A one-on-one conversation with the R&B living legend, Freddie Jackson

Freddie Jackson is a well-known artist who has captivated audiences with his timeless songs. Growing up, his music, including hits like “You Are My Lady” (1985), “Rock Me Tonight” (1985), and “My First Love” (2023), brought immense joy and love to our hearts. Freddie Jackson continues to captivate us with his heartfelt music on his latest album, “My First Love.” This album holds a special place in his heart as he dedicates it to his late mother, Juanita Jackson. Freddie expressed his deep affection for his mother and spoke about the valuable lessons she taught him. He also shared his profound love for music, his dedicated fans, and provided an update on his recent activities. I was filled with excitement to have the opportunity to sit down and have a one-on-one conversation with the legendary individual. I was truly impressed by his exceptional sense of humor. He consistently made me laugh during the interview.

Although we haven’t seen Freddie Jackson in the spotlight as much as we would have liked, he has been keeping busy with his music. He has been recording a brand-new album, which he dedicated to his mom, and also taking the time to restructure his life at the age of 65.

“I have a birthday coming up, so just bring all the candy you can bring..” But, as Jill Scott sings, I’m ‘Living my life like it’s golden’ and enjoying every single moment. And I’m always in the spotlight. I have a spotlight in my bedroom. I don’t want you to take that the wrong way; nothing kinky (he laughs). I’ve mostly been hanging out with my good friend Irene Gandy, who is a producer of some Broadway shows, connecting with my theater friends, and intermingling with some other stuff. I get to do interviews and sing all the time, so sometimes you need to break up what you’ve been doing for 42 years and add something different to add more excitement to your life,” said Jackson.

Being in the spotlight for decades and staying at the top of your game is not an easy task. But it appears that Freddie has been doing it gracefully. I had to know what the secret to his success was and how he managed to stay on top. This is what he had to say.

“The secret is to continue to be honest and real with my audience and followers. Most of all, be true to yourself. When you start to believe in the industry, which a lot of people have the tendency to do, especially today where everything is commercialized, you have to be careful. The Freddie I was when I recorded Rock Me Tonight, for old times’ sake, is still the Freddie I am today. I came into this industry not even knowing what the heck I was doing. Singing with every lick, I could sing out of my throat, but I came with humility in my heart. I’m grateful to say I still have that humility in doing this. I maintain stability within myself. I came into it enjoying it, excited about being accepted in the industry, and it kind of took me by surprise. When I recorded Rock Me Tonight, I was just making a record, and I wanted to hear it on the radio. It changed my life around, ” said Jackson.

Freddie’s new album, titled “My First Love,” is a beautiful love ballad that he dedicated to his late mother, Juanita Jackson. Additionally, it is essential to listen to his song “Never Let Go,” which he also wrote for her. Both songs are beautiful, but “Never Let Go” resonated with me the most. It evoked a deep emotional response, as if I could envision my late mother’s face in the sky while listening to it. As I listened to Freddie talking about his mother, it became evident that these songs were deeply heartfelt.

“I come from a family where our mother taught us love, humility, and acceptance to respect each other in our space. I guess that’s why I ended up singing love songs because I was born and raised in a house of love. “Never Let Go” was the first song for my mother. Then we went into another song, “My First Love”, which came from another person. Those lyrics just fell from heaven, but “Never Let Go” came from an internal place, saying I’ll never let go of all the love you gave me and are still giving me. Actually, I love sitting by the ocean and meditating. At one moment, as I was sitting by the sea, it felt like she was whispering to me, and I was saying to her, I will never let go of all the love you have given me. So, that’s where the song “Never Let Go” came from. James Evans, who helped me produce it, did a wonderful job, which I think is a gorgeous song, and it’s true, I will never let go of the love of Juanita,” said Jackson.

When Freddie released the song “You Are My Lady,” women all over the world instantly fell in love with him and his voice. The way he sang made it feel as though he was singing directly to each and every one of them. That was exactly how I felt, and I had no shame in expressing it to Freddie. He was considerate enough to allow me to have my moment.

