Tito Jackson, renowned as a key member of the legendary Jackson 5 pop group, has sadly passed away at the age of 70. Tito, who was the brother of the iconic Michael Jackson, had a remarkable career that left a lasting impact on the music world. The cause of his death has not yet been officially determined.
As one of the original members of the Jackson 5, Tito performed alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, who passed away in 2009. At the time of his passing, Tito was in Munich, Germany, where he was preparing for an upcoming performance with the group. His death comes as a significant loss to the music community and to his family.
Steve Manning, a long-time friend of the Jackson family and former manager, confirmed Tito’s passing to Entertainment Tonight. This news was later corroborated by a heartfelt Instagram post from Tito’s three sons—Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson. The trio, who gained fame as the R’n’B/pop group 3T in the 1990s, expressed profound grief over the loss of their father.
In their emotional tribute, Tito’s sons described him as an “incredible man” who was deeply caring and loved by all. They shared, “We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken. Our father was an extraordinary man who cared about everyone and their well-being. His love and presence will be greatly missed. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember to follow the teachings of our father: ‘Love One Another.’ We love you dearly, Pops.”
The Jackson 5, known for their chart-topping hits like “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I Want You Back,” was formed in 1964 with Tito playing a crucial role as the guitarist and backing vocalist. The group achieved immense success, selling over 150 million records worldwide. Their contributions to music were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980 and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Before his passing, Tito had shared a message on social media from Munich, where he and his brothers had visited a memorial dedicated to Michael Jackson. The Jacksons had been actively performing, including a show in Germany on September 10, following their appearances at the Boogietown music festival in the UK and the Fool in Love Festival in Los Angeles in late August.
Tito Jackson, born as the third oldest among the Jackson siblings, was part of a larger family that includes renowned global stars Janet and La Toya Jackson. Michael Jackson remains the only sibling who has passed away, having died in 2009 at the age of 50. Their father, Joe Jackson, also passed away in 2018 at the age of 89.
In addition to his work with the Jackson 5, Tito pursued a solo career as a blues musician, which began in 2003. His 2016 single “Get It Baby” was his last solo hit to make the Billboard charts. Tito, along with Jackie, Jermaine, and Marlon, embarked on a world tour as “The Jacksons” in 2019, celebrating their legacy and continuing to perform across the globe.
The Jacksons also performed numerous shows in the UK as part of their “A Celebration of 50 Years” tour, and they made memorable appearances at prestigious events such as the Glastonbury Festival. Tito’s passing marks the end of an era for the Jackson family and the music world, but his contributions and legacy will continue to resonate with fans around the world.
