Tito Jackson, Member of the Legendary Jackson 5, Passes Away at 70

September 15, 2024

Tito Jackson, a pivotal member of the iconic Jackson 5 and older brother to pop legends Michael and Janet Jackson, passed away at 70. Jackson’s death was confirmed by family members and longtime manager Steve Manning, who shared that the musician died while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma on Sunday. The news has sent ripples through the music world, with fans mourning the loss of a foundational figure in one of America’s most influential musical families.

Jackson’s three sons—Taj, Taryll, and TJ—who are members of the R&B group 3T, announced their father’s passing on social media, paying tribute to him not just as a musician but as a father and mentor. “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson,” they wrote. “He was an incredible man who cared deeply for everyone. His legacy lives on and will always be ‘Tito Time’ for us.”

Tito Jackson was born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana. As the third of ten children, he, along with his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, formed the Jackson 5 in the 1960s under the strict guidance of their father, Joe Jackson. The group quickly rose to stardom, becoming one of the first Black bands to achieve mainstream success with crossover appeal. Their first four singles, including the unforgettable hits “I Want You Back” and “ABC,” all soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying their place in pop history.

As part of the Jackson 5 and later The Jacksons, Tito helped lay the foundation for future boy bands and pop acts with their infectious blend of Motown rhythms and youthful energy. Though not as prominently in the spotlight as some of his siblings, Tito was a talented guitarist and contributed to the group’s success, particularly during their later years under Epic Records. The group’s creative freedom in the late 1970s led to hits like “Blame It on the Boogie” and “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground),” with Tito co-writing several tracks.

Tito’s contributions extended beyond his role as a performer. After the Jacksons’ heyday, he took on a new role as a mentor and manager to his sons, helping them launch their group 3T in the 1990s. With their debut album *Brotherhood*, 3T found international success, continuing the family’s musical legacy into a new generation.

Though he maintained a quieter profile in the shadow of his brother Michael’s unprecedented solo success, Tito eventually stepped into the spotlight in his own right. In 2016, he released his first solo album, *Tito Time*, which featured collaborations with artists like Big Daddy Kane and Jocelyn Brown. His follow-up album, *Under Your Spell*, released in 2021, showcased his love for the blues, a genre that had always influenced his guitar playing.

Tito Jackson’s life and career symbolize the Jackson family’s profound impact on music. From the explosive rise of the Jackson 5 in the late 1960s to his solo ventures in later years, Tito remained a dedicated artist and loving father. His loss leaves a void in the music community, but his contributions to popular culture will continue to resonate for generations. 

By Midtown Times Staff Writer  | Sources: Entertainment Tonight, family social media posts, and Jackson’s family history.