“Gloria, I was singing it directly to you. I like to laugh. Gloria, laughter is the key to love and music, at least I think so. But when I recorded “You Are My Lady” by Mr. Barry Eastmond, Who said I have this song for you, which I think will be perfect for your voice? So he had a little keyboard up against his wall when he started playing. I said stop! Playing it was awful, but I won’t tell him that (he laughs). I’ll take it from here, and I started singing it, and he was like, Whoa, this is going to be a hit. It started out being a song that stayed on the chart for 26 weeks in a row,” said Jackson.

The entertainment industry is not always as glamorous as it appears. Freddie is well aware of how the long days and demanding schedule can have a negative impact on both physical well-being and mental health. As a result, he found himself in a state of low spirits.

“You know, sometimes we go through aches and pains, and sometimes, as guys, we don’t go to the doctor like we need to. We just feel like we’re always supermen. So, I go to the doctor a few times, and he’s like, You might want to check this out, letting me know something is wrong. I go, “No! Not me, I’m Mr. Rock me tonight. And he’s like, You’re being rocked and don’t even know it. That’s another reason I pulled back because my health is more important than the stage. Many people who started with me are not here today. I’m sad to say, but, much as I loved it, I love Freddie more. Sometimes I can be unbalanced, and even my band runs from me, “lol,” but when I’m on stage, I’m very balanced because it’s my love word, and I’m happier on stage. It’s something about the love and the embrace of the people I’m singing at,” said Jackson.

Freddie is content and at ease with his life. He manages to maintain his weight, acknowledging that he occasionally indulges in food binges like many others. Additionally, he recognizes that as he ages, he experiences some discomfort and physical ailments.

“I get up slower in the mornings to just check to make sure everything is working before I get out of bed. I don’t rock for old times’ sake like I used to. I’m taking it nice and slow “lol”. I’m in a place right now where I really enjoy my career because I don’t have to hustle and bustle, and it’s lovely when I do go out and people see me; it’s welcomed because I’m not in and out of everything. I’m not on any sets; people get tired of you all the time. You have to pick your places. I’m not hungry for the spotlight. The spotlight was not always what I needed to be in,” said Jackson.

When Freddie wasn’t performing, he described himself as a homebody who enjoyed relaxing and engaging in everyday activities that people typically do. This is his perspective on the real Freddie Jackson.

“Who is the real Freddie Jackson? Sometimes I wake up and ask, Who are you today? I don’t find out until it’s the end of the night. Oh, that’s who you were today (he laughs). But I try to be Freddie Jackson with peace of mind and comfort. I like to sleep. I’m more comfortable in my dreams. I feel I’m more in control of my dreams. For some reason, I visit people that I miss in my dreams. Even sometimes when I go to sleep, I say I want to dream about my mother, and I will. I rest a lot. I love watching television. I love watching CNN. I love cooking. My mother taught me to cook. She said, Freddie, you will learn how to cook just in case you meet somebody who doesn’t want to cook for you. I don’t bake, but I love cooking.”

Freddie is getting ready to travel to Africa for a series of performances. He is familiar with the Motherland and eagerly anticipates entertaining his fans there. Prior to his trip to Africa, he is scheduled to perform at a casino in Detroit. After Africa, his next destination is California. Freddie has a deep affection for his fans and is grateful for the unwavering support they have shown him throughout the years. Freddie discusses the shows.

“I have a lot of dates and a long trip to South Africa. So, I’m getting my heinie ready for that 18-hour flight. (He laughs.) Every morning I wake up thinking about those 18-hour flights. I am like, Oh Lord! Why can’t you just give me the money I’m legendary for? My manager just came to me and said you have an interview in the morning at 8:00, and I’m like, why? Why? But I enjoy this. I love it so much that I’m going to take that long ride. I really love going to Africa; it’s such a beautiful continent. I’ve been there five or six times and I’m looking forward to going back again. From Africa, I take a flight from there to California, and the show goes on and on. I enjoy doing the stage, and afterward, I look forward to going home and eating macaroni and cheese,” said Jackson.

*We would like to recognize David Still (CEO of Climax Entertainment).