Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Freddie Jackson, R&B Hitmaker Behind “Rock Me Tonight,” Dies at 70
Freddie Jackson was a singer who became famous for his R&B music in the 1980s and early 1990s.
He died on October 5, three days after turning 70.
His family announced his death on Instagram, but the cause was not shared.
Jackson had 10 songs reach No.
1 on the R&B chart, including “Rock Me Tonight” and “You Are My Lady.”
He was nominated for two Grammy Awards.
His first two solo albums went platinum.
He kept making music through 2018 and returned to touring in 2014 and 2017.
In 2019, he received a Legend Award from the Black Music Honors.
Fellow singer Melba Moore remembered him as both a great singer and a dear friend.
Freddie Jackson died on October 5, three days after his 70th birthday; no cause of death was announced.
His family confirmed his death through his official Instagram account and said arrangements would be shared later.
Jackson scored 10 No. 1 R&B hits, including “Rock Me Tonight” and “You Are My Lady,” and had eight other Top 10 hits in six years.
His career included two Grammy nominations, platinum first and second solo albums, and a 2019 Black Music Honors Legend Award.
Melba Moore and other performers paid tribute; information about survivors and memorial arrangements was not immediately available in one report.
- Who
- Freddie Jackson, R&B singer
- What
- Jackson died at age 70; his family confirmed his death.
- When
- October 5, three days after his 70th birthday; the announcement was made Tuesday.
- Where
- The announcement appeared on Jackson’s official Instagram; he was born in Harlem, New York.
- Why
- The cause of death was not disclosed.
Family and tributes
Details not disclosed
Cause of death
Family and tributes
Jackson’s family confirmed his death and described him as a beloved, generous person.
Details not disclosed
The cause of death was not revealed.
Arrangements
Family and tributes
The family said details on arrangements and ways to honor his legacy would be shared in the coming days.
Details not disclosed
Information about survivors or a memorial service was not immediately available in the other report.
- Age
- 70
- Date of death
- October 5
- Cause of death
- Not disclosed
- R&B No. 1 hits
- 10
- Notable songs
- “Rock Me Tonight” and “You Are My Lady”
- Grammy nominations
- Two, including Best New Artist and Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male
- Career honors
- 2019 Legend Award at the Black Music Honors
