of which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B chart. His duet with Melba Moore, “A Little Bit More,” also topped the chart.

His success continued with Don’t Let Love Slip Away in 1988 and Do Me Again in 1990. Songs such as “Nice ’N’ Slow,” “Hey Lover” and “Do Me Again” added to a catalog closely associated with romantic R&B and the era’s popular slow jams. Jackson continued recording in the decades that followed, releasing Love Signals in 2018 and My First Love in 2023.

In 2024, Jackson publicly revealed he was living with kidney disease. His family did not indicate whether his illness was connected to his death.

Author: Okla Jones

Read the original article on Essence.