Wave Staff and Wire Reports
LOS ANGELES — Funeral services are pending or Tito Jackson, one of the members of the influential pop group The Jackson 5, who died Sept. 15 at age 70, according to his sons.
Tito Jackson was the third of nine children in the family, including superstars Michael and sister Janet. The music-making family’s songs are still beloved all over the world today.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us,” his sons TJ, Taj and Taryll said in a statement posted on Instagram. “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.
“Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some know him as ‘Poppa T.’ Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us.”
Jackson died of an apparent heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma, former Jackson family manager Steve Manning told Entertainment Tonight.
The Jackson 5, made up of brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, rose to fame with a string of No. 1 hits in the 1970s, including “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “I’ll Be There.” The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Guided by their father, Joe Jackson, a steelworker and guitarist, the family became one of the biggest names in music.
After nonstop touring and winning numerous talent competitions, The Jackson 5 landed their big break in 1969, when they signed an exclusive seven-year deal with Berry Gordy’s Motown Records.
Originally from Gary, Indiana, the family’s musical success led them to relocate to California.
Community activist Najee Ali shared a link to Gary, Indiana, with the Jacksons and has a long relationship with the family.
On social media, Ali said, “To those who knew him personally, he was the epitome of kindness, humility and grace. He treated everyone with respect, especially his fans, always appreciating their love and support.”
“For me, Tito was like the older brother I never had,” Ali added. “He welcomed me with open arms, offering his love and generosity in every interaction. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his memory will forever remain in our hearts.
“I will miss my dear friend and brother, and my thoughts and prayers are with the Jackson family during this difficult time.”
Motown founder Berry Gordy issued a statement, saying “I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tito Jackson. As a founding member of the Jackson 5, Tito was a quiet force in their success.
“His talent as a musician was undeniable, ensuring that their live performances met the expectation of their fans who loved their records,” he added. “He was low-key and at the same time commanded respect … the same respect he showed to others. You could say Tito was the glue that held the Jackson 5 together on their journey to superstardom.”
Suzanne dePasse, the former president of Motown Productions, also issued a statement.
“Long before the Jackson 5 became superstars, I had the privilege of working with the group on a daily basis, and it became clear that Tito was the quiet yet powerful guiding force of the group,” she said. “Our schedule was hectic, demanding, and intense, and it was always Tito keeping the group on track.
“As his musicianship grew stronger and stronger, so did his contribution to the excellence of the group,” she added. “He was always eager to make things better, crisper, more perfect.
“Tito was the calm presence, the humble, hardworking, kind spirit who brought a steadying influence when things got challenging. His dedication, both to the group and to his craft, shaped the incredible success they went on to achieve. Tito’s spirit, both on and off stage, will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”
Tito Jackson and two family members had still been performing as The Jacksons, with upcoming concerts scheduled for Oct. 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Nov. 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He managed his sons’ band, 3T, and all three were featured in the 2015 reality series “The Jacksons: Next Generation,” which aired on Lifetime and followed the brothers as they tried to balance their music careers with family life and the pressures of being a Jackson.
Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson, born on Oct. 15, 1953, was often the quietest member of the group, contributing as a background singer and guitarist. While his brothers pursued solo careers, including Michael, who rose to global fame as the “King of Pop,” Tito remained more behind the scenes.
Michael Jackson left the band in 1984 after his album “Thriller” became one of the best-selling albums of all time, winning him eight Grammy Awards as a solo artist.
Tito Jackson was the last of the nine Jackson siblings to launch a solo career, making his debut with the 2016 album “Tito Time.” In 2017, he released the single “One Way Street.” Another solo album, “Under Your Spell,” was released in 2021.
He intentionally delayed his solo pursuits to focus on raising his three sons.
Tito Jackson is survived by his sons, TJ, Taj and Taryll.
