- Tito Jackson, guitarist and older brother of pop superstars Michael and Janet, dies
- Probable cause of death: heart attack
- Younger brother Michael, who launched a solo career and became a superstar, died in 2009 at the age of 50
Tito Jackson, guitarist and older brother of pop superstars Michael and Janet, dies
US guitarist and singer Tito Jackson, one of the original members of the legendary Jackson 5 and older brother of pop superstars Michael and Janet, has died at 70, his sons announced on Sunday evening.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us," his sons Taj, Taryll and TJ, who make up the music group 3T, posted on Instagram, along with a photo of them with their father.
"We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about all people and their well-being," they said. - Please remember to do what our father always preached: "Love one another". We love you, Dad. Your boys Taj, Taryll and TJ."
Probable cause of death: heart attack
Family friend Steve Manning told Entertainment Tonight that Tito likely died of a heart attack on Sunday while driving from his New Mexico home to Oklahoma.
Tito had recently performed in Germany, England, and California with his brothers Marlon and Jackie as part of The Jacksons.
Tito was one of the original members of the family band The Jackson 5, along with brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael.
Signed to Motown Records in 1969, they produced a string of international hits in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including "I Want You Back", "ABC" and "I'll Be There".
Younger brother Michael, who launched a solo career and became a superstar, died in 2009 at the age of 50
Tito, along with his brothers from The Jackson 5, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 by Motown legend Diana Ross.
According to his website, Tito has been performing and touring with his big blues and funk band since 2003.
In 2016, he became the last of the Jackson siblings to record a solo Billboard hit, with the single "Get It Baby" followed by his debut solo album "Tito Time".
His second album - and first blues album - Under Your Spell, was released in 2021. It featured contributions from guest artists, including George Benson, Bobby Rush, and Stevie Wonder.
Tito left behind three sons. His ex-wife Dolores, the mother of his sons, died in 1994.
Based on ELTA reports
