The soul singer Freddie Jackson was born in 1956 in Harlem, New York. Young Freddie began singing at an early age, performing frequently at his local Baptist Church. His performances caught the attention of record producer Paul Laurence, who offered Jackson a gig as soon as he finished high school, to perform with his group the Laurence Jones Ensemble. With LJE, Freddie Jackson began performing around the New York area, eventually garnering the attention of Capital Records.
Capital signed Freddie Jackson in 1985, and later than year issued his debut album, Rock Me Tonight. The song “Rock Me Tonight” rose to the top of the R&B charts, eventually rising to the number one spot and remaining there for six consecutive weeks. It was later eclipsed by the even more successful single, “You Are My Lady,” which earned Freddie Jackson a Grammy nomination for Best Rhythm & blues Vocal Performance in 1985. Jackson was also nominated for Best New Artist in the same year.
Freddie Jackson followed up Rock Me Tonight with Just Like the First Time (1986), Don’t Love Love Slip Away (1988), and Do Me Again (1990), all of which rose to the number one spot on the R&B charts. Since the early 1990’s, Freddie Jackson has continued to perform and record, releasing the albums: Time for Love (1992), Here It Is (1994), Private Party (1995), Life After 30 (1999), It’s Your Move (2004), Personal Reflections (2005), Transitions (2006), and For You (2010.) The albums have given audiences the additional number one R&B hits: “A Little Bit More,” “Tasty Love,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” “Jam Tonight,” “Nice n’ Slow,” “Hey Lover,” “Love Me Down,” and “Do Me Again.”
- 1985 – nominated for Grammy Award: Best New Artist[12]
- 1985 – nominated for Grammy Award: Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance – Male ("You Are My Lady").[13]
- 1986 – nominated for American Music Award for Favorite Male Artist – Soul / Rhythm & Blues
- 1988 – won American Music Award: Favorite Soul / Rhythm & Blues Single ("Nice 'N' Slow").