Coverstory - Freddie Jackson

COVERSTORY: "FREDDIE JACKSON" [Home]

Freddie Jackson was born on the 2nd of October 1956 in Harlem, New York City, USA. As a child he sang at the White Rock Baptist church. Later, he worked in a bank before joining the group LJE (Laurence Jones Emsemble). He also played in the New York clubscene.

In the early 80s, Jackson moved to California and became lead singer with the R&B group Mystic Merlin. He sang on their 1982 album Full Moon, which featured the popular soul/dance track "Mr Magician".

In 1984, Freddie moved back to New York, where he sang on demo recordings of Paul Laurence's compositions. He was spotted singing in a New York club by Melba Moore.

After singing backing vocals for Melba Moore, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Glenn Jones and others, Jackson signed a solo contract with Capitol Records and issued the album “Rock Me Tonight” in 1985. Both the album and its title track "Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)", which Jackson had written with Paul Laurence, made the US Top 20 and also did well in the UK.

Other album tracks like "You Are My Lady" and "He'll Never Love You (Like I Do)", proved to be very succesful. In 1986, Jackson duetted with Melba Moore on "A Little Bit More" from her album “A Lot Of Love” and issued his own album “Just Like The First Time” which included three more successful songs; "Have You Ever Loved Somebody", "Tasty Love", and "Jam Tonight".

Also Jackson's songwriting activities, mostly in collaboration with Paul Laurence, resulted in numbers such as "Trust Me" for Lillo Thomas, "Keepin' My Lover Satisfied" for Melba Moore, and "Jam Song' for Howard Johnson.

The 1988 release of “Don't Let Love Slip Away” featured another R&B hits like "Hey Lover", "Nice and Slow" and "Crazy (For Me)". The title track of “Do Me Again” (1990) did so too. In 1992 Jackson released the album “Time For Love”, which featured a cover of Billie Paul’s soul classic "Me and Mrs. Jones" and included artists like Audrey Wheeler, Will Downing and Najee.

Jackson departed Capitol in 1993 for RCA. His label debut album “Here It Is” appeared in 1994. The title track was a “classic style” romantic slow jam. In the same year Jackson released a Christmas album with covers of classics like “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, “White Christmas”, “The Christmas Song” and “Silent Night”.

In 1995 Jackson split with RCA and recorded the album “Private Party” with the much smaller Street Life label. A mix of “new R&B” and his classic “sound”. The track “I Tried My Best” has a smooth classic feel to it.

After 4 years, Jackson released the Album “Life After 30” at the Orpheus label in late 1999. This albums shows a mix between modern and classic R&B too, where “Somebody Said” reminds of his 80’s midtempo classics. In 2000 the release of a “Live” in Concert” album with many of Jackson’s hits was released. In 2002 Capitol released the compilation album "Classic Masters". In 2004 Freddie released the CD "It's Your Move" (Martland Label). Except for the more uptempo track "One Love" the album contains smooth grooves in a modern jacket while the song "Natural Thang" brings back great memories.

Freddie had a concert in Holland at the 7th of June, 1994. In the rather small theatre (Doelen Rotterdam) the atmosphere was great and the sound perfect. Quite an impression, Freddie singing at such close quarters. Also listened to a great and minutes long Minimoog Bass solo.

No way, missin' out on that, of course:

Capitol Records promoting "Have You Ever Loved Somebody" in February 1987:

Freddie Jackson Albums:

Rock Me Tonight (Capitol 1985)

Just Like The First Time (Capitol 1986)

Don't Let Love Slip Away (Capitol 1988)

Do Me Again (Capitol 1990)

Time For Love (Capitol 1992)

Here It Is (RCA 1994)

At Christmas (RCA 1994)

Private Party (Street Life 1995)

Life After 30 (Orpheus 1999)

It's Your Move (Martland 2004)