US guitarist and singer Tito Jackson, a founding member of the iconic Jackson 5 and older brother of pop legends Michael and Janet, has passed away at the age of 70, according to a statement from his sons late Sunday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson,” his sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ, who make up the music group 3T, shared on Instagram alongside a photo with their father. “We are devastated and heartbroken.
Our father was an extraordinary man who cared deeply for others and their well-being,” they wrote. “Please remember to follow his advice: ‘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.
Recently, Tito had been performing in Germany, England, and California alongside his brothers Marlon and Jackie as part of The Jacksons.
Tito was an original member of The Jackson 5, which also included his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. After signing with Motown Records in 1969, the group achieved global fame with hits such as “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.”
His younger brother Michael, who later achieved solo megastardom, 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, according to his website, Tito had been performing and touring with his own blues and funk band. 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, and his first blues album, Under Your Spell, was released in 2021, featuring collaborations with artists like George Benson, Bobby Rush, and Stevie Wonder.
Tito is survived by his three sons. His former wife and their mother, Dolores, passed away in 1994.
