Tito Jackson, who along with his brothers Michael, Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon, founded one of the most iconic singing groups in history, has died at the age of 70.
His sons — TJ, Taj and Taryll — confirmed their father’s passing in an Instagram post 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. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
The cause of death has not been confirmed.
Jackson had most recently been performing with three of this siblings as The Jacksons. In a recent Facebook post, the group celebrated a recent show in Munich, Germany, writing, “We enjoyed returning to Circus Krone in Munich after more than 50 years and perform for our amazing and loyal fans! Your continued support means the world to us, and we truly appreciate each and every one of you.”
Born Adaryll Toriano Jackson on Oct, 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, to Joseph (who managed the group) and Katherine Jackson, Tito Jackson was the third of 10 children in the musical family, which also includes sisters Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet Jackson, and brother Brandon who died in 1957. Patriarch Joe Jackson died in 2018; pop music superstar Michael Jackson died at the age of 50 in 2009.
Tito Jackson was both singer and guitarist for The Jackson 5, founded in 1964 and which would go on to record hits including “ABC,” “I Want You Back” and “I’ll Be There,” among others on the Motown label. Together, they amassed 17 Top 40 singles on the Bilboard charts, including six No. 1 hits. The group left the Motown label and signed with Epic records in 1976, changing their name to The Jacksons. (In the 1970s, Jermaine exited the group and was replaced by brother Randy Jackson.) The Jacksons’ biggest hits included “Shake Your Body Down to the Ground” (1979) and a 1978’s “Blame It on the Boogie.”
Tito Jackson also pursued a solo career and released two albums, “Tito Time” (2016) and “Under Your Spell” (2021).
“It will forever be “Tito Time” for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is “Love One Another.” We love you Pops,” his sons’ Instagram statement urged, echoing the sentiment in Tito Jackson’s final single, “Love One Another,” released in 2021.
The Jackson 5 was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
In addition to his sons, Jackson is survived by nine grandchildren. His ex-wife Delores “Dee Dee” Jackson died in 1994.
More to come…