Tito Jackson, an original member of the Jackson 5 pop group and brother of the late Michael Jackson, has died aged 70. An official cause of death is yet to be determined.
Tito performed in the famous ensemble with brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, who died in 2009. He was recently in Munich ahead of a performance that the group was due to give.
Steve Manning, a long-time Jackson family friend and former Jackson family manager, told Entertainment Tonight that Jackson died on Monday. The news was confirmed in an Instagram post by Jackson’s three sons, Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson, who were themselves an R’n’B/pop trio, 3T, in the 1990s.
“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” they wrote. “Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
They continued: “He will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another’. We love you Pops.”
Born on Oct. 15, 1953, Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was the least-heard member of the group as a background singer who played guitar. His brothers launched solo careers, including Michael, who became one of the world’s biggest performers known as The King of Pop.
The Jackson 5 was formed in 1964. Tito played the guitar and provided backing vocals. The group has sold more than 150 million records worldwide. In 1980, the siblings were presented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. The Jackson 5’s hits included “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I Want You Back.” They have produced a total of 27 US number one hits.
Tito was the third oldest Jackson and one of nine children. His other siblings include global stars Janet Jackson and La Toya Jackson. All his siblings, other than Michael are still alive.
Alongside work in the band, Tito also had a solo career as a blues musician which started in 2003. He was the final sibling to place a solo single on the Billboard charts with his 2016 hit, Get It Baby.
Former Jackson 5 drummer Jonathan Moffett led tributes on social media, writing on X, external: “There is great sadness in my heart tonight – I just found out that my brother in heart and spirit, Tito Jackson has passed. I’m stunned, devastated and speechless. I love you, Tito. My most sincere love & prayers for the entire Jackson family. I love you all VERY much”.
