Grammy nominated R and B singer Freddie Jackson dies

Grammy nominated American R and B singer Freddie Jackson has died, according to statements posted by his family on social media. Outlets including The Guardian, UPI, independent.co.uk, TMZ, and Page Six reported his age as 70, while reports from SoulTracks, Stereogum, Daily Mail, and Rolling Stone listed his age as 69. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][11]

Jackson's family announced on Instagram that he died quietly, describing him as a kind and generous soul who loved his fans, family, and music. Independent.co.uk and Stereogum reported that no official cause of death was provided in the post. However, People.com reported that he had previously revealed a diagnosis of kidney disease. [1][2][3][4][5]

The Guardian, UPI, and independent.co.uk reported that Jackson achieved widespread fame in the 1980s with smooth chart-topping tracks including Rock Me Tonight For Old Times Sake and You Are My Lady. Independent.co.uk noted that his debut album earned him two Grammy Award nominations. [1][3][4]

Born in New York City, Jackson began singing as a child in a church choir in Harlem before joining the group Mystic Merlin in the late 1970s. He later toured with Melba Moore before signing with Capitol Records in 1985 and releasing a string of successful solo records. [12][13]