Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Freddie Jackson has died at the age of 70.
The Grammy-nominated R&B singer, best known for his 1985 hit Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake), died on Monday just three days after his birthday.
A statement shared on Jackson’s Instagram account on Tuesday read: “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.
“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. (sic)”
In 2024, Jackson announced he had been diagnosed with kidney disease and, despite the “challenges” of his journey, wanted to “face it with openness and resilience”.
Per People, he said: “It is 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.
“As I take this step, I’m turning my personal experience into a platform for greater understanding and advocacy. With your help, we can work towards better awareness and improved outcomes for everyone with kidney disease.”
Born in Harlem, New York City, on October 2, 1957, Jackson grew up singing gospel at White Rock Baptist Church, where he met future producer and songwriting partner Paul Laurence.
Jackson later joined Laurence’s group, LJE (Laurence Jones Ensemble), performing in New York nightclubs before becoming the lead singer of the funk band Mystic Merlin.
After the group released three albums between 1980 and 1982, he returned to New York and began working with Laurence at Hush Productions.
In 1984, Jackson signed with Capitol Records and released his debut album, Rock Me Tonight, the following year.
His success continued with the 1986 album Just Like the First Time, which also went platinum and produced three R+B number-one hits – Tasty Love, Have You Ever Loved Somebody and Jam Tonight.
He went on to score further chart-toppers including Hey Lover, Nice ‘N’ Slow, Do Me Again and Love Me Down.
Jackson continued performing and recording into the 2010s, releasing singles including Love and Satisfaction and A Million Ways, while his 2017 single One Night reached number one on the Indie Soul chart.
