Tito Jackson, one of the original members of the legendary Jackson 5, died on Sunday, 15 September 2024. He was 70.
Story Summary:
- Tito Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5, has passed away at the age of 70.
- He reportedly suffered a heart attack while driving, leading to his sudden death.
- Tributes are pouring in from fans and the music industry as the Jackson family mourns another tragic loss.
Tito Jackson dies: What’s the cause of death?
According to initial reports, Jackson suffered a fatal heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
The news was confirmed by family friend and former Jackson family manager, Steve Manning.
While the Jackson family has yet to release an official statement, fans and industry figures have expressed their shock and grief online.
Tito had recently performed at the Fool in Love Festival on 31 August 2024, showcasing his enduring presence in the music world.
Tito Jackson biography
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on 15 October 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito Jackson was the third of 10 siblings in the famous Jackson family.
Alongside his brothers, Tito helped form the Jackson 5, a group that skyrocketed to fame in the late 1960s under the Motown label.
With hits like I Want You Back and ABC, the group became an international sensation.
Although Tito played guitar, Motown initially did not allow him to record with the band, reserving studio work for session musicians.
However, when the Jacksons transitioned to CBS Records in 1976, Tito’s instrumental talent began to shine through.
Throughout his career, he was involved in songwriting and producing, making significant contributions to the Jackson family’s success.
Tito also pursued a solo career, releasing his debut blues album, Tito Time, in 2016.
The album saw commercial success, and he followed it up with his second album, Under Your Spell, in 2021, collaborating with prominent artists like Stevie Wonder and George Benson.
Tito was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his brothers in 1997, and his contributions to music, both as part of the Jackson 5 and in his solo career, left an indelible mark on the industry.
Reactions to Tito’s death
As news of Tito Jackson’s death spread, heartfelt tributes began to flood social media.
Here are some of the reactions we picked online: