Chuck Jackson, "Any Day Now" Hitmaker, Passes Away at 85

Wand Management, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Chuck Jackson, the legendary R&B and soul singer known for hits such as "Any Day Now" and "I Don't
Want to Cry," has died at the age of 85.

The sad news was confirmed by Ady Croasdell, of UK-based Kent Records, who wrote on social media: "There are confirmed reports that one of the very greatest soul singers of all time, Chuck Jackson, died on February 16th. His passing will be deeply felt around the world." No cause of death was given.

Jackson had an impressive career spanning over six decades, starting in the 1950s as a member of The Del-Vikings before becoming a solo artist and signing with Wand and Scepter record labels. He released over 30 singles throughout his career, including hits such as "Tell Him I'm Not Home," "Beg Me," and "Since I Don't Have You."

In 1962, Jackson released his most famous hit, "Any Day Now," written by Burt Bacharach and Bob Hilliard. The song earned him a contract with Motown Records and was later covered by Ronnie Milsap. Jackson's "I Keep Forgettin'" was also covered by Michael McDonald and David Bowie.

RIP Chuck Jackson

The R&B singer/songwriter charted 23 songs on the #Hot100 in his lifetime. Here are the top-charting ones below:

#23, Any Day Now
#36, I Don't Want To Cry
#42, Tell Him I'm Not Home
#45, Beg Me
#46, (It Never Happens) In Real Life
#46, If I Didn't Love You https://t.co/Fogj6y2aQX

— billboard charts (@billboardcharts) February 21, 2023

Croasdell reflected on Jackson's impressive career and legacy in a statement on Kent Records' official website. "No artist had more releases or titles issued on Kent records than Chuck Jackson," he said. He also credited the company's first compilation featuring Jackson's work, "Mr Emotion" (Kent 033), with helping to revive interest in his Wand recordings, which had largely been forgotten about by the 80s.

In memory of #ApolloLegend Chuck Jackson 🕊❤️ pic.twitter.com/wIZO7kgBgv

— apollotheater (@ApolloTheater) February 22, 2023

"Throughout his career Chuck worked hard with his acclaimed live appearances and he continued to sing in great voice up until quite recently," Croasdell said. "He got a terrific reception at the Great Yarmouth soul weekender in 1990 and appeared around Europe on several occasions afterwards — as well as being in constant demand in his home country."

Dionne Warwick, a friend and collaborator of Jackson's, issued a statement about his death, saying: "Another heartache has come my way. Chuck Jackson has made his transition. He was my label mate on Scepter Records and was like a big brother to me."

Eric Holder Jr. Sentenced to 60 Years to Life for Murdering Nipsey Hussle

Photo Courtesy LAPD

Eric R. Holder Jr., the man who murdered Grammy-nominated rapper, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Nipsey Hussle, was sentenced to 60 years to life in prison in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday.

Hussle, born Airmiess Joseph Asghedom, was fatally shot in 2019 outside the Marathon Clothing store he owned in South LA.

Holder, who was also found guilty of two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter for shooting two other men at the scene, was sentenced to an additional 10 years for assault with a firearm.

Hussle was a leading advocate against gun violence and a community leader who worked on developing his neighborhood and creating opportunities for kids. 

Prior to his death, he was scheduled to meet with LA Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff and LA Police Chief Michel Moore to discuss ways to stop gang violence across the city. 

#BREAKING: The verdict is in. Jurors found Eric Holder, 32, guilty of first-degree murder for the 2019 fatal shooting of rapper Nipsey Hussle.

Did the jury get it right?

WATCH #CourtTV LIVE - #Verdict - https://t.co/tnYdPcDRMU pic.twitter.com/jDCC67prW7

— Court TV (@CourtTV) July 6, 2022

After Hussle's death there was an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, fellow artists and public figures. His funeral was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, drawing thousands of mourners.

In August 2021, Hussle was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on what would have been his 37th birthday.

Da Brat Reveals She's Pregnant at 48

Photo Courtesy Twitter

Da Brat, the legendary rapper behind the hit song "Funkdafied," is pregnant at the age of 48.

The hip-hop icon revealed the news in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine published today.

Da Brat, whose real name is Shawntae Harris, and her wife, Jesseca "Judy" Harris-Dupart, CEO of Kaleidoscope Hair Products, said they were inspired to have a baby after their marketing campaign for a new hair product line featured the tagline "extending our family."

"It started as a joke, but then we got a huge response. It was like, 'Oh my God, do we want to actually have kids, and if we do, girl, we better hurry up!'" Harris-Dupart told PEOPLE.

Da Brat reveals pregnancy at 48: 'I thought it wasn't in the cards for me' https://t.co/tny1yHwf96 pic.twitter.com/m6gqoSo43a

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 21, 2023

The couple tied the knot in February 2022, and Da Brat said she thought having a baby was "not in the cards" for her at this stage in her life.

"It's been quite a journey," she said, adding that they had to learn a lot about pregnancy and childbirth for women over 40.

Da Brat has been in the music industry for over three decades, with hits such as "Funkdafied" and "Give It 2 You," and has also appeared in films and television shows.

She became the first female solo artist to go platinum with her debut album, "Funkdafied," in 1994.

The rapper recently made headlines after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in January 2023.

Her induction ceremony was attended by several of her peers in the music and entertainment industries, including Mariah Carey, Queen Latifah, and Jermaine Dupri.