Freddie Jackson Releases First CD in Seven Years
Date: Monday, November 15, 2010, 6:27 am
By: Tonya Pendleton
You may not have heard his name in a while, but Freddie Jackson has a new release, and it’s “For You.” (Retna)
You may not have heard his name in a while, but Freddie Jackson has a new release, and it’s “For You.”
The crooner, who made such '80s classics as “You Are My Lady” and “Rock Me Tonight,” may have fallen to the wayside temporarily when R&B became more about the bump and grind than the smooth seduction, but apparently the balance of music is slowly being restored. In fact, Jackson is part of the "Men of Soul" tour, which co-stars 80’s balladeers like Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne and Howard Hewett.
Jackson, a Harlem native who still lives in the historic neighborhood, came to prominence in the '80s, when he was discovered singing background for artists like Melba Moore. Jackson’s first CD, 1985’s “Rock Me Tonight,” proved to be one of the most successful debuts ever, garnering hits like the title track and the crowd pleasing “You Are My Lady.” Jackson enjoyed the success that came with it and toured all over the U.S. and the world. But a few years down the line, R&B had moved to a different place, and Jackson’s brand of soul wasn’t the flavor anymore.
"I had gotten a little despondent with the music industry, and I felt like R&B singers were not getting the respect that they deserved,” Jackson says. “My audience has always stuck with me, whether or not I have a record out. That proves to me that R&B and soul are still alive, and that people still want it. There are a still a lot of people who like a melody and still want songs that have some romance. People are tired of the trendy stuff, and they're dying for quality music that's gonna touch them and stick with them."
Jackson says “For You” was created to please that loyal audience. He worked with veteran producer Barry Eastmond, known for his work with Anita Baker and Billy Ocean, and who created some of Jackson’s biggest hits. Jackson says Eastmond encouraged him to get back in the studio, and the one song they worked on turned into an album.
“For You” is mostly ballads, which Jackson admits is his forte, but the CD has a few uptempos as well. The first single is “I Don’t Wanna Go,” available wherever downloads are sold. “For You” is out this Tuesday.
"We're all getting older, but music is timeless," Jackson concludes. "I'm not interested in being the new one-hit wonder or the next big thing. I just want to keep making music that will stand the test of time. My first album came out in 1984, and I'm still making records in 2010. I'm truly blessed. And that's why it's important for me to keep doing what I do best."
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Monday, November 15th 2010 at 4:49PM
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