One of the Jackson five brothers, and youngrer brother to the the globally celebrated pop star, Micheal Jackson, Tito Jackson is dead.
The music star died at the age of 70 according to confirmation by Steve Manning, a long-time friend and former manager of the Jackson family. He said Tito Jackson died on Monday.
Tito played a key role in the rise of the Jackson 5 – performing alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. The family musical group was formed in 1964. Their rise to fame and successful hit songs such as “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I Want You Back” sealed their position as world’s number 1 pop group.
The group sold over 150 million records globally and were honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980, and later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
The news was also shared on Instagram by Tito’s three sons—Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson—who formed the R’n’B/pop trio 3T in the 1990s. “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” they wrote. “Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
The Jacksons had made performing apearances recently – where Tito with Taryll, Jackie, and Marlon Jackson featured at the Fool in Love Festival at Hollywood Park Grounds in California on August 31.
Jackson 5 former drummer, Jonathan Moffett, wrote a tribute on his social media handle, expressing his grief over Tito’s passage: “There is great sadness in my heart tonight – I just found out that my brother in heart and spirit, Tito Jackson has passed. I’m stunned, devastated and speechless. I love you, Tito. My most sincere love & prayers for the entire Jackson family. I love you all VERY much.”
Tito Jackson was third in the line of Jackson siblings, with his younger sisters Janet and LaToya Jackson. Besides his success with the Jackson 5, Tito also enjoyed a solo career as a blues musician.
His 2016 successful solo performance hit “Get It Baby” saw him chart the Billboard and his passing marks the end of an era for the Jackson family and fans worldwide.
Tito will be fondly remebered for his musical contributions, enduring talent and rich memories that kept the Jackson 5 legacy alive.
