In Memoriam: Tito Jackson (1953 – 2024)

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.’