Tito Jackson, an original member of the iconic pop group the Jackson 5, has passed away at the age of 70, his family confirmed on Monday. Jackson, who helped shape the sound of the 1960s and 1970s alongside his brothers, was a key figure in the group’s rise to international fame.
Tito Jackson’s sons, TJ, Taj, and Taryll, conveyed their grief in a moving Instagram post: “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 astonished, sad, and heartbroken. He will be greatly missed. It’ll always be ‘Tito Time’ for us.”
Tito, along with his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, formed the Jackson 5 in their hometown of Gary, Indiana. Managed by their father, Joe Jackson, the group became one of Motown’s biggest acts after signing with the label in 1969. They quickly gained fame with chart-topping hits like “ABC” and “I Want You Back,” sung by a young Michael Jackson.
While the trio was widely successful, Michael Jackson’s subsequent solo career eclipsed the band’s legacy, as he went on to become one of the greatest and most influential performers of all time before his death in 2009.
Despite being discouraged from playing guitar on Jackson 5 records in favor of studio musicians, Tito Jackson later carved out his own musical identity. In 2003, he launched a solo career as a blues artist, showcasing his talent as both a guitarist and singer.
Over the course of his career, Tito Jackson earned three Grammy nominations and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 as part of the Jackson 5. His contributions to music, both as a member of the legendary group and as a solo artist, will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.