Music lovers around the world are mourning following the death of renowned musician and cherished member of the Jackson family, Tito Jackson, who passed away at the age of 70.
Born on October 15, 1953, Toriano Adaryll Jackson, commonly known as Tito, was the third eldest member of the famous Jackson family. He gained fame as a founding member of The Jackson 5, a group that significantly impacted the pop and Motown music scenes in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Tito's unique guitar riffs and harmonies were essential to the band's success, contributing to popular tracks like "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "Never Can Say Goodbye."
Tito's remarkable talent on the guitar played a significant role in the group’s lively and inventive sound, making him a beloved personality among fans and a respected figure in the music industry.
The news of his death sent waves of sorrow through the music world and beyond, as fans and fellow artists alike remembered his remarkable contributions to the industry.
“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,” his sons TJ, Taj, and Taryll Jackson said in a statement posted on Instagram following his passing.
He was recently in Munich ahead of a performance that the group was scheduled to give.
Days before his death, Tito posted a message on social media from Munich, Germany, where he visited a memorial to Michael with his brothers.
"Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson. We're deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive," he posted.
The Jackson 5 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Following their breakup, Tito launched a solo career that revealed his diverse musical talents and passion for music. Some of his well-regarded albums include Tito Time and I’m a Winner.
He reportedly suffered a medical emergency near a mall in Gallup, New Mexico, just hours before his death, according to a press release from the Gallup Police Department.
“At approximately 6:17 p.m. PT, an officer was flagged down near the American Heritage Plaza located at 702 U.S. Highway 491. The officer was alerted to an individual requiring medical attention and promptly requested an ambulance,” the police department posted.
“The individual was subsequently transported to a local hospital in Gallup, New Mexico, where he was pronounced dead. Following this, the hospital requested the presence of detectives and the Office of the Medical Investigator. The deceased has been identified as 70-year-old Toriano ‘Tito’ Jackson from Tulsa, Oklahoma,” the statement concluded.
Since his passing, fans and celebrities around the world have been paying tribute to the fallen pop star.
His late brother Michael Jackson’s children, Paris and Prince, paid tribute to their uncle on their respective social media accounts.
“Rest in transition, Uncle Tito,” Paris captioned a photo of her late father and Tito on her Instagram, while her older brother Prince shared on the same platform a photo of the Jackson family with the caption, “Love you forever, Poppa T.”
Former bandmate and Jackson 5 drummer Jonathan Moffett was among the first to share his thoughts.
"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," he posted on X.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of Tito Jackson’s passing. The Jackson family has been a steadfast friend and supporter of the King family for many years. Tito’s legacy, along with his family’s enduring commitment to justice and equality, will always be cherished. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this time of loss,” posted Bernice King, daughter of the late Martin Luther King.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Tito Jackson, whom I’ve known over the years. While I worked closely with his brother Michael on several issues, it always inevitably involved the entire Jackson family. May Tito rest in peace and power,” posted American civil rights activist Al Sharpton.