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Freddie Jackson is not just an R&B singer, he's an icon. During his tenure during the '80s and into the '90s, he scored
11 No. 1 singles. Yeah, that's right. 11. Bobby Brown may be the Whitney-proclaimed King of R&B, but Freddie Jackson...
he was the King of Knockin' the Boots R&B! Remember the tracks? Those scintillating singles such as "Tasty Love,"
"Nice 'n' Slow," "Love Me Down" and "Rock Me Tonight?"
Freddie got mad at me when I asked him where has he been... "I've been making records!" he declared, reminding
me of the LPs most recently released, "Life After 30" and "Your Move." He's also been touring, mostly
in Europe.
So he has just released a new album called "Personal Reflections." It's a covers album, an eclectic mix of tunes
that impacted different charts, from Jeffrey Osborne's "Love Ballad" to "Do That To Me One More Tome"
by Captain & Tenille.
Star - Now that you have come back with a new album, why did you choose to do covers?
FJ - It's something I always wanted o do. I haven't done a lot of cover songs. I already established myself as an artist
doing original material. With this label, they asked me what I wanted to do, so that's not usually what they do, so I took
advantage of the question and said I wanted to do songs I have always wanted to do. These are just 10 of the songs I have
passionate feelings about and wanted to sing. I feel blessed that I was able to be get with Artemis Records and be able to
do what I wanted to do.
Star - What are some of your favorites?
FJ - The Nora Jones track, "Don't Know Why." It's a beautiful song, it's a beautiful story. And it sold millions
for her. I just think it's a great, great record. I also favor
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They need to not get caught up in that little signing bonus... that stuff comes and goes. Invest it back into yourself.
It's about knowing the business, or show business will show out on you.
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"I Wanna Know Your Name." I just thinks it's sexy. "Do That To Me One More Time" - it's a timeless record
and it reminds me of an old time song I did.
Star - What are you doing to promote the new project?
FJ - I'm out on a promotional tour. We just did Chastain Park in Atlanta with Jeffrey Osborne. It was cold, but I set
some fire to the stage so it was alright! I'm taking a moment to enjoy the holidays, but I'll be back on the road in January
or February.
Star - How is radio treating you?
FJ - Pretty good. Three weeks ago I had the most added record with "I Just Wanna Get Next To You." I've had
11 No. 1 records, so all I can do is keep trying and let my fans know I am out here again.
Star - What's your target audience?
FJ - It's strange. I've been promoting "I Wanna Get Next To You" - I'm getting kids digging it. It's laid down
in a younger vein, so we are getting the 25 on up.
Star - What's your take on the music scene nowadays?
FJ = I like some of it. I'm worried that there is not enough original material. Everything is
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"Music has a headache right now and needs a little pill."
sampled, so programmed. It's producer driven. Writers are not getting their songs noticed. It's scary for musicians worldwide.
I'm loving those going in the studio and using live musicians. It's time to get back into that kind of stuff. We used to sit
down and write music together. These kids need to learn about publishing. I still get paid for songs I recorded 20 years ago.
I still get checks from them and get checks from people who sample them. Music has a headache right now and needs a little
pill. Kids need to take music in school and pick up an instrument. And they need to get to know the business. The more you
know, the more you put into the song, the more you will get paid. I try to tell these kids, learn how to read, learn how to
write. Build your own catalog. They need to not get caught up in that little signing bonus... that stuff comes and goes. Invest
it back into yourself. It's about knowing the business, or show business will show out on you.
Star - Wow, Freddie, That's some heavy shhhh... but it's for real! Who's currently in YOUR CD player?
FJ - I'm into Stevie Wonder's new CD. I just can't put it down. After all of this time, he can still sound so incredible,
the music is so wonderful. I'm digging John Legend. Alicia Keys. And I'm looking forward to Heather Headley's new album.
Star - You were born in Harlem. Do you go back and where do you call home now?
FJ - I still live in Harlem. I am still part of the community that I grew up in. I know what it's about. I don't do rap,
but I know what it is to connect with people for real. Harlem has taken a whole new life, but it's still Harlem. When I hear
some of these rap songs, they aren't real. I live it. I see the brothers and sisters working hard, and they aren't banging.
They're bringing up families and trying to make lives for themselves and their children.
Star - What inspires you?
FJ - When I can get on stage and I can see people together, or bring people together. I can see people holding hands or
smiling at each other by the time I finish. When I hear stories about people who say I remind them about love, it really inspires
me to get up there and do it again. I still have passion for what I do, and people feel that.
Thanks Freddie! Keep in keepin' on!
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