Award-winning R&B singer Freddie Jackson has died, his family announced this week.
Jackson, known for his 1980s hits "Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)" and "You Are My Lady," died Monday, Oct. 5, his family said in an Instagram post. While the post noted he died days after his 69th birthday, other media outlets cited Jackson as having been 70 at the time of his death.
"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 family captioned a photo of Jackson, soundtracked by his song "Complicated" released in 2023. "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."
Here's what to know about Freddie Jackson.
When did Freddie Jackson die?
Freddie Jackson died Oct. 5 at 69 years old, his family announced in the Instagram post. However, other media reports cited his age as 70 years old. No cause or location of death has been provided.
His family asked for prayers for his loved ones, and said details regarding arrangements and how to honor his legacy would be shared at a later date. "Rest in peace, Freddie," they wrote. "Your legacy and your voice will live on forever."
Who was Freddie Jackson?
Born Frederick Anthony Jackson in Harlem, New York, he was an award-winning R&B singer who reached the height of his career success in the 1980s with hits like "Rock Me Tonight," which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart (what the publication called its R&B chart at the time) for six weeks in 1985. His follow-up single, "You Are My Lady," also topped the chart and reached No. 13 on the Hot 100 later that year.
Jackson's career also included success in the 1990s with R&B chart-topper "Do Me Again" and eventually went independent.
"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," his family wrote in the post. "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."
His final album, "My First Love," was released in 2023.
USA TODAY contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 1980s R&B singer Freddie Jackson dies. What family is saying
