On Sunday, September 15, 2024, Tito Jackson, a founding member of the iconic Jackson 5 and brother to the late Michael Jackson, died at the age of 70.
Best known as a vocalist and guitarist for tracks such as “I Want You Back” and “ABC,” Jackson suffered a fatal heart attack while driving between New Mexico and Oklahoma.
The Gallup Police Department in New Mexico shared details leading up to Jackson’s tragic demise. Police reports indicate that an officer near the American Heritage Plaza Mall in Gallup required an ambulance for a person in urgent need of medical care. The officer’s report stated, “The individual was subsequently transported to a local hospital in Gallup where he was pronounced dead.”
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953 in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of nine children and the second son in the musically talented Jackson clan. His foray into the entertainment industry began at the young age of nine when he, along with his brothers Michael, Jackie, Jermaine, and Marlon, started participating in singing competitions as The Jackson Brothers.
Their father, Joe Jackson, managed the group, which signed with Motown Records in 1968 and was renamed The Jackson 5. Their debut single, “I Want You Back,” quickly rose to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970, signaling the start of their successful run. This was followed by a series of chart-topping hits such as “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There.”
Though Tito was primarily the group’s guitarist, he did not play on their Motown releases as the label used studio musicians. This changed when The Jackson 5 transitioned to Epic Records in 1976 and rebranded as The Jacksons. Tito’s role within the group expanded, and he started co-writing successful tracks like “Everybody” and “We Can Change The World.”
Over his lengthy career, Tito was recognized numerous times for his musical prowess. As a part of the Jackson 5, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. The group also received three Grammy nominations, cementing Tito’s place in the annals of music history.
Despite the Jackson 5’s immense success and his brothers’ thriving solo careers, Tito was the last to pursue a solo career. At the age of 62, in 2016, he released his debut solo album, “Tito Time,” which reflected his affinity for blues music and featured collaborations with artists such as Big Daddy Kane. His single “Get It Baby” made it onto the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart.
Following his debut’s success, Tito released a second album, “Under Your Spell,” in 2021. This blues-centric album showcased his versatile musical abilities and included collaborations with prominent artists like Stevie Wonder, Bobby Rush, and Kenny Neal. His brother Marlon also made a special appearance.
Beyond music, Tito expanded his footprint in entertainment. He served as a judge on the BBC show “Just the Two of Us” and was an executive producer for the reality series “The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty,” demonstrating his enduring relevance and versatility in the entertainment sphere.
Just days before his passing, Tito joined his brothers, Jackie and Marlon Jackson, for a visit to a memorial for their late brother, Michael Jackson, in Munich, Germany on September 11, 2024. This visit was followed by a concert performance together, underscoring the Jackson family’s enduring musical bond and legacy.
The Jackson brothers had been performing as The Jacksons, with concerts scheduled for October 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and November 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio. These upcoming performances will now serve as tributes to Tito’s memory and his contributions to the group.
The news of Tito’s passing was shared by his sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson, on the Instagram page of their R&B group, 3T. In their heartfelt statement, they highlighted Tito’s lifelong dedication to promoting love and unity. They recalled his guiding principle to “Love One Another,” reflecting his commitment to music and family.
Tito Jackson is survived by his mother, brothers and sisters, three sons, from his late ex-wife, Delores Martes, nine grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.
