R&B ICON FREDDIE JACKSON, VOICE BEHIND “YOU ARE MY LADY,” DIES AT 70

Staff Writer

October 7, 2026 — Freddie Jackson, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer whose smooth ballads helped define the sound of the 1980s, has died, his family has confirmed. He was 70.

Jackson died Monday, October 5, just three days after his birthday, according to a statement shared by his family through his official Instagram account. A cause of death has not been announced.

The family remembered Jackson as more than the celebrated voice behind some of R&B’s most enduring love songs, describing him as a kind and generous person whose music became part of countless relationships, celebrations and memories.

Born and raised in Harlem, New York, Jackson began singing gospel at White Rock Baptist Church before entering the New York music scene and later performing with the band Mystic Merlin. His breakthrough as a solo artist came with the release of his debut album, Rock Me Tonight, in 1985.

The album produced two of his signature recordings, “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” and “You Are My Lady,” and was certified platinum. Jackson earned Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “You Are My Lady.”

His success continued with Just Like the First Time, another platinum-selling album, while songs including “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” “Jam Tonight,” “Tasty Love” and “Do Me Again” helped establish Jackson as a major presence on R&B radio through the 1980s and early 1990s.

In 2024, Jackson publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease and partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness. His family has not said whether the illness was connected to his death.

Jackson continued recording and performing for decades, leaving behind a catalogue closely associated with the golden era of contemporary R&B.

His family said details regarding arrangements and how fans can honour his legacy will be announced in the coming days.