Tito Jackson, one of the five brothers who comprised the Jackson 5 (later the Jacksons), which dominated pop music in the late 1960s and early 1970s, has passed away at the age of 70 from a heart attack. Entertainment Tonight first announced the news, but it was later confirmed by his sons TJ, Taj, and Taryll on Facebook and Instagram.
Tito continued performing with an updated version of the Jacksons until his death. He was also a studio musician, solo artist, and a proud father.
The Jackson 5’s Early Years
Tito Jackson, the third of nine Jackson children, was born in Gary, Indiana, on October 15, 1953. His father, Joe, organized Tito, his brothers Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon, and eventually young Michael into a singing group with Tito on Lead Guitar and Jermaine playing the bass.
The group started playing at local talent shows and high schools until March 1969, when they signed a contract with Berry Gordy and Motown Records. That day changed the trajectory of their lives forever.
Stardom
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From there, they took off like a rocket. As Gordy did with many of his star acts, he assigned the Jackson 5 their own songwriting and producing team, known as “The Corporation.” And their gold records came flying out of Hitsville.
“I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There” all rose to number one on the charts. Other popular songs included “Mama’s Pearl,” “Never Can Say Goodbye,” “Dancing Machine,” and “Enjoy Yourself.” The brothers have sold over 150 million records worldwide. They also have three songs in the Grammy Hall of Fame and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Waning Years
By the mid-70s, Michael and Jermaine had burgeoning solo careers, and the Jackson 5’s trail of hits started slowing down. The Corporation split up in 1973, and the brothers left Motown in 1975, sans Jermaine, who stayed behind. He was replaced by his brother Randy. Motown owned the rights to the name Jackson 5, so from then on, they would be known as the Jacksons.
They performed and toured in different family configurations until 1989. Due to family friction and the pressures of the business, Michael left the group in 1984. Marlon and Randy followed suit, and the group went into a prolonged hiatus. After that, there were reunion concerts and tours.
Father Tito
As the years went by, Tito spent more time with his three boys and became a loving and dedicated father. It was during these years that the family had to endure the death of Tito’s brother, Michael, in 2009. Tito said he thought Michael’s death brought the family closer together.
During this time, Tito became the last of the Jackson siblings to release a solo project entitled “Tito Time.” He had been planning to release a sophomore follow-up effort.
This year, Tito moved to Claremore, Oklahoma, to escape the West Coast. But he was a family man until the end, and in fact, the Jacksons were scheduled to perform concerts in Atlantic City and Cincinnati this fall. The most recent composition of the group: Tito, Jackie, Marlon, and Tito’s son Taryll.
Aftermath
At the time of his death, his sons issued the following statement. “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
Tito Jackson is survived by his three sons, brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, and Jackie, sisters Janet, Rebbie, and Latoya, and their mother, Katherine. Their father Joe passed away in 2018.
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