R&B legend Freddie Jackson, best known for his hit Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake), has died at the age of 70. Jackson passed away on Monday, October 5, just days after celebrating his birthday on October 2.

His family announced his passing on his official Instagram account, sharing their deep sadness and honoring him as a “kind, generous soul” who loved his fans, family, friends and music. They thanked fans for their unwavering support, noted that details on memorial arrangements and ways to honor his legacy will be shared soon, and closed by affirming that his voice and legacy will live on.

Born Frederick Anthony Jackson in New York, Jackson grew up in Harlem and began singing gospel at White Rock Baptist Church. He later found his way into the city’s club scene, performing with the R&B group Mystic Merlin and working as a backing vocalist before stepping out as a solo artist.

Along the way, he connected with producer and songwriter Paul Laurence, a partnership that would prove key to launching his recording career.

Over the decades, Jackson’s music became the soundtrack to countless memorable moments. Alongside Rock Me Tonight, songs like You Are My Lady helped establish him as a defining voice of the Quiet Storm era, and he went on to land 11 No. 1 singles on the Billboard R&B charts throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

R&B Icon Freddie Jackson Passes Away

Jackson continued performing until recently. According to his Instagram, he headlined an ’80s Night concert in Fort Worth, Texas, in April, and took the stage at a Philadelphia winery in June in what became one of his final performances.

Tributes have begun pouring in, including from his longtime vocal coach and close colleague Carl Jenkins, who honored “the incomparable Mr. Freddie Jackson” on social media, writing, “It was my honor to be your vocal coach. I love you, brother.”