When you think of music for the “Grown Folks,” you think of songs like, “Rock Me Tonight,” or “You Are My Lady,” or “Tasty Love.”
R&B ballads that had that real, authentic soul.
Real. Authentic. Freddie Jackson.
Jackson, the Harlem-born-and-raised voice of a generation, two times Grammy nominated for his works, died on Oct. 5, 2026, three days after his 70th birthday, the New Pittsburgh Courier has learned. Jackson’s family posted a statement to his Instagram page: “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.”
Frederick Anthony Jackson, born on Oct. 2, 1956, finally broke through the tough-to-crack music scene in the mid-1980s with his debut album, “Rock Me Tonight,” featuring the song that’s come to define his legacy. The song spent six weeks at the top of the Billboard Black Music chart in 1985. Jackson’s second single off the album, “You Are My Lady,” cemented his place in the R&B world in the ‘80s. Still, there were other highlights on that debut album, including “Love Is Just A Touch Away” and “He’ll Never Love You.”
Jackson’s second album, “Just Like The First Time,” released in November 1986, featured the well-known “Tasty Love,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody” and the uptempo track, “Jam Tonight.” The favored songs, “I Don’t Want To Lose Your Love” and “A Little Bit More,” are also on that second album.
Jackson went on to record at least 10 more albums throughout his career.
In 2024, Jackson revealed that he was diagnosed with kidney disease. It’s unclear as of Courier press time the exact cause of Jackson’s death.
R&B powerhouse singer Stephanie Mills said on Instagram, “Rest in paradise, Mr. Jackson,” upon learning of Jackson’s death. The Rev. Al Sharpton also commented on Jackson’s passing: “I’m saddened to hear of the death of my dear friend, Freddie Jackson. Freddie was an enormously gifted entertainer and committed community activist. When his record was Number 1 or not, he was always in the thick of his community. A true brother beloved who will be missed. May he rest (in) peace and power.”