Tito Jackson, a notable part of the Jackson 5 musical group, passed away at the age of 70, as per his sons' announcements.
Tito, being the third amongst the nine Jackson offspring, shares the limelight with iconic siblings like Michael and Janet, all hailing from a famed musical dynasty whose tunes continue to resonate in our hearts today.
Breaking our hearts, we announce the passing of our dear father, Tito Jackson, a celebrated Rock & Roll Hall of Famer. We're left reeling, grief-stricken, and deeply saddened by this unexpected loss. Our father was an extraordinary individual who prioritized the well-being of all, as expressed in a statement shared on Instagram late Sunday evening.
The Jackson 5 was originally comprised of brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, the family band churned out several top-charting hits in the 70s, such as "ABC," "I Want You Back," and "I'll Be There."
The Jackson 5 rose to prominence under the watchful eye of their father, Joe Jackson, a laborer turned guitarist who supported his family in Gary, Indiana. As the family's music careers gathered momentum, they transitioned to dwell in California.
Born on October 15, 1953, Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson served as a backing vocalist and guitarist within the group, often overshadowed by his brother's burgeoning solo careers. Michael Jackson, one of the world's best-known performers, widely recognized as The King of Pop, was among those who forged ahead.
Michael Jackson’s life was cut short at the age of 50, on June 25, 2009.
In an interview with The Associated Press in December 2009, Tito spoke about the family's renewed bond following Michael's demise.
"I'd say it definitely brought us closer in recognizing the love we hold for each other when one of us is no longer here. It's a great loss," he said, expressing his sentiments and unease about the absence that would forever linger on.
"Even now, there are moments when I find it hard to believe. I think that will never leave us," he added.
In 2014, Tito admitted that his brothers still felt Michael's absence during their performances, which continued with international tours.
"I don't think we'll ever get used to performing without him. He's deeply missed," he said, acknowledging Michael's enduring influence. "His spirit is with us when we perform. It provides us with a lot of positive energy and joy."
Preceding his demise, Tito posted a message on his Facebook page on September 11, 2020, from Munich, Germany, where he visited a memorial with his brothers dedicated to their beloved brother, Michael Jackson.
"Before our show in Munich, Jackie, Marlon, and I paid our respects at the magnificent memorial dedicated to our cherished brother, Michael Jackson. We're profoundly thankful for this precious space that protects his memory and our collective heritage. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive," he wrote.
Tito Jackson was the last in line of the nine Jackson siblings to embark on a solo career with his 2016 debut "Tito Time." He released a song titled "One Way Street" in 2017 and confessed to The Associated Press in 2019 that he was working on a follow-up album.
Tito explained his reluctance to pursue a solo career, preferring to prioritize the upbringing of his sons, TJ, Taj, and Taryll, who formed their group, 3T. On his website, a single featuring 3T and Stevie Wonder can be accessed, titled "Love One Another."
Tito Jackson leaves behind his brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, and Jackie, his sisters Janet, Rebbie, and Latoya, and their mother, Katherine. Their father passed away in 2018.
Tito Jackson's demise was first reported by Entertainment Tonight.
Despite his brothers' prominent solo careers, Tito Jackson continued to contribute as a backing vocalist and guitarist in The Jackson 5, leveraging his talent and supporting his family's legacy. As a loving father, Tito prioritized the upbringing of his sons TJ, Taj, and Taryll, who followed in their family's musical footsteps as part of the group 3T.
In the wake of their father's passing, the Jackson siblings, including Tito, are left to navigate their grief, continuing to honor their roots while carrying on Michael's enduring spirit in their performances.
