by Steven Seedo
PARAMARIBO — American R&B and soul singer Freddie Jackson died on Monday evening. Jackson, born on October 2, 1956, died just three days after his seventieth birthday. His family announced his death via Instagram. A cause of death has not been announced.
Jackson became one of the recognizable voices of romantic R&B in the eighties. With his smooth, velvety voice he scored big hits such as ‘You Are My Lady’, ‘Rock Me Tonight’ (‘For Old Times Sake’) and ‘Nice and Slow’. ‘You Are My Lady’ in particular, from 1985, became a classic that could be heard for years at weddings, engagements and other moments where romance was central.
“Freddie Jackson leaves behind beautiful memories and music”
DJ Winston
Between the mid-1980s and the early 1990s, Jackson achieved several number one hits on the American R&B charts. His work earned him two Grammy nominations, in addition to gold and platinum records.
Surinamese experiences
Jackson’s music was also part of the nightlife and radio in Suriname. DJ Winston, who was active in the eighties and nineties, mainly remembers the dance parties. “As a DJ from the 80s/90s, I look back to the slow/soulseries at dance parties, where his hits such as ‘You Are My Lady’ and ‘Rock Me Tonight’ were always there,” the deejay shares his memories with the True Time.
According to him, Jackson was also a much sought-after artist on the radio. “Bee RP The Hot One I always received requests for his music during night shifts, such as ‘Nice and Slow’. Freddie Jackson leaves behind beautiful memories and music.”
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Kidney disease
Jackson started with gospel music before turning to R&B and soul. His voice and style made him an important interpreter of the romantic soul of his generation.
The New York Times described him in 1989 as “one of the most elegant artists of black pop music” and praised his ability to heart breakballad to be widely understood.
In 2024, Jackson announced that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease. He then spoke publicly about his personal struggle and wanted to work with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness about kidney disease.
His family emphasizes that after his death, the memories Jackson left behind with his music will live on. According to the family, he was more than a legendary voice: he was a warm and generous personality who loved his fans, family, friends and music. With his death, the R&B world loses a singer whose voice remained linked to love, romance and the slow jams of the eighties and nineties.
