R&B Star Freddie Jackson Dies; Remembered for Hit Songs

R&B singer Freddie Jackson, known for hits like “Rock Me Tonight” and “You Are My Lady,” died Oct. 5. His family announced his death on his official social media pages, stating he “went home to rest.”

Jackson’s career began in gospel music at Harlem's White Rock Baptist Church. He met producer and songwriter Paul Laurence there, later joining Laurence's group LJE and performing in New York City clubs. He moved to the West Coast as the lead singer for Mystic Merlin before returning to New York. His breakthrough came in 1985 with Capitol Records, releasing his debut album “Rock Me Tonight.” The title track topped the R&B charts for six weeks. Jackson's other hits include “You Are My Lady,” “He’ll Never Love You (Like I Do),” “Love Is Just a Touch Away,” “Just Like the First Time,” and a duet with Melba Moore, “A Little Bit More.”

He released music throughout his career, signing with RCA in 1994 for “Here It Is” and issuing independent albums, including his latest, “My First Love,” in 2023.