Freddie Jackson Returns to Syracuse
Editor’s Note: Freddie Jackson has canceled his show at the Landmark Theatre. Jackson posted on his Facebook page: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, The Freddie Jackson concert has been cancelled tomorrow evening at the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse, NY. Mr. Jackson regrets not being able to perform for his fans. Refunds will be available at point of purchase.”
R&B singer Freddie Jackson says he is always on tour. Making Music magazine caught up with him by phone a couple days prior to his arrival in Syracuse, New York, to perform at the Landmark Theatre November 14. This will be his first time to perform in Syracuse since his very first album in the 1984. “I’m long overdue to come to Syracuse to rock it for old times sake,” he says.
Jackson is currently working on his 12 studio album, Finer with Time, and just released the new single “Love and Satisfaction.” “I felt urgency to let people hear another side of Freddie Jackson and I’m getting wonderful response,” he says of the song. “I think it’s a little younger, although it has all the elements of Freddie Jackson with its melody and story line.
But fans who come to a show in his current worldwide Finer With Time tour shouldn’t worry. They’ll still hear the R&B crooner sing all his standards from the 1980s that he’s so famous for.
“I can’t perform a whole bunch of new stuff,” he explains. “People come and buy tickets because they want to hear ‘Tasty Love,’ ‘Have You Ever Loved Somebody,’ and ‘You Are My Lady’—those songs that they made babies on and their husbands asked them to forgive them on. I met one gentleman who said every time I got in trouble I put on one of your records.”
“It makes me feel good that people have a story to tell about my music,” says Jackson. “I try to tell the newjacks that; your music must have a story that will hold for life.”
Jackson has been a solo performer for 30 years, but he began in show business as a backup singer for people like Evelyn King and Harry Belafonte. “I was mentored by the great Harry Belafonte. I’ve had incredible people in my life to teach me how to be a gentleman; he truly did a great job mentoring me,” recalls Jackson.
At a very youthful 58, Jackson is healthier than ever. A few years ago he decided to get in shape, shedding 107 pounds. “You have to be on top of your game to connect with all genres, all ages. I think what keeps me healthy is a pure heart that comes with no danger or stress,” he says. “It’s 30 years and I’m still singing in the same key. I actually feel stronger as a vocalist in 2014, than in 1984.”
Jackson has embraced changes in the music industry that allowed him to begin producing his own albums a few years ago. “I think today is a good time to be a musician because you have more freedom,” he says. “You can last forever in this industry but you have to be truly dedicated to your art.”
“I have 11 number one records that still have a story to go with them, so I am going to work until I choose not to work and I’m grateful for that,” he says, adding that the energy from the audience is what keeps him touring. “Every audience is different and makes you feel something else.”
“Tell my Syracuse fans, I’m on my way,” says Jackson.
