Tito Jackson, Iconic Member of the Jackson 5, Dies at Age 70
In a tragic turn of events, Tito Jackson, renowned as one of the founding members of the celebrated pop group the Jackson 5, has passed away at the age of 70.
Tito was the third of nine siblings in the Jackson family, which includes global music icons Michael and Janet Jackson. Together, the family achieved a legacy that continues to resonate with music lovers around the world.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being,” said his sons TJ, Taj, and Taryll in an emotional statement shared on Instagram late Sunday.
The Jackson 5, comprising brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, having produced numerous chart-topping hits throughout the 1970s, including classics like “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “I’ll Be There.”
Under the management of their father Joe Jackson, a steelworker and musician, the Jackson family saw their musical careers flourish, prompting a move to California to further pursue their dreams.
Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was born on October 15, 1953. Though he remained a lesser-known member of the group, often serving as a background vocalist and guitarist, his iconic family—including Michael, who became known as the King of Pop—achieved massive success in the music industry.
The music community was rocked by the news of Michael Jackson’s death at 50 years old on June 25, 2009. Following this, Tito expressed to The Associated Press in December 2009 that this tragedy brought the family closer together.
“I would say definitely it brought us a step closer to each other. To recognize that the love we have for each other when one of us is not here, what a great loss,” Tito reflected, admitting he would never fully come to terms with the loss of his younger brother.
He conveyed a lingering sense of disbelief regarding Michael’s death, saying, “There’s still moments when I just can’t believe it. So I think that’s never going to go away.”
Tito noted that he and his siblings felt Michael’s absence during their performances, stating, “I don’t think we will ever get used to performing without him. He’s dearly missed,” adding that he could feel Michael’s spirit contributing positively to their performances.
Days before his passing, Tito made a poignant post on Facebook, detailing a visit with his brothers Jackie and Marlon to a memorial for Michael in Munich, Germany, on September 11. “We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive,” he wrote.
Tito was also noted for being the last of the Jackson siblings to release a solo project, debuting with “Tito Time” in 2016. He followed this with the release of “One Way Street” in 2017 and mentioned in a 2019 interview with the Associated Press that he was working on a second album.
His focus during his career was heavily influenced by his desire to raise his three sons—TJ, Taj, and Taryll—who formed their music group, 3T. Tito’s website features a single he collaborated on, titled “Love One Another,” featuring 3T and Stevie Wonder.
Surviving Tito are his brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, and Jackie, his sisters Janet, Rebbie, and LaToya, along with his mother, Katherine. Their father passed away in 2018.
The news of Tito Jackson’s death was first reported by Entertainment Tonight, sending ripples of sorrow through the music industry and his fans worldwide.
