Tito Jackson, one of the Jackson 5, and the brother of singer Janet Jackson and superstar Michael Jackson, passed away on September 15, 2024, according to longstanding family friend and former Jackson family manager Steve Manning, as reported by Entertainment Tonight. Tito, 70 years old, was the third oldest of the well-known Jackson family.
While the cause of death is still unknown, Manning believes Tito suffered a heart attack while traveling from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
His demise comes after the deaths of his younger brother Michael Jackson in 2009 and their father, Joe Jackson, the family leader and early manager of The Jackson 5, who died in 2018 at the age of 89.
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Before Tito’s death, he posted a message on his Facebook page from Munich, Germany, on September 11, after visiting a memorial to Michael Jackson with his brothers.
“Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson. 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,” he wrote.
Tito was born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana. He and his brothers Michael, Jermaine, Marlon, and Jackie formed the famed Motown R&B group the Jackson 5 in the 1960s. They later received a 1997 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
According to Billboard, their debut single, “I Want You Back,” was an instant success, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, as were their succeeding singles “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.”
Tito’s consistent contribution as a musician and performer was essential to the band’s success, even though his younger brother Michael frequently stole the show. The Jackson 5 began their career with a chart-topping album, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 (1969).
Still, Tito pursued a solo career when his time with The Jackson 5 ended, putting out his debut album Tito Time in 2016. His track “Get It Baby” peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart.
Meanwhile, the beloved singer is starting to receive tributes.
In a joint post with their band 3T’s Instagram account, his three sons, Taj, TJ, and Taryll, penned, “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.”
The three members of the band 3T, which Tito managed, were featured in the 2015 television show The Jacksons: Next Generation. The Lifetime show followed the Jackson brothers as they sought to manage their music careers with family life and the expectations that come with being Jacksons.
Former Jackson 5 drummer Jonathan ‘Sugarfoot’ Moffett also said in a Facebook post, “There is great, great sadness in my heart, spirit, and soul tonight. My wife and I just left and walked out of a movie we were watching at a theater just now….as she received a text from a very close friend….that my brother in heart and spirit, Tito Jackson has just passed away.
“I’m stunned and devastated to receive and hear this disheartening news. I love Tito like my brothers of blood relation. I’m stunned and dismayed. May God and Jesus Christ receive his soul and spirit with open out stretched arms and welcome him into Heaven’s gate…this is my most sincere prayer this night, this day, this month, and now….this year. I’m at a loss of spirits.
“Trying to gather my thoughts, memories of him….and mental senses…my most sincere and deepest thoughts and prayers for my second mother, Katherine (my love for Katherine….is everlasting. Dear mother, I love you dearly). My thoughts are with my nephews in heart and spirit, 3T and all his grandchildren. I love you all VERY much. You are my second family.”
Moffet concluded, “I love you, Tito Jackson, my brother…forever, still.”
Famed producer Questlove also lamented, “All of the Jackson brothers are heroes to me. I really don’t have the words right now. May the entire Jackson family find comfort & peace In this moment. Thank You Tito.”
