Tito Jackson, one of the iconic members of The Jackson 5 and the older brother to legendary pop stars Michael and Janet Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70. His nephew, Siggy Jackson, confirmed the news to PEOPLE. According to Entertainment Tonight, who first reported the news, Tito suffered an apparent heart attack on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
In the months leading up to his passing, Tito had been actively touring with his brothers Jackie and Marlon as The Jacksons. The group had a busy schedule, performing in Scotland, California, and England throughout the summer of 2024. Their most recent performance was on September 8 in Surrey, England, with upcoming appearances scheduled for October 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and November 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Just last week, while in Munich, Germany, Tito expressed his gratitude for a special memorial dedicated to his late brother Michael Jackson, writing on Facebook: “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.”
A Legacy with The Jackson 5
As an original member of The Jackson 5, Tito was part of the pop phenomenon that swept the world in the 1970s with hits like “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.” Alongside Michael, Jackie, Jermaine, and Marlon (later joined by Randy Jackson), the family band left an indelible mark on music history. In recognition of their impact, The Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Tito’s Musical Journey
After the group’s heyday, Tito pursued a solo career, releasing albums including Tito Time in 2016 and Under Your Spellin 2021. He also had a passion for blues music, which he explored in his performances with the BB King Blues Band during tours from 2017 to 2019.
In a 2021 interview with Blues Blast magazine, Tito shared how the blues had been his first musical love, saying, “It was the blues that got me interested in the guitar.” Reflecting on his time away from the limelight, he added, “I wanted to play some music, and I wanted to be on stage again.”
A Message of Love and Unity
Tito’s last single, “Love One Another,” released in 2021, was a reflection of his lifelong dedication to spreading positive messages. Recorded in the wake of the pandemic, the song called for love, unity, and peace – values deeply rooted in the Jackson family legacy. In his own words, Tito stated, “It’s a call for people to join hands, embrace love, and exhibit kindness to one another.” The accompanying music video featured members of the Jackson family, including his three sons, Taj, TJ, and Taryll.
Continuing His Passion for Music
Even as he entered his 70s, Tito showed no signs of slowing down. In an interview with Fox 5 San Diego in August, he shared his enthusiasm for touring with his brothers: “We love it, I still love the traveling, this type of thing, it’s great.”
Tito Jackson leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond his musical achievements, remembered by family, friends, and fans worldwide. He was preceded in death by his ex-wife Dee-Dee Martes-Jackson in 1994, his father Joe Jackson in 2018, and his brother Michael in 2009.
Tito’s influence in music, both as part of the legendary Jackson 5 and through his solo endeavors, will be cherished for generations to come.
