Tito Jackson, Member of Iconic Jackson 5, Dies at Age 70 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Tito Jackson, a key member of the legendary Jackson 5 and brother to Michael and Janet Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70. As part of the iconic music family, Tito helped shape pop history with hits like “I Want You Back” and “ABC.” His sons shared their heartbreak over the loss, while the music world mourns another Jackson family member gone too soon.
“Tito Jackson: A Life in Music and Family” Quick Look
- Tito Jackson’s passing: The Jackson 5 star died at age 70, leaving behind a legendary legacy.
- Family statement: Tito’s sons shared their grief, calling him an incredible man who cared deeply for others.
- Jackson 5 legacy: Tito was a founding member of the group that produced hits like “I Want You Back” and “ABC.”
- Career and influence: Tito, known for his musicianship, released his first solo album in 2016.
- Family roots: Tito recently settled in Oklahoma, with ties to the Tulsa area dating back to the early 20th century.
Deep Look
Tito Jackson, one of the founding members of the legendary Jackson 5, has passed away at the age of 70. A beloved figure in the music world, Tito was part of the iconic Jackson family, which produced global superstars like Michael and Janet Jackson. His death marks another profound loss for the family and the music industry.
Tito’s passing was confirmed by his sons—TJ, Taj, and Taryll Jackson—in a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram late Sunday. “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 statement read. “We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
Tito was born Toriano Adaryll Jackson in 1953 as the third of nine children. Alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and lead singer Michael, Tito helped form the Jackson 5, one of the last major groups signed by Berry Gordy’s Motown label. The Jackson 5 burst onto the music scene in the late 1960s with hits like “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There,” revolutionizing pop music and solidifying their place in history.
The Jackson 5’s Rise to Fame
Signed by Gordy in the late 1960s, the Jackson 5 offered Motown a youthful, energetic presence at a time when the label’s dominance was being challenged. Their sound was heavily influenced by the funk rhythms of the era, modeled after acts like Sly and the Family Stone. Their breakthrough single, “I Want You Back,” topped the charts in 1969 and was followed by more number-one hits like “ABC” and “The Love You Save.”
Though some critics labeled their music “bubblegum soul,” the Jackson 5’s success helped shape the trajectory of pop and R&B for decades. Tito’s role in the group often centered on his guitar playing and backing vocals, providing a solid foundation for their live performances and studio recordings.
By the mid-1970s, the Jackson 5’s popularity waned, prompting the group to leave Motown and sign with Epic Records. Under their new name, “The Jacksons,” they continued to produce hits such as “Enjoy Yourself” and “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground).” As Michael Jackson’s solo career skyrocketed in the 1980s, collaborations with his brothers became rare, though the Jacksons did release the album Victory in 1984.
Tito Jackson’s Solo Career and Personal Life
Despite being a key member of one of the biggest pop groups in history, Tito was often the least-heard voice in the Jackson 5, preferring to stay behind the scenes. He dedicated much of his life to raising his three sons, who later formed their own group, 3T. Tito delayed his solo career until 2016, when he released his debut album Tito Time. His follow-up single “One Way Street” came out the following year, and in 2019, Tito revealed that he was working on a sophomore album.
Reflecting on his career, Tito often spoke about the influence of his brothers, particularly Michael. After Michael’s sudden death in 2009 at the age of 50, Tito admitted that the tragedy brought the Jackson family closer together. “I would say it brought us a step closer to each other,” Tito told The Associated Press in 2009. “To recognize that the love we have for each other when one of us is not here, what a great loss.”
In 2014, Tito and his brothers continued performing internationally, though he acknowledged that Michael’s absence was still deeply felt. “I don’t think we will ever get used to performing without him,” Tito said. “He’s dearly missed, but his spirit is with us when we are performing.”
A Legacy Rooted in Family
In recent years, Tito settled in Claremore, Oklahoma, near Tulsa. In an interview with Tulsa World earlier this year, he expressed his desire to live in a new place, saying, “I always wanted to get away from the West Coast and experience living somewhere with new people and new culture.” Tito’s family history in the area dates back to his uncle, Samuel Jackson, who opened Jackson Undertaking Co. in Tulsa in 1917. After the business was destroyed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Samuel rebuilt his company, becoming a pillar in the community.
Tito’s connection to family, both immediate and extended, remained a constant throughout his life. His website features collaborations with his sons and even a project with Stevie Wonder, showcasing the next generation of Jacksons while honoring the family’s musical legacy.
Final Days and Memorial
Just days before his passing, Tito visited a memorial dedicated to his brother Michael in Germany. In a message posted on social media, Tito shared his appreciation for the memorial and the ongoing tribute to their legacy: “We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only [Michael’s] memory but also our shared legacy.”
Tito is survived by his sons, his brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, and Jackie, and his sisters Janet, Rebbie, and La Toya. His mother Katherine, a guiding force in the Jackson family, also survives him. Their father, Joe Jackson, passed away in 2018.
The loss of Tito Jackson, who helped shape the sound of one of the most influential music groups in history, marks the end of an era. His contributions to music and the legacy of the Jackson 5 will continue to resonate for generations to come.
