US musician Tito Jackson, a founding member of the legendary Jackson Five band and older sibling of music icons Michael and Janet, has passed away at 70, his sons announced on Sunday.
The news was shared by his sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ, members of group 3 T, on Instagram alongside a photo of them with their father. They expressed deep sorrow, describing their father as an amazing man who prioritised the well-being of others and urged everyone to continue his message of ‘Love One Another.’
Tito reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack while driving from New Mexico to his home in Oklahoma, according to family friend Steve Manning. Before his passing, Tito had been touring in Germany, England, and California with his brothers Marlon and Jackie as The Jacksons.
Tito, an original member of The Jackson 5 alongside brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, achieved international success in the late 1960s and early 70s with hits like “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There” after signing with Motown Records in 1969.
His younger brother Michael, who achieved solo stardom, passed away in 2009 at the age of 50.
In 1997, Tito and his brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by fellow Motown legend Diana Ross.
According to his website, Tito has been actively performing and touring with his blues and funk band since 2003. In 2016, he became the last of the Jackson siblings to have a solo Billboard hit with the single “Get It Baby,” followed by his debut solo album, “Tito Time.”
His second album, “Under Your Spell,” was released in 2021 and featured special guests, including George Benson, Bobby Rush, and Stevie Wonder.
Tito Jackson is survived by his three sons following the passing of his former wife, Dolores, in 1994.