Tito Jackson of The Jackson 5 dies aged 70

Tito Jackson, one of the brothers who made up 1970s pop group The Jackson 5, has died at age 70
Tito Jackson (left), one of the brothers who made up 1970s pop group The Jackson 5, has died at age 70 - Joseph Okpako

Tito Jackson, one of the brothers who made up 1970s pop group The Jackson 5, has died at the age of 70.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us,” his sons TJ, Taj and Taryll said in a statement posted on Instagram on Sunday.

“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”

Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was the third of nine Jackson children. His brother Michael and sister Janet each achieved huge global success as solo stars.

The Jackson 5 was made up of Tito and his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael. Tito Jackson played guitar and sang backing vocals.

The group, inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, produced several No 1 hits in the 1970s, including ABC, I Want You Back and I’ll Be There.

(Left to right) Tito, Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael Jackson of The Jackson 5
Left to right, Tito, Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael Jackson of The Jackson 5 - Michael Ochs Archives

Speaking to The Associated Press in December 2009, Tito Jackson said Michael Jackson’s death at the age of 50 in June that year had brought the family closer together.

“I would say definitely it brought us a step closer to each other. To recognise 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’s absence in their shows, adding: “I don’t think we will ever get used to performing without him. He’s dearly missed.”

Tito Jackson of The Jackson 5 dies aged 70
Tito said he did not pursue a solo career as he wanted to focus on raising his three sons - Dominik Bindl/Getty Images

On Sep 11, Tito Jackson posted a message on his Facebook page from Munich, writing: “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.”

Tito Jackson was the last of the nine siblings to release a solo project, with his debut, Tito Time, coming out in 2016. He released a song in 2017, One Way Street, and told AP in 2019 that he was working on a second album.

Jackson said he had held back from pursuing a solo career because he wanted to focus on raising his three sons, TJ, Taj and Taryll, who formed their own music group, 3T.