Following news of Freddie Jackson's passing, When We Speak TV revisited a memorable moment from its archives featuring the legendary R&B singer at the 2019 Black Music Honors.

During the event, When We Speak TV founder and entertainment interviewer Jermaine Sain had the opportunity to speak with Freddie Jackson, who was being celebrated with the Legend Award.
The official Black Music Honors list of 2019 honorees confirms Jackson as that year's Legend Award recipient. See the 2019 Black Music Honors honorees
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Although the conversation was brief, it captured the confidence, humor and personality behind one of R&B's most recognizable voices.

During the interview, Jermaine Sain asked Freddie Jackson what he attributed his success in the music industry to.
Jackson's answer was simple.
His beautiful voice, of course.
He delivered the response with a laugh, giving viewers a glimpse of the confidence and humor that made the exchange memorable.
That confidence was certainly backed by a remarkable career. Freddie Jackson became one of the defining voices of romantic R&B, recording songs including "You Are My Lady," "Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)," and "Have You Ever Loved Somebody."
His official biography traces a career that began with gospel music in Harlem and developed into one of the most successful R&B careers of the 1980s. Read Freddie Jackson's official biography
The conversation later became even more playful when Jackson joked about the number of babies his romantic music may have helped bring into the world.
Sain jokingly responded that he might have been one of them.
The laughter and exchange that followed now serve as a lighthearted reminder of the personality behind the music.

​The evening was about more than presenting Freddie Jackson with an award. Artists from different generations gathered to celebrate his music, influence and contribution to R&B.
Jermaine Sain also spoke with singer Tony Terry, who reflected on growing up listening to Freddie Jackson and described being asked to participate in the tribute as a humbling experience.
Terry also discussed performing alongside Avery Wilson and Tevin Campbell as part of the celebration.
Avery Wilson shared his own excitement about participating in the tribute and having the opportunity to perform with Tevin Campbell, one of the singers he admired.
Together, those moments captured the impact Freddie Jackson had not only on audiences, but also on fellow performers who grew up listening to his music.

​The Associated Press reported that Freddie Jackson died at age 70, bringing renewed attention to the recordings, performances and moments that helped define his career. Read the Associated Press report on Freddie Jackson
For longtime fans, news of Jackson's passing has meant returning to the songs that became part of the soundtrack of their lives.
For When We Speak TV, it has also meant returning to conversations preserved in the archive.
One of the values of entertainment journalism and red carpet coverage is that the significance of a moment is not always fully understood while it is being recorded.
A quick interview, a laugh or a short exchange can later become part of the historical record surrounding an artist's life and career.
That is what makes this Freddie Jackson interview especially meaningful today.
When We Speak TV was there to document the moment, and Jermaine Sain had the opportunity to capture a small piece of the humor, confidence and personality behind Jackson's unmistakable voice.
Fans can also learn more about Freddie Jackson's career and legacy through his official website. Visit Freddie Jackson's official website
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Watch the full video above and subscribe to When We Speak TV on YouTube for more celebrity interviews, music legends, red carpet conversations and moments from the archive.

YouTube video:
Watch the Freddie Jackson interview and tribute featuring Tony Terry and Avery Wilson
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When We Speak TV:
Subscribe to When We Speak TV on YouTube
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Freddie Jackson's music, voice and legacy will continue to be remembered by R&B fans and the artists he influenced for generations to come.

​From singing background for Mary J. Blige and working on Jill Scott's latest album to taking over the main stage! Come join Lizzy Kay on July 25, 2026, at Thrasher Park in historic downtown Norcross, Georgia, for Jazz In The Alley.

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​If you are building your summer calendar and searching for the best free things to do in the Atlanta area, the wait is officially over.  Jazz In The Alley is back for 2026, bringing world-class live music to downtown Norcross, Georgia!

Ziggy Warfield has revealed the highly anticipated artist lineup, which you can check out in full detail below:

​New Location for 2026
There is a major update for attendees this year. The event has grown so much that it is officially moving to Thrasher Park in downtown Norcross (it was previously held at Betty Mauldin Park). This new venue offers a beautiful, spacious outdoor setting for music lovers to relax and enjoy the summer nights.

What to Bring and When to Arrive
Jazz In The Alley is a FREE community event. The live music runs from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, but early arrival is highly encouraged because this festival brings out massive crowds from all over Gwinnett County and beyond. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. You can pack your own food and beverages or purchase delicious meals from the local food vendors on site.

The 2026 Artist Lineup

• June 27, 2026: Antoine Gibson
• July 25, 2026: The Human DJ and Lizzy Kay
• August 22, 2026: The Red Sample
• September 19, 2026: "R & B" which is Ryan Kilgore and Brooke Alford

2026 Jazz In The Alley Sponsors
A special thank you goes out to the 2026 sponsors of Jazz In The Alley: The City of Norcross, Georgia, Peachtree Awnings and Canopies, Elite Behavioral Medicine, United Community Bank, MikTu Naturals, Creating Real Kreations, and When We Speak TV.
Make sure to share this guide with your friends and family so you can start planning your summer weekends in Norcross!

If you caught any of the incredible energy at Piedmont Park over Memorial Day weekend, you know the 49th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival was one for the history books. But while the main stage kept the crowds moving, an entirely new cultural movement was anchoring down at the top of the hill.
Jermaine Sain speaks with jazz singer Tony Hightower about the Jazz 101 Workshops Stage sponsored by EBONY!!
This brand-new festival addition was designed to strip away the gatekeeping around traditional jazz, offering free, interactive educational experiences that bridged the gap between music, history, and community wellness.

Why the Jazz 101 Workshops Changed the Game
​The curated programming went far deeper than standard masterclasses. The stage served as an essential hub for storytelling, industry strategy, and cultural preservation, featuring standout sessions such as:

• Soul Care: Music & Pets Fuel the Soul: A groundbreaking emotional wellness panel presented in partnership with EBONY, the Atlanta Humane Society, Purina, and Petfinder.
• Women In Jazz: An intimate songwriter's breakdown featuring Grammy Award-winner Nicole Zuraitis.
• The Business of Jazz: A practical masterclass led by Celeste DeBro focusing on brand sustainability and revenue streams for modern independent artists.

​Jazz Singer, Karla Harris, delivers this timeless holiday classic, 'Silent Night',  live as part of A Little Piece of The Holidays concert. Close your eyes, listen, and let the holiday spirit wash over you. 

Featuring:
Karla Harris
Aryana Rosa Castillo as "Little Karla"
Joe Alterman, Justin Chesarek, Kevin Smith (Joe Alterman Trio)

Interviewees: Joe Alterman, Samuel Giron, Tisa Jackson, Tyrone Jackson, Andrew Keenan, Ezra Trotman

​Music:
Sweet Land (written by Karla Harris)
Set Sophia Free (written by Karla Harris)
Estate' (written by Bruno Martino, Joel Siegel) 
The Great City (written by Curtis Lewis)
Words and Music (written by Karla Harris, Tom Kennedy)
Merge (written by Karla Harris, Tyrone Jackson) 

Jermaine Sain had an absolutely "Good Day" at ATL Soul Vibes and the Nappy Roots signed his "40 Akerz" vinyl!  

​Actor/singer Terrell Carter (Varney from the hit Netflix drama Beauty in Black) answers that question on the red carpet at the Living Legends Foundation Awards! .