Tito Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5, has passed away at 70 due to a heart attack.
Tito Jackson, the beloved guitarist and vocalist of the iconic Jackson 5, has died at the age of 70. Tito’s death was confirmed by Entertainment Tonight on Sunday, September 15, 2024. Steve Manning, a longtime friend of the Jackson family, informed ET that Tito suffered a heart attack while driving. The official cause of death has yet to be determined. Tito’s nephew, Siggy Jackson, later confirmed the news to People magazine.
“I’ve always been the quietest member of the group, so people make jokes about me,” Tito Jackson said in a 2018 interview.
Tito Jackson was a key member of the Jackson 5, a group that included his brothers Michael, Jermaine, Jackie, and Marlon. The Jackson 5, originally formed in Gary, Indiana, in the late 1960s, became one of the most influential pop and soul groups of all time. They gained fame with a string of chart-topping hits such as “I Want You Back” and “ABC,” showcasing Tito’s guitar skills and harmony vocals.
In recent years, Tito continued to perform with his brothers Marlon and Jackie under the renewed name of the Jacksons. Their latest performance took place just a week ago in England. Tito also performed at the Fool in Love Festival in Hollywood Park on August 31, 2024. Over the past two decades, Tito expanded his career into the blues genre, both recording and performing with the B.B. King Blues Band and as a solo artist.
Tito Jackson’s music career spanned several decades. He first gained attention with the Jackson 5, whose success was propelled by their energetic performances and catchy tunes. The group was a major fixture on television and in music charts, with hits like “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.” Their initial burst of fame was a significant cultural moment, introducing a new generation to the sound of Motown.
After leaving Motown, the Jacksons transitioned to Epic Records and continued to enjoy success. Songs like “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” and “State of Shock,” featuring Mick Jagger, kept them relevant in the music industry. However, as Michael Jackson’s solo career skyrocketed with “Thriller,” Tito and his brothers faced a new dynamic in the group’s success.
Tito’s contributions were often overshadowed by his younger brother Michael’s solo career, but his role in the Jackson 5 was integral to their success. Tito was known for his quiet demeanor and sometimes felt underappreciated. In a 2018 interview with Jitney, Tito spoke about the personal impact of being less prominent in the group. “I’ve always been the quietest member of the group, so people make jokes about me,” he reflected.
Despite the challenges, Tito remained dedicated to his music. His solo career was marked by a late but significant entry into the industry. In 2016, Tito released his first solo album, “Tito Time,” which highlighted his passion for blues music. He followed up with “Under Your Spell” in 2021, featuring collaborations with notable artists such as Stevie Wonder and Joe Bonamassa.
Born on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito Jackson began playing guitar at a young age. His father, Joe Jackson, recognized his talent early and supported his musical ambitions. Tito’s influence extended to his family; his three sons with wife Delores “Dee Dee” Jackson formed the group 3T, achieving success with their debut album, “Brotherhood.”
Tito also ventured into television, serving as a judge on the BBC show “Just the Two of Us” and executive producing “The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty,” which documented a reunion of the Jackson brothers.
Tito Jackson’s death marks the end of an era for fans of the Jackson 5 and for the broader music community. His contributions to music and his role in the Jackson 5’s legacy will be remembered fondly. As the family and fans mourn his loss, Tito’s influence on music and his family’s legacy will continue to resonate.
