Freddie Jackson’s legacy as one of the defining voices of 1980s R&B is being revisited following his death at age 70 on Oct. 5. The Harlem-born singer was known for his smooth vocal delivery and a run of chart successes that made him one of the most consistent R&B hitmakers of his era.

Jackson’s career produced 19 top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, including 10 No. 1s. His biggest records came largely during the 1980s and early 1990s, establishing him as a major figure in contemporary R&B.

At the top of his Billboard ranking is “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake),” which spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 1985. The song served as the title track of Jackson’s debut album and immediately established him as a major R&B vocalist.

“You Are My Lady” followed with two weeks at No. 1 on the R&B chart and became Jackson’s biggest crossover hit on the Billboard Hot 100, where it reached No. 13. The song also earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

Other major hits from Jackson’s catalog include “Tasty Love,” which spent four weeks at No. 1, and “Nice ’N’ Slow,” which topped the R&B chart for three weeks. “Have You Ever Loved Somebody” and “Love Me Down” each spent two weeks at No. 1.

Jackson also scored No. 1 R&B hits with “Jam Tonight,” “Hey Lover” and “Do Me Again.” His collaboration with Melba Moore, “A Little Bit More,” also reached the top of the chart for one week, adding another No. 1 to his career total.

Among his other major chart performances were “I Don’t Want to Lose Your Love,” which peaked at No. 2, “Main Course,” which reached No. 2, “I Could Use a Little Love Right Now,” which peaked at No. 2, “All Over You,” which reached No. 4, and “You and I Got a Thang,” which peaked at No. 5.

Jackson’s first two albums, Rock Me Tonight and Just Like the First Time, were both certified platinum and produced multiple major R&B singles. His run of success continued with albums including Don’t Let Love Slip Away, Do Me Again and Time for Love.

His chart legacy is being highlighted alongside tributes following news of his death. Jackson died three days after his 70th birthday, with his family confirming the news on Oct. 6. A cause of death was not disclosed.

Jackson had revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease and subsequently worked with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness. His recording career continued well beyond his peak commercial period, with his final album, My First Love, released in 2023.

As his music continues to circulate following his death, the 15-song Billboard ranking captures the singles that defined Jackson’s chart career, led by “Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)” and followed by a series of R&B No. 1s that helped establish his place in the genre’s history.