TITO JACKSON,
1953-2024

Tito Jackson, who, with his brothers in The Jackson 5, became one of the biggest pop acts of all time, died on Sunday (9/15) at the age of 70.

His sons Taryll, TJ and Taj of 3tworld announced his passing on the band’s Instagram account, writing in a joint statement, “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is 'Love One Another.' We love you Pops.”

While the family did not offer a cause or place of death, Steve Manning, a longtime associate of Jackson’s, told Entertainment Tonight that he died of a heart attack while driving on a road trip.

Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson, Tito was the third of nine children. He started playing guitar as a child after watching his father, Joseph, do so, and he’d use that skill when he and his brothers began performing as a five-piece. Before long, they were signed to Motown, leading to one of the most remarkable runs in chart history. Their first four singles—“I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There”—all hit #1 on the Pop chart.

That stretch of success continued through 1975, when they jumped to Epic Records and changed their name to The Jacksons. Further hits included “Enjoy Yourself” and “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)," but as youngest brother Michael became an international solo sensation, the group split in 1984 after completing the massive Victory Tour. The Jacksons were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

Tito released his first solo album, Tito Time, in 2016, charting with the Big Daddy Kane-augmented single “Get It, Baby.” He followed that in 2021 with the blues-influenced Under Your Spell, which featured appearances by Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Bobby Rush and brother Marlon Jackson.

Tito had remained active in the music industry in recent years, playing guitar with the B.B. King Blues Band, among other acts. He teamed with Marlon and brother Jackie to revive the name The Jacksons. Their final performance took place 8/31 at the Fool in Love Festival in Los Angeles. Several U.S. shows were planned for later this year.