Tito Jackson’s Family Says The Jackson 5 Member Has Died At 70

Tito Jackson, one of the brothers who made up the beloved pop group the Jackson 5, has passed away at the age of 70.

Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was the least-heard member of the group, serving as a background singer and guitarist. I Photo: Gabriel González Flickr

Tito was the third of nine Jackson children, who include global superstars Michael and Janet, and formed part of a music-making family whose songs remain cherished today, Brian P. D. Hannon reported for the Associated Press (AP).

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce 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 deeply about everyone and their well-being,” his sons TJ, Taj, and Taryll said in a statement posted on Instagram.

The Jackson 5, consisting of brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

They produced several No. 1 hits in the 1970s, including “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “I’ll Be There.” The group became one of the biggest names in music under the guidance of their father, Joe Jackson, a steelworker and guitarist who supported his large family in Gary, Indiana.

As their musical careers took off, the Jacksons moved to California.

Born on Oct. 15, 1953, Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was the least-heard member of the group, serving as a background singer and guitarist. His brothers eventually pursued solo careers, with Michael achieving global superstardom as “The King of Pop.” Michael Jackson died at age 50 on June 25, 2009.