Freddie Jackson Talks Luther Vandross "Rivalry," Dramatic Weight Loss + Valarie Simpson
Freddy Jackson Discusses Life, Music, and Memories
Reflections on Life and Passion for Music
- Freddy Jackson expresses his joy in returning home and highlights the importance of being an entertainer both on and off stage.
- He emphasizes his love for singing, entertaining, and making people smile through music, showcasing his passion as a driving force in his life.
Personal Memories of His Mother
- The conversation shifts to Freddy's mother, revealing that they share the same first name with Mama G.
- Freddy shares heartfelt memories about losing his mother three to four years ago, indicating that her memory continues to influence him daily.
- He recounts a special tradition where he honors her by giving pearls to the ocean during visits to islands, symbolizing their bond.
Upcoming Performances and Events
- Freddy discusses upcoming performances in New York City as part of the Smooth Jazz Cruise, highlighting excitement for the grand finale event.
- He mentions two shows scheduled for Wednesday at 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM, noting one show is nearly sold out while tickets are still available for another.
Anticipation for Concert Experience
- Freddy describes plans for a lively concert experience filled with music, dancing, food, and camaraderie with his band from Nashville.
- He encourages listeners in the New York/New Jersey area not to miss this opportunity as it marks the end of the cruise season.
Connection to New York City
- Reflecting on his roots, Freddy expresses deep affection for New York City despite its challenges; he feels a strong connection to its culture.
Freddy Jackson's Journey and Reflections
Early Influences and Church Background
- Freddy Jackson shares his connection to the White Rock Baptist Church in Harlem, where he honed his singing skills. He mentions notable figures like Freddy Jackson, Valerie Simpson, and Nick Ash.
- He emphasizes that church was a significant place for his growth as an artist, singing every Sunday under Reverend Gardner's guidance.
Personal Transformation and Health
- Jackson discusses his weight loss journey, having lost 107 pounds, which he attributes to taking control of his health as he ages.
- He reflects on societal perceptions of men's health, noting that men often neglect regular doctor visits compared to women.
Gratitude and Celebrations
- Expressing gratitude for life, Jackson mentions celebrating milestones such as an upcoming birthday on October 2nd.
- He acknowledges the importance of giving thanks daily and feels blessed to be alive.
Career Milestones
- With 30 years in the music industry approaching, Jackson expresses excitement about releasing new music as a gift to fans.
- He highlights collaborations with Barry Eastman and Paul Lawrence in mixing songs for an upcoming CD.
Industry Relationships and Memories
- Reflecting on past successes, he recalls "Rock Me Tonight" being a major hit that stayed number one for 24 weeks.
- A memorable encounter with Luther Vandross is shared; they had a friendly relationship despite industry rumors suggesting otherwise.
Future Aspirations
- Jackson hints at writing a book filled with memories from his career, indicating it will be titled "I Got Something to Say."