Jackson died Monday, Oct. 5, three days after his birthday, according to a statement from his family shared through his official Instagram account. The family did not disclose a cause of death.

His death marked the passing of one of the prominent voices of a major era in contemporary R&B.

A major voice of 1980s R&B

Jackson broke through in 1985 with his debut album, Rock Me Tonight.

The album produced two of his best-known songs, “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” and “You Are My Lady.” It was certified platinum and established Jackson as a major presence on R&B radio and the Billboard charts.

His 1987 album, Just Like the First Time, also achieved platinum status.

Jackson’s smooth vocals and romantic ballads became closely associated with the sound of 1980s and early-1990s R&B.

Two Grammy nominations

Jackson received two Grammy nominations at the 1986 Grammy Awards.

He was nominated for Best New Artist and Male R&B Vocal Performance for “You Are My Lady.” He did not win either award.

The nominations reflected the rapid rise of a singer who had moved from the New York music scene into national prominence within a few years.

From gospel to R&B stardom

Jackson was born and raised in Harlem, New York.

He developed his musical foundation singing gospel at White Rock Baptist Church before entering the New York club scene. He later performed with the group Mystic Merlin before returning to New York and pursuing a solo career.

His solo success made him a regular presence on R&B charts throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s.

Songs including “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” “Jam Tonight” and “Do Me Again” expanded his catalog beyond his best-known ballads.

Jackson also worked outside his solo recordings. In 1989, he contributed “Love Survives,” a duet with Irene Cara, to the soundtrack of All Dogs Go to Heaven.

His final years

Jackson continued making music and performing for decades after his breakthrough.

In 2024, he publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease. He also worked with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness about the condition.

His family did not say that kidney disease caused his death.

That distinction remains important because no cause of death has been disclosed.

A lasting R&B legacy

Jackson’s career connected the polished romantic sound of 1980s R&B with audiences that continued to embrace his music long after his commercial peak.

His two platinum albums, Grammy nominations and enduring recordings established a legacy that extended beyond the decade in which he first became famous.

For generations of listeners, songs such as “You Are My Lady” and “Rock Me Tonight” remained closely associated with the romantic side of contemporary R&B.

Jackson’s family said he loved his fans, family, friends and music and thanked those who had supported him throughout his career.

Details of funeral arrangements and other tributes are expected to be announced by the family.

Reporting Credit: Freddie Jackson’s family and official social-media statement; Recording Academy; Recording Industry Association of America; Billboard chart records; National Kidney Foundation.

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Music Icon Killed in Early Morning Collision on Interstate 65

Angie Stone, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer known for hits like “Wish I Didn’t Miss You“ and a pioneer in hip-hop with The Sequence, has died at the age of 63. Stone was tragically killed in a car accident early Saturday morning while traveling from Alabama to Atlanta.

Fatal Crash Details

The accident occurred around 4:25 a.m. on Interstate 65, about five miles south of Montgomery, Alabama. According to the Alabama Highway Patrol, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van Stone was riding in overturned and was then struck by a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia truck driven by a 33-year-old man from Texas.

Stone was pronounced dead at the scene.
Seven others in the van, including the driver, were taken to Baptist Medical Center for treatment.

Her longtime manager, Walter Millsap III, confirmed the tragic news, stating:

“We are truly devastated by this unexpected and unfortunate tragedy, and there are simply no words to express how we feel.”

Family’s Heartbreaking Response

Stone’s children, Diamond and Michael Archer, released a statement via the SRG Group:

“Never in a million years did we ever expect to get this horrible news. We are still trying to process and are completely heartbroken.”

Millsap said he first learned about the accident from Stone’s daughter, Diamond, and Blondy, a longtime member of The Sequence.

Angie Stone’s Legacy in Music

A Neo-Soul Pioneer: Stone rose to fame in the early 2000s during the rise of neo-soul, alongside artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Maxwell, and D’Angelo.

Chart-Topping Hits:
“No More Rain (In This Cloud)” – No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B chart for 10 weeks
“Baby” (feat. Betty Wright) – Another No. 1 hit
“Wish I Didn’t Miss You” & “Brotha” – Fan favorites that remain classics

Album Success:
Mahogany Soul (2001) – Peaked at No. 22 on Billboard 200
The Art of Love & War (2007) – Reached No. 11 on Billboard 200

Her Roots: From Gospel to Hip-Hop

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone’s love for music was shaped by her parents.

Her mother sang at home, while her father performed gospel and blues at local venues.
In the late 1970s, she co-founded The Sequence, hip-hop’s first all-female rap group, signed to Sugar Hill Records.
Their song “Funk You Up” became a hip-hop classic, later sampled by Dr. Dre and others.
She later joined the R&B trio Vertical Hold before launching her solo career.

A Life of Resilience and Reinvention

Despite her success, Stone faced health struggles, including a battle with congestive heart failure. She lost over 40 pounds and embraced a healthier lifestyle.

“I feel complete. I have a new love, a new album, a new outlook, and a newfound joy. Now I feel like I’m on my way to a happily ever after.” – Angie Stone (2007)

More Than Music: Acting & Broadway Career

Film Appearances:
The Hot Chick (with Rob Schneider)
The Fighting Temptations (with Cuba Gooding Jr. & Beyoncé)
Ride Along (with Ice Cube & Kevin Hart)

Broadway & TV:
Played Big Mama Morton in Chicago
Reality TV appearances on “Celebrity Fit Club” & “R&B Divas: Atlanta”

Honoring Angie Stone’s Memory

Stone was scheduled to perform at the CIAA Men’s Basketball Championship halftime show on Saturday. CIAA Chaplain Pastor Jerome Barber led a moment of silence in her honor.

CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker shared:

“She used her incredible talent, passion, and presence to inspire and touch us with strength and hope.”

Rest in Peace, Angie Stone (1961-2025). Your music and legacy will live on.

Source

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