Tito Jackson, a key member of the renowned pop group the Jackson 5, has died at age 70.
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on Oct. 15, 1953, Tito was the third of the nine Jackson siblings, which include global superstars Michael and Janet Jackson. The Jackson family, known for their enduring music, continues to be celebrated today.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us,” his sons TJ, Taj, and Taryll said in a statement. “We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared deeply about everyone and their well-being.”
The Jackson 5, which also included Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael Jackson, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. The group achieved several No. 1 hits in the 1970s, including “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “I’ll Be There.”
Under the guidance of their father, Joe Jackson, a steelworker and guitar player, the family relocated from Gary, Indiana, to California as their music careers flourished.
Although Tito was primarily a background singer and guitarist for the group, his influence was significant. His younger brother Michael became an international sensation known as the King of Pop before his death on June 25, 2009, at age 50.
In a December 2009 interview with The Associated Press, Tito reflected on how Michael’s death had brought the family closer together. “It definitely brought us a step closer to each other. To recognize that the love we have for each other when one of us is not here, what a great loss,” Tito said, adding that he would never fully come to terms with Michael’s absence.
In 2014, Tito remarked that his family still felt Michael’s absence during their performances, despite continuing to tour internationally. “I don’t think we will ever get used to performing without him. He’s dearly missed,” he said.
Just days before his death, Tito Jackson shared a message on Facebook from Munich, Germany, where he and his brothers visited a memorial for Michael. “We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive,” he wrote.
Tito Jackson released his debut solo project, “Tito Time,” in 2016, followed by the single “One Way Street” in 2017. He announced in 2019 that he was working on a second album. He had initially focused on raising his three sons—TJ, Taj, and Taryll—who formed their own music group, 3T.
Tito Jackson is survived by his brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, and Jackie; his sisters Janet, Rebbie, and La Toya; and their mother, Katherine. His father, Joe Jackson, passed away in 2018.
