US musician Freddie Jackson, known for songs such as You Are My Lady and Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake), has been remembered as a “legendary voice” after his death aged 70.

The singer, who was born in New York City, was renowned for his smooth 1980s hits and achieved 10 number one singles on the Billboard R&B charts during his decades-long career, along with two Grammy nods.

His family revealed with “profound sadness and heavy hearts” that their “beloved” Freddie had died on Monday night, in a post shared to his Instagram page the following day.

It read: “Freddie was more than a legendary voice. He was a kind, generous soul who loved his fans, his family, his friends, and his music with everything he had.

“For decades he gave us the songs that became the soundtrack to our love stories, our celebrations, and our most treasured memories. That gift will live on forever.

“To everyone who ever sang along, danced, or felt something when Freddie took the stage: thank you. You were family to him, and he carried your love with him always.”

The post, which was soundtracked by Jackson’s 2023 song Complicated, also asked his fans to keep Jackson’s family, friends and loved ones in their prayers.

“Details regarding arrangements and how to honor his legacy will be shared in the coming days,” it added.

“Rest in peace, Freddie. Your legacy and your voice will live on forever.”

No cause of death has been disclosed.

US singer-songwriter Kathy Sledge, who shot to fame alongside her siblings in the 1970s in music group Sister Sledge, wrote: “Heartbreaking news!!! Rest in paradise, Freddie.”

Actor and singer Palmer Williams Jr said: “I was just singing along to one of his songs I used to sing back in the day when I was in a club band.

“I used to get nervous every time I sang it because he was such an amazing voice that some of those notes made me nervous.

“I met him one time in New York at the Apollo and he was so nice. I knew I had met a legend that day.”

Others to comment include The Josephine Baker Story actress Lynn Whitfield, as well as US singers Wolf James and India Arie Simpson.

Jackson was trained as a gospel singer in his youth at the White Rock Baptist Church in Harlem, where he was raised.

The music star joined group Mystic Merlin in the 1970s, where he sang lead and released three studio albums.

Jackson released his debut album Rock Me Tonight in 1985, and quickly became known for his distinctive and soulful voice, with the record becoming certified platinum and leading to his two Grammy nominations.

His 1987 follow-up Just Like The First Time was also certified platinum, and he achieved chart success in the US throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

Jackson revealed in 2024 he had been diagnosed with kidney disease, sharing a video to social media saying he would be facing it with “openness and resilience”.

The singer also wished to make a “positive difference” by sharing his story and had partnered with the National Kidney Foundation at the time in a bid to raise awareness of the disease.

The NHS describes chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a long-term condition where your kidneys do not work as well as they should to filter waste and excess fluid from your blood, which can lead to other health issues such as heart disease.