Tito Jackson, original member of the Jackson 5, dies at 70
The singer-guitarist's children confirmed the news of the passing of Michael Jackson's brother, although they did not specify the cause.
Tito Jackson (second from left), in a performance with his brothers Randy, Marlon, Jackie, Michael and Jermaine.
Tito Jackson, one of the original members of the legendary group The Jackson 5, has died at age 70, his children said.
In an Instagram post, Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson said their final goodbye to their father: "It’s 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. 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. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another.’ We love you Pops. Your boys, Taj, Taryll, and TJ."
A life dedicated to music
Tito, whose given name was Toriano Adaryll Jackson, was born on October 15, 1953. He was the third of nine Jackson children and grew up in Gary, Indiana. He began playing the guitar at the age of 10, and his father, seeing his children's musical talent, began to steer them toward career in music. In 1962, Tito performed with his brothers Jackie and Jermaine as the Jackson Brothers, eventually releasing a studio album, Big Boy.
After the addition of his younger brothers Marlon and Michael, the group renamed themselves to the Jackson 5. The group signed in 1968 to Berry Gordy's Detroit-based Motown label. Tito was guitarist and sang backing vocals.
Solo career
In 1976, the group signed on with a new record label as the Jacksons, and Tito co-wrote several tracks, including Everybody, Destiny and Push Away, before embarking on a solo career, in which he combined different genres such as blues, R&B and pop.
In 2016, Tito released Tito Time, his first solo studio album. In a subsequent interview, he stressed that it was his brother Michael who encouraged him to finish the project. "Michael was the one who inspired me to continue. I had done a few songs, and my sons had done a couple of tracks and played ’em for him. They were good. And he said it’d be good for me to keep goin’ and finish the project," he added.
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