Jackson 5 singer Tito Jackson dead at 70

Tito Jackson, renowned for his role as an original member of the legendary Jackson 5 and the older brother of the late Michael Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70, according to recent reports. The official cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Tito Jackson’s contributions to the Jackson 5, alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, who tragically passed in 2009, are well-remembered. The group, which began its journey in 1964, achieved global fame with hits like “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I Want You Back.” Tito played a key role, handling the guitar and providing backing vocals. The Jackson 5’s enduring influence is evident in their record sales, which exceed 150 million worldwide.

Recently, Tito was in Munich for a performance with the group. He had been scheduled to perform there before his untimely death. Steve Manning, a close family friend and former manager of the Jacksons, confirmed Tito’s passing on Monday, as reported by Entertainment Tonight.

The news of Tito Jackson’s death was confirmed by his three sons—Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson—through an Instagram post. The trio, known as 3T, gained fame in the 1990s as an R&B/pop group. In their heartfelt tribute, they expressed their profound sorrow and shared their father’s legacy of kindness. “We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken,” they wrote. “Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.” They added, “He will be missed tremendously. It will be forever ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached, which is ‘Love One Another’. We love you, Pops.”

Tito Jackson’s final public message came from Munich, where he and his brothers Jackie and Marlon visited a memorial dedicated to their late brother Michael. Tito’s post reflected his gratitude for the tribute to Michael and the shared legacy of the Jackson family. “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.

The Jackson 5’s accolades include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980 and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Tito’s career extended beyond the group; he embarked on a solo blues career in 2003 and achieved his Billboard chart debut with the 2016 single “Get It Baby.” In 2019, Tito joined his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, and Marlon on a World Tour as The Jacksons, celebrating their enduring impact on music.

Tributes have poured in from across the music industry. Former Jackson 5 drummer Jonathan Moffett expressed his grief on social media, writing on X: “There is great sadness in my heart tonight— I just found out that my brother in heart and spirit, Tito Jackson, has passed. I’m stunned, devastated, and speechless. I love you, Tito. My most sincere love and prayers for the entire Jackson family.”

Tito Jackson was the third oldest among the nine Jackson siblings, with his surviving brothers and sisters including Janet and La Toya Jackson. The family’s patriarch, Joe Jackson, passed away in 2018 at the age of 89. The Jackson 5’s legacy includes a remarkable 27 US number-one hits and a lasting influence on pop and soul music.

The Jacksons’ legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate through their music and the memories of their remarkable performances and contributions to the entertainment world.