Tito Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5 who, along with his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, became a teen heartthrob in the 1970s, has died.

He was 70.

Passing details on Tito Jackson

According to a statement released by a spokesperson for the family, Jackson died Sunday from a heart attack while driving to Oklahoma from New Mexico. Jackson had been recently living in Oklahoma, about 25 miles northeast of Tulsa, reports Tulsa World.

He told the publication that he ‘found the peace he was looking for’ in the small city of about 20,000 residents.

‘I always wanted to get away from the West Coast and experience living somewhere with new people and new culture,’ Jackson said.

The singer also revealed his family had some roots in nearby city of Tulsa, where his uncle Samuel Jackson ran an undertaking business in 1917.

Jackson said his uncle’s business was burned down during the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921, but they were able to rebuild the funeral home.

Tito Jackson’s music career

Toriano Adaryll Jackson was born on Oct. 15, 1953, in Gary to Joe and Katherine (Scruse) Jackson. Tito was the charming guitarist in the Jackson 5, a skill he said he picked up by watching his father. The elder Mr. Jackson died in 2018.

Tito was the second oldest, after Jackie, followed in age by Jermaine, Marlon and Michael.

The Jackson 5 was a household name in the 1970s, regularly appearing on television, sometimes next to Cher or Diana Ross. With more than a dozen albums with a line of hits that included “ABC” and “I’ll Be There”, their music was a soundtrack for a young generation.

Legacy

Tito is survived by his three sons Taj, 41, Taryll, 39, and TJ, 46 – who were in the band 3T – and nine grandchildren.

Tito’s sons shared a picture and an emotional tribute to their father, writing: ‘It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us.

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“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. Your boys, Taj, Taryll and TJ.’

This past weekend Artscape 2024 took over the scene in Baltimore and Unheard Voices had a chance to capture the event.

Held August 2 – 4, Artscape is one of America’s largest free outdoor arts festivals, bringing the creative vibes to Baltimore since 1982. Originally crafted to showcase Baltimore’s cultural flair, Artscape has been a driving force for community support, economic growth, and investment in the Mount Vernon, Bolton Hill, Charles North and Station North Arts District.

Organized by The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA), the 40th Edition of Artscape this summer featured a vibrant lineup of artists, live concerts, visual arts experiences, performances, fashion showcases, family-friendly activities, films, experimental tunes, improv, comedy, literary delights, and tasty food.

Artscape 2024 Exhibitions

This year, there were a wide variety of exhibitions throughout the landscape of the festival.

The B24 Exhibition, the B stands for Baltimore and best whilst 24 is the year of 2024, placed a spotlight on emerging contemporary artists in the burgeoning Baltimore art world and The Baltimore Arts Movement.

Created by Kirk Shannon-Butts in 2019, B24 features the work of 41 of the best Baltimore City artists and the surrounding regions. Featured artists work in painting, textiles, mixed media, photography, film, video, mixed media, and animation. Artists are in various stages of their career.

Kidscape and Teenscape allowed the youth to show their creative side. Children and teens enjoyed a variety of hands-on activities and workshops, including artmaking and interactive programming including T-shirt making for shelter animals with MDSPCA, Origami artmaking with the Baltimore Museum of Art, and Books from the MD Book Bank’s book van.

For S.T.E.A. M. creatives, Gamescape highlighted the growing field of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), offering an interactive visual arts exhibition showcasing video games shown by their creators and video game-inspired artwork and music.

To name a few.

Artscape 2024 Performances

Unfortunately, inclement weather cut much of the performances on Friday and Saturday. Main stage acts like Chaka Khan and Sheila E., who were to perform Friday and Saturday evening, respectively, were canceled. But the show went on Sunday with performances on the main stage by Todd Marcus Jazz Quintet, Trinidad & Tobago Steel Drum Band, Navasha Daya, and reggae group The Original Wailers ending the festival on Sunday.

Vendors

Artscape was also an opportunity for thriving artists to showcase their original work for purchase. Unheard Voices was able to chat with a few of the artists.

Anson Asaka

This is Mr. Anson Asaka of The Asaka Gallery. Asaka is a self-taught visual artist and a civil rights attorney based in the Baltimore-DC area, who uses paintings and drawings to celebrate Black people, culture, and history. Last year, in honor of Women’s History Month, Asaka debuted his latest exhibition, “The Black Queen In All Of Her Splendor and Glory,” with an opening reception at Katsea Gallery in Townson, MD.

Abdul Badi and son at Artscape 2024

Abdul Badi of The Art of Abdul Badi, is a 50-year experienced painter out of Brooklyn, N.Y. Badi paints beautiful distinctive fine art oil paintings of East African tribes, though he’s never been to Africa himself.  The award-winning artist has sold thousands of his prints and his originals have been acquired by the most discreet seekers and collectors of the best African art.

And we talked to various more, book authors, comic book entrepreneurs, comedians. Each beginner or experienced artists, from all walks of life, showcasing their work and talent.

Artscape was a space for the creative minds to meet. From music, tech, authors, fashion, to paintings, it was a place to celebrate true art in and Baltimore’s rich art scene.

Okayplayer proudly announces the debut episode of the third season of Webby Award-winning podcast and video series The Almanac of Rap, hosted by dynamic hip-hop artist and authority Donwill.

The Almanac of Rap is designed to be an educational and entertaining exploration of hip-hop culture, delving into the genre’s origins, evolution, and impact on society. Previous seasons have included interviews with notable figures such as Wyatt Cenac, ItsTheReal, Jean Grae, Phonte, and more.

First episode of Season 3

The first episode of Season 3 features an in-depth interview with legendary DJ and producer A-Trak. Known for his innovative contributions to the music industry, A-Trak shares his journey of becoming a world renowned name in hip-hop and electronic music. In the episode, he delves into his pivotal role as Kanye West’s tour DJ from 2004 to 2007, providing unique insights into their collaborative work, including his contributions to iconic tracks like “Gold Digger.”

Hosted by Donwill

Donwill is a rapper, producer, and member of the hip-hop group Tanya Morgan. Known for his innovative approach to music and storytelling, Donwill has received critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase throughout his career. His solo projects and collaborations have solidified his place in the hip-hop community as a versatile and creative artist. With The Almanac of Rap, he continues to push creative boundaries, offering listeners an engaging exploration of hip-hop culture.

About The Almanac of Rap

The Almanac of Rap features candid conversations with artists, producers, and industry insiders who have significantly contributed to the world of hip-hop. The podcast’s insightful discussions, personal anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes stories have earned it the prestigious Webby Award for Music Podcast. Each episode begins with a spark of curiosity, leading Donwill on a journey of research and discovery, culminating in engaging interviews recorded at Okayplayer’s vibrant new production studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.