Toriano Adaryll Jackson, widely known as Tito Jackson, a founding member of the iconic Jackson 5 and older brother of Michael Jackson, died on September 15, 2024 at the age of 70. Renowned as a guitarist and vocalist, Tito suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. He contributed to numerous hit songs including “I Want You Back” and “ABC.”
The Gallup Police Department in New Mexico issued a statement detailing the circumstances preceding Jackson’s death. As per their account, an officer stationed near the American Heritage Plaza Mall in Gallup, New Mexico summoned an ambulance following reports of a person requiring urgent medical aid. “The individual was then moved to a local hospital in Gallup where he was declared dead,” the statement read.
Born on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third child among nine siblings and the second son in the musically inclined Jackson family. He started his journey in the entertainment industry at the tender age of nine, participating in talent shows alongside his brothers Michael, Jackie, Jermaine, and Marlon under the name The Jackson Brothers.
Managed by their father, Joe Jackson, the group signed a contract with Motown Records in 1968 and was renamed The Jackson 5. Their debut single, “I Want You Back,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970, heralding a remarkable streak of success. The group went on to release numerous chartbusters, including “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There.”
Though Tito was mainly the group’s guitarist, he didn’t play on their Motown albums, as the label opted to use studio musicians. This scenario altered when the group shifted to Epic Records in 1976 and rechristened themselves as The Jacksons. Under this fresh identity, Tito’s musical contributions grew, and he started co-writing hit songs like “Everybody” and “We Can Change The World.”
Across his career, Tito earned several accolades for his musical prowess. In 1997, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Jackson 5. He also received three Grammy nominations during his tenure with the group, cementing his place in the annals of music history.
Despite the Jackson 5’s extraordinary success and his brothers’ individual achievements, Tito was the last Jackson sibling to launch a solo career. In 2016, at the age of 62, he unveiled his debut solo album, “Tito Time.” This album, a testament to his passion for blues music, featured collaborations with artists like Big Daddy Kane. His single, “Get It Baby,” charted on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart.
After the triumph of his debut, Tito released a second album, “Under Your Spell,” in 2021. This blues-centric album showcased his musical versatility, featuring collaborations with acclaimed artists such as Stevie Wonder, Bobby Rush, and Kenny Neal. It also included a special guest appearance by his brother Marlon.
Beyond his music career, Tito broadened his footprint in the entertainment industry. He served as a judge on the BBC show “Just the Two of Us” and assumed the role of executive producer for the reality series “The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty.” These ventures underlined his adaptability and enduring relevance in the world of entertainment.
Just days before his death, Tito shared a touching moment with his brothers. On September 11, 2024, Tito, Jackie, and Marlon Jackson paid a visit to a memorial for their late brother, Michael Jackson, in Munich, Germany. This visit preceded a concert they performed as a group, exemplifying the lasting bond among the Jackson family and their dedication to their musical heritage.
Despite Tito’s passing, The Jacksons had upcoming concerts scheduled for October 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and November 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio. These performances will now serve as a tribute to Tito’s memory and his pivotal role in the group’s success.
Tito’s sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson, announced their father’s death on the Instagram page of their R&B group, 3T. In their heartfelt statement, they highlighted Tito’s lifelong dedication to promoting love and unity. They reflected on his guiding principle, encouraging everyone to “Love One Another,” a mantra that encapsulated his life and commitment to music and family.
Tito Jackson is survived by his three sons, whom he had with his late ex-wife, Delores Martes. His death signifies the conclusion of an epoch for the Jackson family and the music industry, leaving behind a legacy of chart-topping songs, musical innovation, and a message of love that will continue to resonate with fans around the globe.
