R&B singer Freddie Jackson dies at 70

Freddie Jackson, the smooth balladeer who rocked local airwaves and charts with songs including Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake); Tasty Love; You Are My Lady; A Little Bit More featuring Melba Moore; Nice and Slow; and All I Ever Ask featuring Najee, has died. Jackson’s death on Monday, October 5 was confirmed by his family in a statement posted on his official Instagram account. “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 post read. “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.” The cause of Jackson’s death was not stated; however, two years ago, he revealed in published reports, that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease. Jackson topped the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart 10 times during his career, with seven of his songs made the Billboard Hot 100, with You Are My Lady being the biggest hit, reaching #12 in 1985. He released 13 studio albums with 2023’s My First Love being his last release. He was nominated for a Grammy Best New Artiste Award as well as for Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance – Male for the song You Are My Lady. The singer, who was born Frederick Anthony Jackson, performed in Jamaica on several occasions. His last performance here was at the pre-Valentine show Love in the Gardens, which took place on February 11, 2024 at Hope Gardens, which also featured Alaine, Island Kings, Digicel Rising Star winner Remone Watson, and Sanchez. Emcee for the event, Heather CummingsWilliams shared her recollection of their meeting. “Freddie was awesome energy the moment I met him! One of the humblest superstars I’ve ever come across. The other was Peabo Bryson. Two pioneers… gone leaving behind unmatched legacy,” Cummings-Williams told the Jamaica Observer on Tuesday. “His performance was satisfactory; however, we assumed at the time that the reason for that was the fact that he was unwell. The promoters were unaware at the time of booking him. I interacted with him at the media launch as well as onstage at the Love in the Gardens show. Sleep well, Freddie. Your impact and contribution of endless love songs will never be forgotten,” said Cummings-Williams. In a joint statement shared with the Jamaica Observer, Maya Sewell and Tara Johnson, from the Love in the Gardens production team, said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Freddie Jackson’s passing. His music brought immense joy to lovers of R&B and soul across generations, particularly here in Jamaica. It was an honour to present his final concert performance on the island.” Reflecting on what it was like working with Jackson, Sewell said: “Freddie was an absolute gentleman — warm, gracious, and extraordinarily pleasant to work with throughout the entire production. It was a genuine honour for our entire team and local crew to accommodate him.” Sewell continued: “Freddie was a consummate professional and successfully delivered his entire scheduled set. While there was a noticeable, subtle shift when he landed and onstage, on a few of the audience’s favourite anthems, the energy in the space was magic. The crowd was so thrilled to share that nostalgic moment with him that the performance quickly transformed into a unified, heart-warming sing-along.” Jackson was a back-up singer for R&B singer Melba Moore before he got his big break. Her publicist shared a statement with the Observer, commenting on Jackson’s passing. “My heart is broken over the loss of a great singer and even a greater friend, Freddie Jackson. When we worked together on songs such as our hit, A Little Bit More, his sense of humour had me laughing during the sessions. We had such a special relationship. I will forever miss my dear friend. Rest peacefully, Freddie,” shared Melba Moore.