Remembering the Jackson 5 musician – Hollywood Life

Tito Jacksonthe well-known singer and guitarist of the influential pop groups The Jackson 5 and later The Jacksons, has died at the age of 70, the family's former manager confirmed. Steve Manning.

The musician died on Sunday, September 15, after apparently suffering a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma, according to Entertainment tonight.

Here is a look back at the life of the late musician and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

Early years

Tito was born on October 15, 1953 in Gary, Indiana as Toriano Adaryll Jackson and was the third of ten children Catherine And Joe JacksonHis siblings included brothers Jermaine, Marlon, Michael, Jackie, BrandonAnd Cooland sisters La Toya, RebbieAnd Janet.

While the Jackson family is best known for their singing talents, Tito was a gifted guitarist and was encouraged to form a band with his brothers after his father Joe forced him to open for him when he broke a string, as described in his biography.

The Jackson 5, formed in 1964, rose to prominence in 1969 when they signed an exclusive seven-year contract with Berry Gordy's Motown Records. The group sold over 150 million records worldwide. Their hits, including “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” “I'll Be There” and “I Want You Back,” all reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

In recognition of their influence and success, the Jackson 5 were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980 and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

Solo career

Starting in 2003, Tito launched a solo career, playing and touring blues and funk music worldwide, according to his website. He also toured with the BB King Blues Band, with notable tours in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

In a 2021 cover interview with Blues Explosion In an interview with The Jackson 5 magazine, Tito expressed his deep passion for blues music, saying, “It was the blues that got me interested in the guitar.” After a period away from the spotlight following his success with the Jackson 5, Tito realized, “I wanted to play music again and be on stage. I've played the Jackson 5's stuff most of my life, but in my family, blues had always been the main music. I just wanted to jam, but I couldn't find any professionals who played that kind of music.”

He later pursued a solo career and released two albums under his own name: Tito era in 2016, which mainly features R&B and soul music, and Under your spell in 2021, focusing mainly on blues music.

His latest single, “Love One Another,” released in 2021, was inspired by the pandemic. In the song's YouTube description, Tito explained that he wanted to convey a message of love, unity and peace, explaining, “It's a call for people to join hands, embrace love and show kindness, taking inspiration from the enduring legacy of the Jackson family. Through my music, I want to spread a positive message of harmony and togetherness.”

The Jacksons

Even as Tito approached 70, he showed no signs of slowing down. In August, he told Fox 5 San Diego: “We love it, I still love traveling, that kind of thing, it's great.”

Tito remained active with the Jacksons and toured this summer with his brothers Jackie and Marlon and his son Taryll Adrian JacksonTheir most recent performance was on September 8 in Surrey, England, and their next shows are scheduled for October 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and November 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Earlier this week, Tito and the Jacksons visited a memorial for their late brother Michael in Munich. Tito wrote on Facebook: “We are deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”

Family life

Tito leaves behind three sons:TajTaryll and TJ— all were part of the R&B group 3T, which was founded in 1994 and managed by their father. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren.

His ex-wife, Delores “Dee Dee” Martesdied in 1994.

Honors

Following the announcement of Tito's death, his three sons confirmed the news in an Instagram post, writing: “It is 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 of the legendary Jackson 5, others may know him as 'Coach Tito' or 'Poppa T.' Either way, he will be missed terribly. For us, it will always be 'Tito time.' Please remember to do what our father always preached: 'Love one another.' We love you, Pops.”

Former drummer of the Jackson 5 Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett He also paid tribute to him on Facebook, writing: “Tonight there is great sadness in my heart, mind and soul. My wife and I were leaving a movie at the theater when she received a text message from a very close friend informing us that my brother in heart and spirit, Tito Jackson, has passed away.”

“I am trying to collect my thoughts and memories of him. My most sincere and deepest thoughts and prayers are with my second mother, Katherine. My love for Katherine is eternal. Dear mother, I love you dearly.”