R&B star Freddie Jackson dies at 69

American R&B and soul singer Freddie Jackson, best known for hits including Rock Me Tonight and You Are My Lady, has died at the age of 69.

Jackson’s family announced his death in a statement, saying the veteran singer “went home to rest last night.” The family did not disclose his cause of death.

“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 said.

The family described Jackson as more than a legendary singer, saying he was a kind and generous man who deeply loved his family, friends, fans and music.

Jackson became one of the prominent voices in romantic R&B and soul music, particularly among adult contemporary audiences.

Some of his best-known songs include Rock Me Tonight, You Are My Lady, Tasty Love, Have You Ever Loved Somebody, Jam Tonight, He’ll Never Love You (Like I Do) and Do Me Again.

Born Frederick Anthony Jackson in Harlem, New York, on October 2, 1956, Jackson began his professional music career in the late 1970s as a member of the California-based funk band Mystic Merlin.

He later launched his solo career and achieved a major breakthrough in 1985 with his debut album, Rock Me Tonight.

The album’s title track and You Are My Lady became major R&B successes, while the album itself went platinum.

His follow-up album, Just Like the First Time, also achieved platinum status, further establishing Jackson as one of the leading male voices in R&B during the 1980s.

He remained active in music for decades, releasing albums including Love Signals in 2018 and My First Love in 2023.

Jackson also continued performing live, with reports of concert appearances as recently as September 2026.

In 2024, the singer publicly disclosed that he was battling kidney disease. However, his family did not indicate whether the condition was connected to his death.

Following the announcement, tributes began pouring in from fans and admirers who remembered Jackson for his distinctive voice and decades-long contribution to R&B music.

His family thanked his fans for their support throughout his career.

“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 family said.

The family asked the public to keep Jackson’s relatives, friends and loved ones in their prayers.

Details of his funeral arrangements and plans to honour his legacy will be announced later.

“Rest in peace, Freddie. Your legacy and your voice will live on forever,” the family said.