R&B singer Freddie Jackson died at age 70, leaving a legacy defined by 10 number-one singles and 19 top-10 hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. His 1986 album 'Just Like the First Time' spent 26 weeks at number one, a record that remains the fourth-longest run in the chart's 61-year history. Billboard ranked his 15 biggest hits, with 'Rock Me Tonight' topping the list based on cumulative chart performance.
Grammy-nominated R&B singer Freddie Jackson has died at age 70, three days after his birthday. Known for 1980s hits like 'You Are My Lady' and 'Rock Me Tonight,' Jackson was a dominant figure in the genre, achieving 10 number-one singles and four number-one albums. His family confirmed his passing on October 6 without disclosing a cause of death, though he had previously revealed a kidney disease diagnosis in 2024. Jackson, born in Harlem, began his career singing at White Rock Baptist Church and later became a background vocalist for Melba Moore before securing his own recording contract. His debut album, 'Rock Me Tonight,' debuted at No. 20 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in May 1985 and reached No. 1 by June, staying there for 14 weeks. His 1986 follow-up, 'Just Like the First Time,' spent 26 weeks at No. 1, a record that still stands as the fourth-most weeks at No. 1 in the chart's 61-year history. Jackson earned two Grammy nominations for best new artist and best male R&B vocal performance. He also toured with Peabo Bryson, Howard Hewitt, and Jeffrey Osborne in 2013. Jackson's death was announced by his family on social media, and he was mourned by Melba Moore, who called him a 'great singer and even a greater friend.'
Freddie Jackson, the R&B star known for 'You Are My Lady' and 'Rock Me Tonight,' died at age 70. His family announced his passing on October 6, three days after his birthday, without disclosing a cause of death. Jackson had previously revealed a kidney disease diagnosis in 2024 and partnered with the National Kidney Foundation. He earned two Grammy nominations and multiple platinum albums, leaving a legacy as a defining voice of 1980s soul music.
Freddie Jackson, the soul singer who defined 1980s R&B with hits like 'You Are My Lady' and 'Rock Me Tonight,' has died at age 70. His family announced his passing on October 6, three days after his birthday, without revealing a cause of death. Jackson, born in Harlem in 1956, achieved 10 number-one R&B singles and four number-one albums, earning two Grammy nominations. He had publicly disclosed a kidney disease diagnosis in 2024 and partnered with the National Kidney Foundation. Melba Moore, who discovered his talent, mourned him as a 'great singer and even a greater friend.'
R&B legend Freddie Jackson has died at age 70, just three days after his birthday. Known for 1980s hits like 'Rock Me Tonight' and 'You Are My Lady,' Jackson was a defining voice of adult-oriented soul. His family confirmed his passing on social media, noting he had previously disclosed a kidney disease diagnosis in 2024, though no specific cause of death was provided. Jackson achieved two platinum albums and two Grammy nominations, leaving a legacy as a dominant figure in 1980s R&B.
Freddie Jackson, the R&B star behind 'You Are My Lady' and 'Rock Me Tonight,' has died at age 70. His family announced his passing on October 6, noting he died three days after his birthday. Jackson was a defining voice of 1980s quiet storm R&B, with multiple number-one hits and platinum albums. No cause of death was disclosed, though he had previously revealed a kidney disease diagnosis.
Tinashe released her eighth studio album, 'Popstar,' on September 25, 2026. The record marks a decisive shift from seeking external validation to asserting self-worth through a diverse sonic palette. Critics praise the album for its fearless genre-blending, combining R&B, hyperpop, and experimental production. The release solidifies Tinashe's status as a versatile artist who refuses to be pigeonholed, offering a mature reflection on the pressures and realities of fame.
Tinashe released her eighth studio album, 'Popstar,' on September 25, 2026, featuring 16 tracks that blend R&B, hyperpop, and experimental production. Critics praise its polished yet rebellious sound, with standout tracks like 'Melatonin' and 'Crash Out' highlighting her versatility. The album marks a shift toward unapologetic self-definition, supported by sold-out tour dates and high-profile collaborations.
Xav Trudeau, Justin Trudeau’s 18-year-old son, is pursuing an independent R&B career, releasing several singles since early 2025 and planning a move to Los Angeles to advance his music. Influenced by Don Toliver and The Kid LAROI, he embraces his family name but emphasizes he wants to be judged for the music itself. He’s received both spotlight and backlash due to his lineage, has the backing of his father and Katy Perry, and aims to sell out arenas and make a lasting impact through his art.
Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning R&B singer famed for Disney duets like A Whole New World and Beauty and the Beast, died at 75 in Marietta, Georgia, from complications of a stroke suffered over the weekend; a longtime chart-hitter, he won back-to-back Grammys in 1993–1994 and is survived by his wife, son, daughter and three grandchildren, with memorial arrangements to be announced.
Peabo Bryson, the veteran R&B singer famed for singing Disney film ballads “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World,” has died at 75. The family did not cite a cause of death but announced he suffered a stroke and passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Bryson’s five-decade career included numerous hits and duets with top artists; memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Veteran R&B singer Peabo Bryson, 75, famed for Disney duets from Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast, has suffered a stroke and is under medical care as his family asks for privacy.
Clarence Carter, the blind Southern soul singer-producer known for bold hits like "Strokin" and the Grammy-winning "Patches," died at age 90. A Muscle Shoals–era staple who wrote braille-arranged hits at FAME Studios, Carter enjoyed chart success in the late 1960s–70s and a late-career resurgence with "Strokin" in 1986, continuing to release music and perform into the 2020s.
Usher and Chris Brown announced a surprise joint tour on Instagram, called the R&B, Raymond and Brown Tour, accompanied by a promo video of them riding motorcycles; no dates or venues were disclosed yet. The announcement reignites chatter about a potential Verzuz showdown and follows both artists’ ongoing solo projects and residencies, with fans reacting enthusiastically online. Brown also teased a May 8 album release.
Carl Carlton, renowned for his hit songs 'She's a Bad Mama Jama' and 'Everlasting Love,' has died at age 72. He was a prominent figure in funk, soul, and R&B music, with a career spanning several decades. His most famous track, 'She's a Bad Mama Jama,' remains influential and has been widely sampled. The cause of death was not disclosed, but he suffered a stroke in 2019. Carlton's legacy continues through his music and impact on the genre.