Freddie Jackson, Voice Behind ‘You Are My Lady,’ Dies at 70

Freddie Jackson

R&B singer and New York City native Freddie Jackson, whose smooth, soulful voice made him one of the defining artists of 1980s contemporary R&B, has died at the age of 70.

Jackson was best known for such enduring classics as “You Are My Lady,” a song that became a signature of his career and helped establish him as one of the era’s leading voices in romantic soul music.

His musical journey began in the church. As a child, Jackson sang gospel at White Rock Baptist Church in Harlem, where he developed the vocal foundation that would later become central to his professional career.

He eventually entered New York’s club scene with Paul Laurence before heading West in the late 1970s with the band Mystic Merlin. After returning to New York, Jackson sang back-up for Melba Moore. He launched his solo career and released his debut album, “Rock Me Tonight,” in 1985.

The album quickly propelled him to stardom and produced some of his most recognizable work.

Jackson followed with his sophomore album, “Just Like the First Time,” in 1987. The album was certified platinum, further cementing his place among the era’s prominent R&B artists.

Throughout his career, Jackson continued to record and perform, contributing music to the soundtrack of the animated film “All Dogs Go to Heaven” and releasing new music as recently as 2019.

In 2024, Jackson publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease. In a video shared on social media, he spoke candidly about his health journey and his determination to use his experience to help others.

“This journey has had its challenges but I’ve decided to face it with openness and resilience,” Jackson said. “It’s 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.”

Jackson also announced that he had partnered with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness about kidney disease.

His family announced his death on social media, remembering him not only as a gifted musician but as a person whose music became part of the lives of generations of listeners.

“Jackson was a kind generous soul, whose music was the soundtrack to our love stories, celebrations and treasured memories,” the family said.

A cause of death has not been revealed.