Tito Jackson, an original member of The Jackson 5 and brother of Michael Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70. Tito, along with his siblings Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, found fame in the 1970s with hit songs like “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” “Blame It On The Boogie,” and “I’ll Be There.”
Known for playing guitar and providing backing vocals, Tito was a key part of the group’s rise to stardom. The Jackson 5, managed by their father Joe Jackson, became a sensation and are often considered one of the first successful boy bands.
Their success helped launch Michael Jackson’s legendary solo career, which further elevated the family’s fame.
Tito, the third of nine Jackson children, was often regarded as the quietest member of the family.
While many of his siblings pursued solo projects earlier in their careers, Tito released his debut solo album Tito Time in 2016.
Despite being one of the last Jacksons to venture into solo work, Tito continued to remain active in the music industry. He was still performing with his brothers Jackie and Marlon, and just earlier this month, they played at the Boogietown Festival in Surrey, UK.
Their most recent performance was in Munich, Germany, where the brothers visited a memorial dedicated to Michael Jackson before their show.
Tito’s death was announced by his sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson, who themselves gained fame as part of the group 3T in the 1990s.
In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, they expressed their shock and sadness, calling their father “an incredible man who cared about everyone and their wellbeing.”
They spoke about his influence on their lives and shared that “it will forever be ‘Tito Time'” for them, a nod to his solo album. They also echoed Tito’s lifelong message of love, urging people to “love one another,” a value he consistently championed.
In addition to his work with The Jackson 5, Tito had a love for blues music and often performed with a blues band. He made a brief foray into television as a judge on the BBC singing competition Just The Two Of Us in 2006.
Tito’s career was largely intertwined with his family, and he remained closely connected to his siblings, including Janet, LaToya, Rebbie, and Randy. The Jacksons, who started their musical journey in Indiana in 1964, became global superstars, eventually selling over 150 million records worldwide.
Their contributions to music earned them a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Tito’s recent performances and personal reflections highlighted his deep connection to his family’s legacy, especially that of his late brother Michael.
Before their show in Munich, Tito shared a message on Facebook about visiting a memorial for Michael with his brothers Jackie and Marlon. He expressed gratitude for the memorial, which he described as a place that honors both Michael’s memory and the legacy of The Jacksons.
Tito leaves behind a profound legacy of his own, as well as a close-knit family that includes his three sisters, four brothers, and their mother Katherine Jackson.
