Jackson 5 founding member Tito Jackson dies aged 70

Jackson 5 member Tito Jackson dies aged 70 - Copyright Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP

By David Mouriquand & AP

Published on 16/09/2024 - 8:41 GMT+2

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Tito Jackson, founding Member of the Jackson 5 and brother of the late Michael Jackson, has died.

Tito Jackson, one of the brothers who made up the beloved Motown group the Jackson 5, has died at age 70.

Tito was the third of nine Jackson children, which includes global superstars Michael and sister Janet.

The news was announced by his three sons TJ, Taj and Taryll, who Tito encouraged to form the pop group 3T, with their father as their manager.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”

Their statement continued: "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."

An official cause of death is yet to be determined.

Born on 15 October 1953, Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was the least-heard member of the group as a background singer who played guitar.

The Jackson 5 included brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael.

The family group, which was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, became an international sensation in the late ’60s and early ’70s, with smash hits like 'I Want You Back', 'ABC', 'The Love You Save' and 'I’ll Be There'.

His brothers went on to launch solo careers, including Michael, who became one of the world's biggest performers known as The King of Pop. Michael Jackson died at age 50 on 25 June 2009.

Speaking to The Associated Press in December 2009, Jackson said his younger brother's death pulled the family closer together.

“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,” he said, adding he would personally never “be at peace with it.”

“There’s still moments when I just can’t believe it. So I think that’s never going to go away,” he said.

In 2014, Jackson said he and his brothers still felt Michael Jackson's absence in their shows that continued with international tours.

“I don’t think we will ever get used to performing without him. He’s dearly missed," he said, noting that his spirit "is with us when we are performing. It gives us a lot of positive energy and puts a lot of smiles on our faces."

Days before his death, Jackson posted a message on his Facebook page from Munich, Germany, on 11 September, where he visited a memorial to Michael Jackson with his brothers.

“Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson. We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive," he wrote.