The music world is mourning the loss of Tito Jackson, a founding member of the iconic Jackson 5, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 70. Known for his steady rhythm guitar, Tito helped define the group’s sound that dominated the airwaves in the 1970s with hits like “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.” The news was confirmed in a statement by a spokesperson for his youngest sister, Janet Jackson, revealing that he died from a heart attack while traveling to Oklahoma from New Mexico.
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third child of Joe and Katherine Jackson. As children, Tito and his siblings honed their musical talents under the guidance of their father, Joe, who managed the group through the early years of their career. Although Michael Jackson would eventually soar as a solo artist, it was Tito’s guitar skills and the collective talent of the Jackson 5 that first captured the world’s attention, laying the foundation for the entire Jackson family’s legacy.
Tito’s passion for music began when he secretly played his father’s guitar as a child. According to a 2019 interview, Tito broke a string on the guitar, prompting his father to confront him. Instead of being deterred, Tito’s father asked him to show what he had learned, inspiring him to master every song on the radio. His talent, combined with his brothers’ voices and energy, soon led to the Jackson 5 performing as the “Jackson Brothers” around Gary. Their reputation grew until a change to “Jackson 5” was suggested after a wedding performance, sparking a name that would soon resonate worldwide.
In 1969, the Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records and rapidly rose to fame, becoming a household name in America and beyond. With appearances on popular television shows and performances alongside stars like Cher and Diana Ross, their fame quickly reached international levels. Tito recalled the group’s first trip to the U.K., where thousands of fans awaited them at the airport, a moment that underscored the global impact of their music and paved the way for future pop superstars.
The Jackson 5’s greatest hits — “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “I’ll Be There” — are today regarded as classics, with each inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 1997, the group received one of music’s highest honors: induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to their influence on pop culture.
After the Jackson 5’s shift from Motown to Epic Records in 1976, they rebranded as “The Jacksons” and welcomed younger brother Randy to the group. Even after Michael and Jermaine branched out for solo careers, Tito continued to perform and produce music, honoring the Jackson legacy.
For Tito, music was always more than fame; it was a connection to family and community. As a member of one of the most emulated and beloved groups of all time, Tito Jackson’s passing marks the end of an era. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, musical innovation, and a timeless repertoire that will continue to inspire generations.
