NEW YORK — R&B singer and New York City native Freddie Jackson has died at the age of 70.
The musician was known for soulful classics like “You Are My Lady.”
Jackson began singing gospel music at White Rock Baptist Church in Harlem at an early age.
He started his career in the New York club scene, eventually making his way out West with the band Mystic Merlin in the late ’70s. He soon returned to New York and released his debut album, “Rock Me Tonight,” in 1985, which made him an instant star.
His sophomore album, 1987’s “Just Like the First Time,” was also certified platinum.
During his career, he also contributed to the soundtrack “All Dogs go to Heaven.”
Singer Freddie Jackson attends the premiere of “Top Five” at the Ziegfeld Theatre on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, in New York.
Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
He continued to release new music until 2019.
In 2024, Jackson revealed he had been diagnosed with kidney disease in a video shared to his social media accounts.
“This journey has had its challenges but I’ve decided to face it with openness and resilience,” he said in the clip. “It’s important to me that I share this with you, not just as a part of my personal story, but as a way to make a positive difference.”
At the time, Jackson also revealed he had partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness of the disease.
Jackson’s family announced his passing on social media, saying in part:
“Jackson was a kind generous soul, whose music was the soundtrack to our love stories, celebrations and treasured memories.”
A cause of death has not been revealed.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
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