Tito Jackson, a founding member of the legendary Jackson 5 and brother to the late Michael Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70.
The Jackson family, known for their indelible contributions to the music world, is mourning the loss of yet another legend.
Tito’s contributions to the group, alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, cemented their place in music history with timeless hits like “ABC” and “I Want You Back.”
Steve Manning, a longtime friend and former manager of the Jackson family, confirmed Tito’s death, saying he passed away onSunday. His sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson, also shared their grief publicly, writing on Instagram, “We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
They continued, “He will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached, and that is ‘Love One Another.’ We love you, Pops.”
Tito Jackson was born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana. As an integral part of the Jackson 5, his rhythm guitar work and his contribution to the group’s harmonies helped catapult the band to international fame in the 1960s.
Signed to Motown Records in 1968, their debut single “I Want You Back” soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, followed by other massive hits like “ABC” and “The Love You Save.”
Although Tito often performed in the background while his younger brother Michael took center stage, his musical presence was crucial to the group’s sound and success.
The Jackson 5’s debut album in 1969 marked the beginning of their reign on the charts, with songs from that era remaining cultural staples to this day.
In the 1970s, after parting ways with Motown, the group rebranded as The Jacksons, continuing to release albums and perform together throughout the 1980s.
Tito contributed to the group’s continued success with albums like ‘Destiny’ and ‘Triumph’, both of which made significant strides on the Billboard 200 and R&B charts.
Tito also embarked on a solo career later in life, releasing his debut album ‘Tito Time’ in 2016. The album featured the single “Get It Baby,” which reached No. 19 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.
His passing came after the loss of his younger brother Michael in 2009, who died from acute propofol intoxication, and their father Joe Jackson, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 89. Joe Jackson had famously managed the Jackson 5 in their early years, pushing the group to worldwide stardom.
Tito Jackson is survived by his three sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ who formed their own musical group, 3Ts, in the 1990s, and by his grandchildren. He was previously married to Delores “Dee Dee” Martes, who passed away in 1994.