Melba Moore Pays Tribute to Freddie Jackson, Her Duet Partner

Melba Moore has issued a tribute to Freddie Jackson, the R&B singer she helped bring to the forefront of the music industry. Moore, who worked closely with Jackson for decades, shared a statement expressing her grief over the loss of a close friend and musical collaborator. Jackson died on October 5, 2026, at the age of 69.

Moore’s connection to Jackson began in the early 1980s in New York City. At the time, Jackson was performing at a local nightclub. Moore attended one of his sets and recognized his vocal talent. She hired him to work as a background singer and composer for her own tours. This professional relationship laid the groundwork for a long-term personal friendship.

Moore took an active role in shaping Jackson’s career trajectory. She advocated for his work and helped him secure a recording contract with Capitol Records. That deal provided Jackson with the platform to establish himself as a solo artist. His early solo hits included “You Are My Lady” and “Rock Me Tonight,” which became staples of the R&B genre.

Their musical partnership reached a peak in 1986. Moore and Jackson recorded the duet “A Little Bit More,” which appeared on Moore’s album A Lot of Love. The track climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B chart. The song showcased the vocal chemistry between the two artists and became one of their most recognized collaborations.

In her statement, Moore recalled the joy they experienced while creating their music. “My heart is broken over the loss of a great singer and even a greater friend, Freddie Jackson,” she said. She specifically mentioned the laughter they shared during the recording sessions for “A Little Bit More.” Moore described their bond as special and said she would forever miss her dear friend.

The tribute serves as a reminder of the mentorship dynamic within the music industry. Moore identified Jackson’s potential before he had a major label deal. Her support helped launch his career into the mainstream. The two artists maintained a relationship that blended professional respect with deep personal affection.

Jackson’s music continued to influence R&B after his solo success. His voice remains a defining element of the genre from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Moore’s statement underscores the lasting impact of their partnership on the music world.