Tito Jackson, Original Member of The Jackson 5 and Brother of Late Michael Jackson, Dies at 70

 

According to his nephew Siggy Jackson, Tito Jackson has away. Tito Jackson was a brother of Michael and Janet Jackson and a member of the well-known family band The Jackson 5. The performer was seventy years old.

Entertainment Tonight broke the story first, stating that Jackson passed away on Sunday, September 15, following what seemed to be a heart attack.

Tito had been playing as The Jacksons with his brothers Jackie and Marlon Jackson up until his death. They had summer 2024 gigs in Scotland, California, and England. They had engagements scheduled on October 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and November 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio. They had played as recently as September 8 in Surrey, England.

The Jacksons “visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson,” Tito said on Facebook earlier this week while he and the Jacksons were in Munich, Germany. “We are incredibly appreciative of this unique location that celebrates both our common heritage and his memories. I appreciate you preserving his memory.”

The Jackson 5, which also included Michael, Jackie, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon, and eventually Randy Jackson, had Tito as a founding member. Throughout the 1970s, the family pop trio had hits with “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.” In addition to receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

Tito, Jackie, Michael, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson of Jackson 5. Fin Costello/Redferns

Tito proceeded with his solo career, putting out two studio albums: Under Your Spell in 2021 and Tito Time in 2016.

According to his website, Tito started playing blues and funk music and going on global tours in 2003. At times, he also went on tour with the BB King Blues Band; this happened in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

The Jackson 5. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

In a 2021 cover interview with Blues Blast magazine, Tito discussed his love of blues music, saying, “It was the blues that got me interested in the guitar.”

Following his success with his siblings, Tito took a step back from the spotlight. He told the publication that he then realized he wanted to perform music and get back on stage. Although my family had always listened to blues music, I had literally grown up playing Jackson 5 songs. I wanted to jam, but I couldn’t find any professionals who could do that kind of thing.”

Marlon, Tito, Jackie and Janet Jackson in 2008. Vince Bucci/Getty Images

In 2021, “Love One Another,” his final single, was made available. Tito stated that the song was recorded in the wake of the epidemic and that his “aim was to convey a message of love, unity, and peace, offering a balm for troubled times” in the song description on YouTube.

“It’s a call for people to join hands, embrace love, and exhibit kindness to one another, drawing inspiration from the enduring legacy of the Jackson Family,” Tito stated. “Through my music, I’m dedicated to spreading a positive message of harmony and togetherness.”

Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner, among other celebrities, make appearances in the music video together with members of the Jackson family. Included are Taj, TJ, and Taryll, Tito’s three sons.

Tito Jackson in 1975. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Entering his seventies, Tito had no plans to slow down. Tito said of touring with his brothers, “We love it, I still love the traveling, this type of thing, it’s great,” to Fox 5 San Diego in August.
In 1994, Tito’s ex-wife Dee-Dee Martes-Jackson (the mother of Taj, TJ, and Taryll) passed away; his father Joe Jackson passed away in 2018; and his brother Michael passed away in 2009.

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