Tito Jackson, guitarist, singer, and original member of the legendary Jackson 5, has passed away at the age of 70, his sons announced late Sunday.
“With heavy hearts, we share that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us,” his sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ, who make up the music group 3T, wrote on Instagram. They posted a photo of themselves with their father, expressing their grief: “We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared deeply about everyone’s well-being.”
The statement concluded with a tribute to Tito’s values: “Please remember to do what our father always preached — ‘Love One Another.’ We love you, Pops. Your boys, Taj, Taryll, and TJ.”
Family friend Steve Manning told Entertainment Tonight that Tito passed away from an apparent heart attack on Sunday while driving from New Mexico to his home in Oklahoma.
Tito had recently performed in Germany, England, and California with his brothers Marlon and Jackie as part of The Jacksons.
As an original member of The Jackson 5, alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, Tito helped shape the group’s iconic sound. After signing with Motown Records in 1969, the Jackson 5 released a series of international hits, including “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.”
Tito’s younger brother Michael, who achieved solo superstardom, 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 Motown legend Diana Ross. Since 2003, Tito had been performing with his own blues and funk band, and in 2016, he became the last of the Jackson siblings to have a solo Billboard hit with the single “Get It Baby.” He followed that success with his debut solo album, Tito Time.
In 2021, Tito released his second album, Under Your Spell, a blues project featuring collaborations with George Benson, Bobby Rush, and Stevie Wonder.
Tito is survived by his three sons. His former wife, Dolores, the mother of his children, passed away in 1994.
