Tito Jackson founder member of the famous Jackson 5 has died aged 70 (IOL)
by Mick the Ram
Tito Jackson, one of the founder members of what became the Jackson 5 and brother of pop king Michael Jackson, has sadly died at the age of 70.
The iconic pop performer reportedly passed away after suffering a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
The third oldest of the super talented family was part of the group of brothers, that also included Jermaine, Marlon, and Jackie, who were amongst the first Black pop acts that had what could be considered crossover appeal.
The band are often attributed as setting the blueprint for the many boy bands who have followed over the years.
Tito continued to perform with three other family members – his brothers Marlon and Jackie and his son Taryll, right up to his death, treating fans to numerous old hits including: “Can You Feel It”, “I Want You Back” and “Shake Your Body”.
He was also planning to release a new version of his single “Love One Another” in early 2025, featuring the band 3T, which is made up of his three sons, Taryll, Taj and TJ.
Heartbreak for his children
The three sons confirmed their father’s death on social media, telling fans how shocked and heartbroken they are. “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Tito Jackson, is no longer with us. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
They said that to them it would forever be “Tito Time”. They asked that everyone tried to remember to do what their father always preached and that was to “Love One Another”.
Outpouring of love
Tributes have poured in the man who was photographed performing Jackie and Marlon just last month at the Fool in Love Festival at Hollywood Park Grounds in Inglewood, California.
Former Jackson 5 drummer Jonathan ‘Sugarfoot’ Moffett said: “There is great, great sadness in my heart, spirit, and soul tonight. I’m stunned and devastated to receive this disheartening news as I love Tito like my brothers of blood relation.”
Incredible success
Sixty remarkable years have passed since The Jackson 5 were founded in Gary, Indiana – Tito’s birthplace. They released their first single 57 years ago and went on to have 18 top 20 singles in the US and 13 top 40 singles in the UK.
Tito was one of ten children, with other male siblings: Brandon and Randy, plus sisters: La Toya, Rebbie and Janet.
America went crazy for them
The Jackson 5 created what became known as “Jacksonmania” in the 1970’s, with sold out shows across America. Their first four singles – “I Want You Back”, “ABC”, “The Love You Save”, and “I’ll Be There” – all went straight to Number one in the Billboard Hot 100.
Tito later went on to have a successful solo career, but the family have lurched from tragedies to feuds, which prompted him to become quite cynical, once telling a reporter that he trusted very few people, adding: “There are a whole lot of wealthy people in show business who are not artists, so you wonder how they got all their wealth.”
Death of brother Michael hit hard
He was always close to his brother Michael and said after his younger brother’s death that he still felt his presence whenever he walked on stage. He was angry at how “unkind the world was to him” and said he still was continuing to fight for Michael’s legacy.
Played right to the end
Tito once said he planned to be like BB King, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr or Dean Martin and play music right up to his death, as “for an artist, music extends their lives.”
He succeeded in that wish.
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