Freddie Jackson, the R&B singer best known for the '80s hits "Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)" and "You Are My Lady," died four days after his birthday, at 70.
Jackson's death was announced by his family on his official Instagram Tuesday, Oct. 6.
"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."
The New York City-born singer got his start singing in church and New York clubs before a move to California,
where he sang lead for the funk band Mystic Merlin. He later moved back to New York and returned to the nightclub scene, where he would sing background for Melba Moore. Working with his former childhood friend, producer and songwriter Paul Laurence, his demo tapes landed him a record deal with Capitol.
Jackson rose to prominence in the mid-to-late '80s, with his track "Rock Me Tonight" reaching 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.
His songs "He'll Never Love You (Like I Do)," "Love Is Just a Touch Away," "A Little Bit More" with Moore, "Have You Ever Loved Somebody," "Jam Tonight," "I Don't Want to Lose Your Love" "Hey Lover," "Nice and Slow" and "Crazy (For Me)" also had chart success.
He also started the 1990s strong, with R&B chart-topper "Do Me Again." He later left Capitol, releasing the albums "Here It Is" and "Private Party" for other labels before going independent. His final album, "My First Love," was released in 2023.
"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. "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 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."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Freddie Jackson, R&B legend known for 'Rock Me Tonight,' dies at 70
