Photo Credit: Hello Magazine/Essence/Leadership Newspapaer

Freddie Jackson’s has tragically passed away on Monday 5th October. His passing was confirmed through his social media accounts by his family the following day. Just three days earlier, on October 2 Jackson had turned 69, the timing is what made the news especially emotional for fans. Jackson had not been shy about his health struggles in recent years, although his family did not reveal an exact cause of death. He spoke publicly about living with Kidney disease in 2024 and joined forces with National Kidney Foundation to help raise awareness.

Jackson began singing gospel music at an early age at White Rock Baptist Church. After becoming a chart stopping star, Jackson would return on occassion to his home church and sing. A long standing church member Thomas Garvin pointed out, pastors like White Rock’s current leader Rev Dr Theresa Lloyd, would ask Jackson to perform a solo and Jackson would humbly oblige.

Rock Me Tonight, announced his arrival in a big way which was his 1985 debut album. Rock Me Tonight, the track, spent six weeks at number one on the R&B charts cementing his reputation as a master of smooth heartfelt ballads. Earning two Grammy nominations and slates of platinum and gold records in 1986 with his reputable talents. During his career he also contributed to the soundtrack “All Dogs Go To Heaven”. His refusal to chase mainstream pop trends is what set Jackson apart beyond his smooth tenor. Throughtout his career he remained commited to authentic soul music, a choice that earned him lasting respect among fellow musicians and fans.

He gave us songs for decades that became the soundtrack for our celebrations, our love stories and our most treasured memories. That gift will live on forever.

Written by Kanyinsola Oladunjoye