Freddie Jackson

Every time that I researched a black gay artist who's deep in the closet, the Baptist Church came up. Do you think that there's a connection?

Freddie Jackson was born in Harlem, NYC, in 1956 and was trained as a gospel singer from an early age, singing at the White Rock Baptist Church of Harlem. (Oops!) There he met Paul Laurence, who would later become his record producer and songwriting partner. After completing school, Jackson joined Laurence's group LJE and played the New York nightclub scene. During the early 1980s, Jackson moved to the West Coast and sang lead with the band Mystic Merlin, with whom he released three studio albums. Their first album was called Mystic Merlin (1980). From this album, here's Just Can't Give You Up:

The following year their 2nd album was released, called Sixty Thrills A Minute. From this album, here's Haunting You:

Their last album was Full Moon (1982). From this album, here's Mr. Magician:

After Mystic Merlin didn't work, Freddie Jackson returned to New York to work with Laurence. He also served as a backing singer for Melba Moore.

In 1984, Jackson landed a recording contract and released his debut album, Rock Me Tonight, 1985. It was an immediate hit: it made #1 in the US R&B chart, #10 in the Top 200 and went platinum. The first single, with the same title, was also a smash: #1 in the US R&B chart and #18 in the Hot 100.

The second single did equally well. You Are My Lady made #1 in the US R&B chart and #12 in the Hot 100.

Jackson issued the follow-up, Just Like the First Time, in 1986 and it too was a platinum seller. It was preceded by yet another R&B #1, a duet with old boss Melba Moore called a A Little Bit More:

Just Like the First Time contained 3 US R&B #1 hits. The first was Tasty Love:

The second was Have You Ever Loved Somebody:

The third one was Jam Tonight. It was also to be his last US Top 40 (#32):

The third album, Don't Let Love Slip Away, also a #1 in the US R&B chart, went gold. It contained two R&B #1s. First there was Nice 'N' Slow:

Then there was Hey Lover:

His fourth album, Do Me Again, would be his last #1 R&B hit and his last gold record. It too contained two R&B #1s. First there was Love Me Down:

Then there was the title track, Do Me Again:

He had 2 more singles at #2 in the R&B chart, the last one in 1992. But the fact was that he was on a downwards trajectory. He changed record companies, twice, but it didn't really help. He was now a legacy act, giving nostalgia concerts and playing his old hits. During the 2nd half of the 80s, however, he was R&B royalty.

Throughout his career, he was followed by strong and persistent rumors that he is gay. Once it was reported that his car was found parked outside a gay bar. What convinced many people that he is indeed gay, was an interview on TV's Unsung, about 5 years ago. When asked whether he was gay or not, his replies were: “I’ve never had to explain myself to my mother” and “God will judge us for who we all and what it is that we do.” There were also his thoughts on labels: “I don’t like labels.”, “We’re all human beings.” and “You don’t have to label anyone’s life.”

Are these answers, plus the fact that he pings everybody's gaydar, enough to classify him as gay? Each one should give their own answer to that. This is what he had to say on the Orlando massacre (from his Facebook page):

"The events that occur all over the world that take away our sense of safety and pride in who people are how they want to live are true definitions of terrorism, and specifically yesterday's tragic shooting in Orlando has left my heart heavy. Regardless of the origins, we are all together on our collective journey on this world. To all who have lost their lives and have been affected by this heinous and ridiculous event, you have my sympathy. For all the world, I pray."