R&B Singer Freddie Jackson, Voice Behind “You Are My Lady,” Has Died

Freddie Jackson, one of the smoothest voices of 1980s R&B, has died. His family confirmed the news in a statement shared with fans.

Family Announces His Passing

The family said Jackson “went home to rest last night.” They did not give his age or a cause of death.

They described him as far more than a gifted singer. To them, he was kind and generous. He loved his fans, his family, his friends and his music.

A Voice for Slow Jams

Jackson sang romantic soul and R&B ballads. His songs found a loyal audience among adult contemporary listeners for decades.

His best-known hits include:

• “You Are My Lady”
• “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times’ Sake)”
• “Tasty Love”
• “Have You Ever Loved Somebody”
• “Jam Tonight”
• “Do Me Again”

From Harlem to the Charts

Frederick Anthony Jackson was born in Harlem, New York, on October 2, 1956. He began singing professionally in the late 1970s with the funk group Mystic Merlin. Later, he moved into a solo career.

His breakthrough came in 1985 with his debut album, Rock Me Tonight. The title track and “You Are My Lady” became big R&B hits. The title song spent six weeks at number one on the R&B charts. The album went platinum, and so did its follow-up, Just Like the First Time.

Still Recording and Performing

Jackson never stopped making music. He released Love Signals in 2018 and My First Love in 2023. He also kept performing. Reports say he took the stage as recently as September 2026.

In 2024, he revealed that he had kidney disease and spoke about working with the National Kidney Foundation. His family’s statement did not say whether the illness was linked to his death.

Tributes and Funeral Plans

The family thanked fans for their love. “You were family to him,” they said, and told those who sang along or danced to his music that he carried their support with him.

They asked people to keep his relatives and friends in their prayers. Funeral details and plans to honour his legacy will be announced later.