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Tito Jackson of the Jackson 5 dies at age 70
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Tito Jackson of the Jackson 5 dies at age 70

Tito Jackson, a member of the famed family band The Jackson 5 and brother of Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, has died, his cousin Siggy Jackson confirms to PEOPLE. The musician was 70.

According to Entertainment Tonight (which first reported the news), Jackson died of a heart attack on Sunday, September 15.

Until his death, Tito performed with brothers Jackie Jackson and Marlon Jackson as The Jacksons, performing in Scotland, California, and England in the summer of 2024. They performed on September 8 in Surrey, England, and had performances scheduled for October 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and November 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 are so grateful for this special place that not only honors his memory, but our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”

Tito was an original member of The Jackson 5, which also included Michael, Jackie, Jermaine Jackson and Marlon (and later Randy Jackson). The family pop group had hits with “I Want You Back,” “ABC” and “I’ll Be There” in 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.

Tito, Jackie, Michael, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson from Jackson 5.

Fin Costello/Red Ferns


Tito continued with a solo career and released two studio albums: Tito time in 2016 and Under your spell for 2021.

In 2003, Tito began performing and touring blues and funk music around the world, according to his website. He also toured occasionally with the BB King Blues Band, most notably in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

The Jackson 5.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty


Tito spoke about his affinity for blues music in a 2021 cover interview Blues explosion 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 back on stage. I had been playing Jackson 5 music practically my whole life, but the blues was the main music in my family. I just wanted to jam, but I couldn’t find any professionals who wanted to do that kind of stuff.”

Marlon, Tito, Jackie and Janet Jackson in 2008.
Vince Bucci/Getty Images

His latest single, “Love One Another,” was released in 2021. In the song description on YouTube, Tito said the song was recorded in the wake of the pandemic, noting that his “goal was to convey a message of love, unity and peace, and provide a balm for difficult times.”

“It’s a call for people to come together, embrace love and show kindness to one another, drawing inspiration from the enduring legacy of the Jackson Family,” Tito said. “Through my music, I want to spread a positive message of harmony and togetherness.”

Members of the Jackson family appear in the music video, as do celebrities such as Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian. Tito’s three sons, Taj, TJ and Taryll, also make appearances. The men formed the band 3T, which Tito managed and was featured in the 2015 reality series The Jacksons: The Next Generation.

Tito Jackson in 1975.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty


As he approached 70, Tito had no intention of slowing down. “We love it, I still love traveling, this stuff, it’s awesome,” Tito told Fox 5 San Diego in August about the tour he was now on with his brothers.

Tito was preceded in death by his ex-wife Dee-Dee Martes-Jackson (mother of Taj, TJ and Taryll) in 1994, his father Joe Jackson in 2018, and his brother Michael in 2009.