R&B legend Freddie Jackson has died at the age of 69.
Jackson, the powerhouse voice behind hits like “You Are My Lady” and “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)”, died on Monday, October 5, 2026, just three days after his birthday.
His family announced the news on Tuesday via his Instagram account. “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 statement read.
“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.”
The family said Jackson’s legacy and voice will live on forever and asked the public to keep his family in prayers. They said details regarding funeral arrangements and how to honor his legacy will be shared in the coming days. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Jackson had revealed in 2024 that he was diagnosed with kidney disease. He partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness at the time.
Born Frederick Anthony Jackson on October 2, 1957, in Harlem, New York, Jackson was trained as a gospel singer at the White Rock Baptist Church of Harlem. He began his professional career in the late 1970s with the funk band Mystic Merlin before signing with Capitol Records in 1984.
His debut album “Rock Me Tonight” spent six weeks atop the R&B chart in 1985 and went platinum. Other chart-topping hits included “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” “Jam Tonight,” and “Do Me Again.”
He is being reported as 69 by some outlets and 70 by others, due to confusion over his 1956 vs 1957 birth year on record.
