The Jackson 5 Member And Michael Jackson Brother, Tito Jackson, Dead At 70
Tito Jackson, an integral member of the historic Jackson family and brother to music legends Michael and Janet Jackson, passed away on Sunday at the age of 70. His nephew, Siggy Jackson, confirmed the sad news to *PEOPLE* magazine. According to the first report by Entertainment Tonight, Tito died on September 15, apparently from a heart attack.
Even towards the end, Tito was out touring with his brothers Jackie and Marlon under The Jacksons. This past summer 2024, they had appearances lined up in Scotland, California, and England. They had played Surrey, England, on September 8 and were scheduled to perform in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on October 25, followed by Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 1st.
At the time of his death, Tito and his brothers were in Munich, Germany, visiting a memorial dedicated to their late brother Michael Jackson. Taking to Facebook during the visit, Tito penned an emotive message, which read: “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.”
In the Jackson 5, Tito had contributed to hits like I Want You Back, ABC, and I’ll Be There. The Jackson 5 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, along with the impact they were able to have. They were named with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in dedication to their contribution to the music world.
It wasn’t until The Jackson 5 that Tito’s love of music really took hold. In 2003, he began to perform blues and funk, touring with the BB King Blues Band from 2017 until 2019. As Tito put it in an interview with *Blues Blast* back in 2021, “It was the blues that got me interested in the guitar.” Being away from the limelight after the success of The Jackson 5, he got himself back into music and the stage, letting the blues resonate from his inner core.
Tito has released two solo albums, Tito Time in 2016 and Under Your Spell in 2021. His last single was Love One Another, which also came out in 2021. Recorded in the wake of the pandemic, the song carried a message of unity, peace, and love. Tito added in the YouTube description, “Through my music, I’m committed to sending a positive message of unity and togetherness.”
The cast for his music video featured his three sons, Taj, TJ, and Taryll – all part of the Jackson family. It also included celebrities such as Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian.
Still, Tito was far from hanging up his boots. During his interview with Fox 5 San Diego this August 2024, Tito said, “We love it, I still love the traveling, this type of thing, it’s great.”
He is survived by his ex-wife, Dee-Dee Martes-Jackson, who died in 1994; his father, Joe Jackson, who passed away in 2018; and his brother Michael in 2009. Tito leaves behind a legacy of love, music, and memories that will continue on to encourage future generations.
