The world has lost a true legend. Tito Jackson, the talented musician and founding member of the Jackson 5, passed away on September 15, 2024, at 70, exactly one month before his birthday. Jackson’s influence on the music industry is undeniable. With his contributions to the iconic family band, the “Jackson 5,” he helped shape the sound of a generation.
Tito Jackson’s journey in music began as a guitarist and background vocalist for the Jackson 5, a group that created hits like “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.” Under the guidance of their father, Joe Jackson, the Jackson 5 became a household name and was admitted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Outside of his role in the Jackson 5, Tito was a dedicated musician who continued to perform and record music throughout his life. He played with his brothers in the reformed group The Jacksons and pursued a solo career as a blues guitarist. His passion for music was evident in every performance, whether on stage with his family or playing the blues.
In a 2021 interview with Blues Blast magazine, Tito Jackson shared why he chose to transition to the blues genre and how it had always been a part of his musical experiences.
He said, “The blues got me interested in the guitar. I wanted to play music, and I wanted to be on stage again. The blues had been the main music in my family. I just wanted to jam.”
Born on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of nine Jackson children, which included global superstars Michael and Janet Jackson. The Jackson family’s music careers took off in the late 1960s, leading them to relocate to California to pursue their dreams. Tito’s contributions to the family’s success were tremendous, and his legacy will be remembered for generations.
While the cause of Tito Jackson’s death has not been officially determined, it is believed that he suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma on Sunday. However, an autopsy is being performed to confirm the details. We do know heart disease is a severe health threat to our community.
His passing was a significant loss to the music community and everyone who knew and loved him.
In a 2009 interview with the Associated Press, Tito Jackson reflected on the impact of his brother Michael’s death on the family, saying, “I would say definitely it brought us a step closer to each other. To recognize that the love we have for each other when one of us is not here, what a great loss.” It is heartbreaking to think that these words now resonate as we mourn the loss of another beloved Jackson family member.
With Tito Jackson’s passing, we can remember a man who brought joy to countless lives. From his early days in Gary, Indiana, to his global success with the Jackson 5 and his solo career, Tito’s journey was one of talent and purpose. Beyond the stage, he was a father, a brother, and a friend who touched the hearts of many. His legacy will continue to inspire, reminding us of the joy and warmth he brought to the world.
We extend our condolences to the family, especially his sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ, who lost their mother, Delores Martes Jackson, in 1994.
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