Tito Jackson, original member of the beloved Jackson 5, dies at 70

Tito Jackson, original member of the beloved Jackson 5, dies at 70

As a lifelong music enthusiast who grew up during the golden age of Motown, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss with the passing of Tito Jackson. The Jackson 5 was more than just a band to me; they were the soundtrack of my youth and an embodiment of dreams realized against all odds.


As a passionate cinephile, I’m saddened to share that Tito Jackson, an original member of the iconic Motown group, the Jackson 5, has passed away at the age of 70.

It was revealed on Sunday evening that Jackson had passed away, according to his three sons. They did not specify the reason behind the demise of this renowned guitarist and backup vocalist. However, they expressed deep shock, sorrow, and heartbreak over the loss. At the moment, representatives for Jackson have yet to provide comments on this matter to The Times.

The sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram about their extraordinary father who showed deep concern for everyone’s welfare. They remembered him as Tito Jackson of the iconic Jackson 5, Coach Tito, or Poppa T. Yet, regardless of how you knew him, his absence will be deeply felt. For us, it will always be ‘Tito Time.’ In honoring our father’s teachings, they asked everyone to continue practicing love and kindness, as he often said, “Love One Another.” We miss you dearly, Pops.

As Toriano Adaryll Jackson, born on October 15, 1953, I was one of seven children to the legendary Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, and the equally iconic Janet Jackson. Together with my siblings, we formed the Jackson 5, a band that made waves in the 60s under the guidance of our strict father Joe Jackson. It was this tenacity that caught the attention of Berry Gordy Jr., the visionary behind Motown Records. With Diana Ross serving as our ambassador, we captivated audiences with our infectious “bubblegum soul” hits such as “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “I’ll Be There.

Together with brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, the family formed a group that ignited the nation-wide phenomenon known as “Jacksonmania.” This group received three Grammy Award nominations. They were also enshrined in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. During their induction ceremony, Gordy acknowledged them by stating that they provided “Black children from the inner city with a permission slip to dream.

Just prior to his passing, the artist known as “One Way Street” posted on Instagram about visiting a tribute to Michael Jackson in Munich. He expressed his appreciation for this unique location that preserves not just Michael’s memory, but also their collective musical legacy. He thanked everyone for keeping Michael’s essence alive.

This story is developing.

Read More

2024-09-16 19:01

Previous post Star Wars Rebels: 10 years of the World Between Worlds