Image via Rolling stone

Tito Jackson, one of the Original members of the Jackson 5.  Renowned pop-soul group that soared to stardom in the 1970s, has passed away on Monday, September 16th, 2024. At the age of 70. His death was confirmed by his sons, TJ, Taj, and Taryll Jackson, in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us”, they wrote, expressing their shock, sadness and heartbreak.

Although no official cause of death was mentioned, a close associate speculated that a heart attack may have claimed Jackson’s life while he was driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.

Yahoo News

A Legacy in Music

Jackson, whose real name is Toriano Adaryll Jackson, was a key figure in the Jackson 5, the family band that revolutionized pop and soul music. Alongside his brothers Jackie Jackson, Jermaine, Marlon, and the late Michael Jackson.

Tito played guitar and provided backup vocals. The group rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s, producing chart-topping hits such as ABC, I’ll Be There, and I Want You Back.

Though the group continued to tour following Michael Jackson’s death in 2009, Jackson admitted the loss profoundly affected the family. Speaking to the Associated Press, he narrated how difficult it was without Michael.

Also the death of Micheal took them a step closer to each other, but acknowledged that life and performance without Micheal would never be the same.

Just last week, Jackson and his brothers visited a memorial of Micheal while on tour in Germany. Jackson expressed his deep appreciation for fans who continue to honor his younger brother’s legacy.

In a Facebook post, Jackson wrote, “We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy”.

Telegraph.uk

From Gary, Indiana to Global Stardom

Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana on the 15th October, 1953. He was the third out of nine children, all of whom eventually started careers in music. The mater relocated to California as the Jackson 5’s fame skyrocketed in the 1960s.

Jackson and his brothers later pursued music careers, this led to the release of his first Studio Album “Tito Time” in December 2016 in Japan and later worked on a global hit in 2017.

In 2021 he released his second studio Album Under Your Spell, a blues Album with several appearances by well known stars like Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Joe Bonamassa, Marlon Jackson, and Grady Champion and more.

Managed by their father Joe Jackson, the group became cultural icons and were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. 

Survived By Family and Siblings

Jackson Survived by his three sons, Taj, TJ, and Taryll. As well as his brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, and Jackie, and his sisters Janet, Rebbie, and La Toya. His mother Katherine Jackson is now 94.

Tito was previously married to Delrose Dee Dee Martes.  She passed away in 1994. The couple, who divorced in 1988 after 16 years of marriage, share three sons.

With three Grammy Awards Nominations and an Inductee of Hall of fame, Jackson exited this world as a Legend.