Tito Jackson of The Jackson 5 Passes Away at 70

Tito Jackson, one of the founding members of the celebrated band The Jackson 5, has died at the age of 70. His sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ, shared the news early Monday through the Instagram account of their R&B band, 3T. They expressed, “Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being,” although they did not disclose further details about his passing.

Tito Jackson, born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, was the third of nine siblings in the Jackson family, a name that became synonymous with musical talent. He started performing at the young age of nine with his brothers, forming what was initially known as the Jackson Brothers, later achieving fame as The Jackson 5.

The Jackson 5, managed by their father Joe Jackson, signed with a major label in 1968 and rose to worldwide fame with hits like “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.” These successes solidified their place in music history, culminating in their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

Under the Motown label, Tito did not have the opportunity to showcase his guitar skills on their albums due to industry practices of that time. However, this changed after the group transitioned to Epic Records in 1976 and renamed themselves The Jacksons. Tito went on to co-write tracks like “Everybody” and “We Can Change The World.”

Beyond his contributions to the group, Tito Jackson delayed his solo career to focus on raising his children. In 2016, he released his debut solo album, “Tito Time,” finding success with singles that highlighted his blues influences. His second album, “Under Your Spell,” came out in 2021 and featured collaborations with music legends such as Stevie Wonder and Bobby Rush.

Tito Jackson is survived by his siblings, Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, Jackie, Janet, Rebbie, and La Toya Jackson, as well as their mother, Katherine. His passing reminds fans and family alike of his contributions to music and his dedication to family. His sons echoed his message of love in their statement, encouraging fans to “Love One Another.”