Tito Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5 and brother of the late Michael Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70, according to US media reports.
The official cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Tito, who performed with brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael (who died in 2009), was recently in Munich preparing for a performance. The news of his death was confirmed by his three sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson, through an Instagram post. They expressed their shock and grief, remembering their father as a caring and loving man.
The Jackson 5, known for hits like “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I Want You Back,” was formed in 1964. Tito played guitar and provided backing vocals. The group, which has sold over 150 million records worldwide, was honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1980 and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Tito’s last social media post, from Munich, included a tribute to his late brother Michael. Tito had recently performed in Germany, the UK, and Los Angeles.
Tributes have poured in from across the music community, including from former Jackson 5 drummer Jonathan Moffett. Tito was the third oldest of the nine Jackson siblings, with Janet and La Toya among those still living. Their father, Joe Jackson, passed away in 2018.
In addition to his work with the Jackson 5, Tito had a solo career as a blues musician and was the last sibling to have a solo single chart on Billboard with his 2016 hit “Get It Baby.” He was part of The Jacksons’ World Tour in 2019 and had performed in the UK as part of a 50th-anniversary celebration.
