Tito Jackson, Jackson 5 Member and Brother of Michael Jackson, Dead at 70
The singer and guitarist leaves behind a lasting musical legacy.
American singer, guitarist, and Jackson 5 member Tito Jackson passed away at the age of 70 on Sunday.
Entertainment Tonight first reported the news. Per the outlet, citing former Jackson family manager and longtime friend Steve Manning, Tito is believed to have passed away while traveling from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
Born Toriano Adaryll "Tito" Jackson in Gary, Indiana on October 15, 1953, the singer was the third of 10 children, including being the older brother of Michael and Janet Jackson. He rose to fame as an original member of the Jackson 5, signing with Motown Records alongside his brothers and amassing multiple hits including “ABC,” “I’ll Be There,” and “I Want You Back.”
As the Jackson 5 evolved into The Jacksons in their Epic Records era, Tito continued performing with his siblings while also pursuing individual endeavors. In 2016, he released his debut solo album Tito Time, with songs like “Get it Baby” featuring Big Daddy Kane. He followed that up in 2021 with Under Your Spell.
Tito leaves behind three sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ, along with nine grandchildren. In a statement shared to Instagram, Tito’s children urged fans to honor their father’s memory by trying to “love one another” as he would have wanted.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us,” the family said early Monday. “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as 'Coach Tito' or some know him as 'Poppa T.' Nevertheless, 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.”
As a member of Jackson 5, Tito was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Diana Ross of The Supremes in 1997. He was also a three-time Grammy nominee, including for the Jacksons' 1980 Epic Records release Triumph, which peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
While on the road with brothers Jackie and Marlon earlier this month, Tito paid tribute to Michael, who died in 2009 at the age of 50. The siblings visited the Michael Jackson Memorial in Germany before a show in Munich, telling fans he was “deeply grateful for this special place.”
RIP.
