Tito Jackson, Original Member of The Jackson 5 and Brother of Late Michael Jackson, Dies at 70
Tito Jackson, a member of the famous family band The Jackson 5 and brother to Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, has died, his nephew Siggy Jackson confirms to PEOPLE. The musician was 70.
According to Entertainment Tonight (who was first to report the news), Jackson died on Sunday, Sept. 15 after suffering an apparent heart attack.
Leading up to his death, Tito had been performing with brothers Jackie Jackson and Marlon Jackson as The Jacksons, and had shows in Scotland, California and England over summer 2024. They performed as recently as Sept. 8 in Surrey, England, and had appearances set for Oct. 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Nov. 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Just earlier this week, while Tito was in Munich, Germany, with The Jacksons, the brothers “visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson,” Tito wrote on Facebook. “We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”
Tito was an original member of The Jackson 5, which also featured Michael, Jackie, Jermaine Jackson and Marlon (and, later, Randy Jackson). The family pop group had hit songs with “I Want You Back,” “ABC” and “I’ll Be There,” throughout the ’70s. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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Tito went on to have a solo career, releasing two studio albums: Tito Time in 2016 and Under Your Spell in 2021.
In 2003, Tito began performing and touring blues and funk music across the world, according to his website. He also toured with the BB King Blues Band at times, notably in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
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Tito spoke of his affinity for blues music in a 2021 cover interview with Blues Blast magazine, explaining, “It was the blues that got me interested in the guitar.”
After taking a break from the spotlight following his success with his siblings, Tito told the outlet that he realized, “I wanted to play some music, and I wanted to be on stage again. I’d been playin’ the Jackson 5 stuff for all my life practically, but the blues had been the main music in my family. I just wanted to jam, but I couldn’t get no pros to do that kinda thing.”
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His last single, “Love One Another,” was released in 2021. In the song description on YouTube, Tito said that the track was recorded in the wake of the pandemic and noted his “aim was to convey a message of love, unity, and peace, offering a balm for troubled times.”
“It’s a call for people to join hands, embrace love, and exhibit kindness to one another, drawing inspiration from the enduring legacy of the Jackson Family,” said Tito. “Through my music, I’m dedicated to spreading a positive message of harmony and togetherness.”
Members of the Jackson family appear in the music video, as well as celebrities like Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian. Tito’s three sons, Taj, TJ and Taryll, are also featured. The men comprised the band 3T, which Tito managed, and who were featured in 2015 reality series The Jacksons: Next Generation.
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As he entered his 70s, Tito had no intention of slowing down. “We love it, I still love the traveling, this type of thing, it’s great,” Tito told Fox 5 San Diego in August of touring now with his brothers.
Tito was preceded in death by his ex-wife Dee-Dee Martes-Jackson (Taj, TJ and Taryll’s mother) in 1994; his father Joe Jackson in 2018; and brother Michael in 2009.
