Tito Jackson, original member of Jackson 5, passes away in shock to family

Claremore, Oklahoma - Guitarist and singer Tito Jackson, an original member of the legendary Jackson 5 group and older brother of superstars Michael and Janet, has died at the age of 70, his sons said late Sunday.

Tito Jackson, one of the original members of the Jackson 5, passed away at the age of 70, his family announced on social media.
Tito Jackson, one of the original members of the Jackson 5, passed away at the age of 70, his family announced on social media.  © Collage: IMAGO / UIG & Credit LEON NEAL / AFP

"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 Taj, Taryll and TJ, who form the group 3T, posted on Instagram alongside a photo of them with their father.

"We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being," they said.

"Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is 'Love One Another.' We love you Pops. Your boys, Taj, Taryll and TJ."

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Family friend Steve Manning told Entertainment Tonight that Tito died of an apparent heart attack on Sunday while driving from New Mexico to his home in Oklahoma.

He had recently been performing in Germany, England, and California with his brothers Marlon and Jackie as The Jacksons.

Tito Jackson's successful career

Michael, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon Jackson were all inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Michael, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon Jackson were all inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.  © IMAGO / LFI

Tito was an original member of the family group The Jackson 5, along with brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael.

After signing with Motown Records in 1969, they had a string of international hits in the late 1960s and early 70s including I Want You Back, ABC, and I'll Be There.

Michael Jackson, who went on to solo superstardom, died in 2009 at the age of 50.

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Tito, along with his brothers, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 by fellow Motown legend Diana Ross.

According to his website, since 2003 Tito had been performing and touring with own big blues and funk band.

In 2016, he became the last of the Jackson siblings to have a solo Billboard hit, charting with the single Get It Baby, followed by his debut solo album Tito Time.

His second album – and first blues effort – Under Your Spell was released in 2021 and featured special guests including George Benson, Bobby Rush and Stevie Wonder.

Tito is survived by his three sons. His former wife, Dolores, died in 1994.

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO / UIG & Credit LEON NEAL / AFP

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