Tito Jackson has died: legendary singer and guitarist of The Jackson 5 passed away at 70 years old
16 september 2024 в 13:13
Tito Jackson, a renowned singer and guitarist from the influential pop groups The Jackson 5 and later The Jacksons, passed away at the age of 70, as confirmed by the family’s former manager, Steve Manning.
The musician passed away on Sunday, September 15, after an apparent heart attack while traveling from New Mexico to Oklahoma, Entertainment Tonight reports.
Let’s remember the life of the late musician and the legacy he left behind.
Born on October 15, 1953 in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of ten children of Katherine and Joe Jackson. His brothers were Jermaine, Marlon, Michael, Jackie, Brandon, and Randy, and his sisters were La Toya, Rebbie, and Janet.
Although the Jackson family is primarily known for their vocal talents, Tito was a gifted guitarist. His father, Joe, encouraged him to form a group with his brothers after Tito played for him when a string broke, as described in his biography.
The Jackson 5, formed in 1964, rose to fame in 1969 when they signed an exclusive seven-year contract with Motown Records' Berry Gordy. The group sold over 150 million records worldwide. Their hits, including «ABC», - «The Love You Save», - «I'll Be There», - and «I Want You Back», - topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In recognition of their influence and success, The Jackson 5 were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980 and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Starting in 2003, Tito began a solo career, performing and touring with blues and funk music worldwide, according to his website. He also toured with the BB King Blues Band, with notable tours in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
In a 2021 Blues Blast magazine cover interview, Tito expressed his deep passion for blues music, saying, «It was the blues that got me interested in the guitar». After a period away from the spotlight following the success with The Jackson 5, Tito realized that he «wanted to play music and be on stage again. I played The Jackson 5 music most of my life, but blues has always been the main music in my family. I just wanted to play, but I couldn’t find professionals to play that kind of music».
He started his solo career later in life, releasing two albums under his name: Tito Time in 2016, predominantly featuring R&B and soul music, and Under Your Spell in 2021, focusing mainly on blues music.
His latest single «Love One Another», - released in 2021, was inspired by the pandemic. In the song’s description on YouTube, Tito explained that the goal was to convey a message of love, unity, and peace, saying, «It's a call for people to join hands, embrace love, and show kindness, drawing inspiration from the enduring legacy of the Jackson family. Through my music, I am dedicated to spreading a positive message of harmony and unity».
Approaching his 70th birthday, Tito showed no signs of slowing down. In August, he told Fox 5 San Diego, «We love it, I still love traveling, it’s great».
Tito remained active with The Jacksons, touring this summer with brothers Jackie and Marlon, as well as his son Tajh Adren Jackson. Their last performance took place on September 8 in Surrey, England, and they had upcoming shows on October 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and November 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Earlier this week, while in Munich, Germany, Tito and The Jacksons visited a memorial dedicated to their late brother Michael. Tito shared on Facebook, «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».
Tito is survived by three sons — Taj, Taryll, and TJ, all of whom were part of the R&B group 3T, formed in 1994 and managed by their father. He also leaves behind a legacy
The musician passed away on Sunday, September 15, after an apparent heart attack while traveling from New Mexico to Oklahoma, Entertainment Tonight reports.
Let’s remember the life of the late musician and the legacy he left behind.
Born on October 15, 1953 in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of ten children of Katherine and Joe Jackson. His brothers were Jermaine, Marlon, Michael, Jackie, Brandon, and Randy, and his sisters were La Toya, Rebbie, and Janet.
Although the Jackson family is primarily known for their vocal talents, Tito was a gifted guitarist. His father, Joe, encouraged him to form a group with his brothers after Tito played for him when a string broke, as described in his biography.
The Jackson 5, formed in 1964, rose to fame in 1969 when they signed an exclusive seven-year contract with Motown Records' Berry Gordy. The group sold over 150 million records worldwide. Their hits, including «ABC», - «The Love You Save», - «I'll Be There», - and «I Want You Back», - topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In recognition of their influence and success, The Jackson 5 were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980 and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Starting in 2003, Tito began a solo career, performing and touring with blues and funk music worldwide, according to his website. He also toured with the BB King Blues Band, with notable tours in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
In a 2021 Blues Blast magazine cover interview, Tito expressed his deep passion for blues music, saying, «It was the blues that got me interested in the guitar». After a period away from the spotlight following the success with The Jackson 5, Tito realized that he «wanted to play music and be on stage again. I played The Jackson 5 music most of my life, but blues has always been the main music in my family. I just wanted to play, but I couldn’t find professionals to play that kind of music».
He started his solo career later in life, releasing two albums under his name: Tito Time in 2016, predominantly featuring R&B and soul music, and Under Your Spell in 2021, focusing mainly on blues music.
His latest single «Love One Another», - released in 2021, was inspired by the pandemic. In the song’s description on YouTube, Tito explained that the goal was to convey a message of love, unity, and peace, saying, «It's a call for people to join hands, embrace love, and show kindness, drawing inspiration from the enduring legacy of the Jackson family. Through my music, I am dedicated to spreading a positive message of harmony and unity».
Approaching his 70th birthday, Tito showed no signs of slowing down. In August, he told Fox 5 San Diego, «We love it, I still love traveling, it’s great».
Tito remained active with The Jacksons, touring this summer with brothers Jackie and Marlon, as well as his son Tajh Adren Jackson. Their last performance took place on September 8 in Surrey, England, and they had upcoming shows on October 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and November 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Earlier this week, while in Munich, Germany, Tito and The Jacksons visited a memorial dedicated to their late brother Michael. Tito shared on Facebook, «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».
Tito is survived by three sons — Taj, Taryll, and TJ, all of whom were part of the R&B group 3T, formed in 1994 and managed by their father. He also leaves behind a legacy
© Kolganov Andrey
