Freddie Jackson, whose sweet voice swept an entire generation, died Monday evening, his family announced on Instagram. He was 70 years old.
“Freddie was more than a legendary voice. He was a kind and generous soul who loved his fans, his family, his friends and his music with everything he had,” his family wrote.
“For decades, he gave us the songs that became the soundtrack to our love stories, our celebrations, and our most cherished memories,” the message continues. “This gift will live forever.”
Her 1985 hit single “You Are My Lady” became one of the most recognizable songs at weddings and engagements and whenever a romantic mood needed to be created.
“To everyone who ever sang, danced or felt anything when Freddie took the stage: thank you. You were family to him and he always carried your love with him,” his family said on social media.
No cause of death was given.
Jackson announced in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease and planned to partner with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness.
Jackson said that after much thought and reflection, he was finally able to speak publicly about his deeply personal journey.
“This journey has been difficult, but I am not alone in facing it,” he said. “My close friends, my manager and my music family, and all of you are here with me to support me.”
The foundation said it was deeply saddened to learn of his death and congratulated him for his courage in the darkest of times.
“His battle with kidney disease touched many lives and his courage will not be forgotten,” the foundation said in a statement on social media.
One in seven Americans suffers from chronic kidney disease, which can lead to bone weakness and heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nine out of ten people don’t know they have it.
Jackson was born in Harlem, New York, and learned to sing gospel music before moving on to more adult themes. Her silky voice has earned her two Grammy nominations and a list of platinum and gold records, Rolling Stone reported.
In 1989, the New York Times wrote that he was “one of black pop’s most elegant performers, a singer who could turn a heartbreaking ballad into a worldview.”
“My music is for people who like to hold hands in concert,” he told the Times.
“If people could reduce their hatred a little, the chaos and problems of life would not be so strong,” he added. “In my shows, I see people who don’t know each other end up talking to each other.”
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