Tito Jackson dead: Jackson 5 member dies at 70 – National

Tito Jacksonone of the brothers who made up the beloved pop group The Jackson 5died at the age of 70.

Tito was the third of nine Jackson children, who included global superstars Michael and sister Janetmember of a family of musicians whose songs are still enjoyed today.

“It is 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 said in a statement posted to Instagram Sunday night.

The Jackson 5 consisted of brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael. The family group, which was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, produced several No. 1 hits in the 1970s, including ABC, I want you back And I will be there.

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The Jackson 5 became one of the biggest names in music under the leadership of their father, Joe Jackson, a steelworker and guitarist who supported his wife and nine children in Gary, Indiana. When the family’s music career took off, they moved to California.

Born on October 15, 1953, Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was the least known member of the group as a backing vocalist and guitarist. His brothers went on to solo careers, including Michael, who became one of the biggest artists in the world, known as the King of Pop.

Michael Jackson died at the age of 50 on June 25, 2009.

Speaking to The Associated Press in December 2009, Jackson said his younger brother’s death had brought the family closer together.

“I would say it really brought us closer together. To recognize the love we have for each other when one of us is not here, what a great loss,” he said, adding that he personally would “never be at peace with that.”

“There are still times when I can’t believe it. So I don’t think it will ever go away,” he said.

In 2014, Jackson said that he and his brothers still felt Michael Jackson’s absence in their shows, which continued with international tours.

“I don’t think we’ll ever get used to playing without him. We miss him a lot,” he said, noting that Michael’s spirit “is with us when we play. He gives us a lot of positive energy and makes us smile.”

Days before his death, Jackson posted a message on his Facebook page from Germany on September 11, where he had visited a memorial to Michael Jackson with his brothers.

“Prior to our concert in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon and I visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson. We are deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive,” he wrote.

Tito Jackson was the last of the nine Jackson siblings to release a solo project with his 2016 debut, Tito’s HourHe released a song in 2017, One way streetand told the AP in 2019 that he was working on a second album.

Jackson has said he intentionally avoided pursuing a solo career because he wanted to focus on raising his three sons, TJ, Taj and Taryll, who formed their own band, 3T. Jackson’s website links to a single featuring 3T and Stevie Wonder titled, Love one another.

Tito Jackson also leaves behind his brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon and Jackie, his sisters Janet, Rebbie and La Toya and their mother, Katherine. Their father passed away in 2018.

Jackson’s death was first reported by Entertainment Tonight.

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