Tragic Loss: Tito Jackson of the Legendary Jackson 5 Passes Away at 70

Tito Jackson, a founding member of the renowned family group, the Jackson 5, passed away on Sunday, September 15, at the age of 70.

His sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ shared their memories, confirming his death on Instagram, expressing their grief.

According to a spokesperson for his sister Janet Jackson, Tito Jackson succumbed to a heart attack while en route from New Mexico to Oklahoma.

Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson, born on October 15, 1953, was not only a talented guitarist and singer but also a skilled dancer, who captivated audiences worldwide as the Jackson 5 rose to international fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their success was marked by a series of chart-topping hits, including four consecutive No. 1 singles: “I Want You Back” in 1969, “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There” in 1970. Their 1975 release, “Dancing Machine,” also achieved significant success, peaking at No. 2. During this period, young Michael Jackson was the focal point, but the contributions of his less prominent brothers, Jermaine, Jackie, and Marlon, were crucial to their success as a leading act on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and other television variety series.

Tito Jackson was honored with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, alongside the rest of the Jackson 5. Michael Jackson, who passed away in 2009, is the only member of the original five brothers that preceded Tito in death.

Tito launched a successful solo career, releasing two studio albums: Tito Time in 2016 and Under Your Spell in 2021. According to his website, he began performing and touring blues and funk music globally in 2003, and also toured with the BB King Blues Band in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

In a 2021 interview with Blues Blast magazine, Tito spoke of his lifelong affinity for blues music, explaining, “It was the blues that got me interested in the guitar.” Following a period of absence from the public eye after achieving success alongside his siblings, Tito told the outlet that he had no intention of slowing down as he entered his 70s. “We love it, I still love the traveling, this type of thing, it’s great,” Tito told Fox 5 San Diego in August, regarding his continued touring with his brothers.

Tito Jackson continued to perform with his brothers Jackie and Marlon under the name The Jacksons, enjoying shows in Scotland, California, and England during the summer of 2024.

In the days leading up to his passing, Tito Jackson posted on Facebook from Munich, Germany, on September 11, where he visited a memorial dedicated to Michael Jackson with his brothers while on tour in Europe. It is unsure if the group will continue the tour with Tito’s unexpected passing.

Rest in Heavenly paradise Tito.