(ProsperNews.net) – Tito Jackson, the guitarist, singer, and original member of the legendary Jackson 5, has passed away at the age of 70. His sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ, who form the music group 3T, shared the news on Instagram, expressing their heartbreak. “We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being,” they wrote, adding a message of love in honor of their father.
Family friend Steve Manning confirmed that Tito died of a suspected heart attack on Sunday while driving from New Mexico to his home in Oklahoma. Just days earlier, Tito had been performing with his brothers, Marlon and Jackie, as The Jacksons in Germany, England, and California.
Tito was a key member of the Jackson 5, which also included his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. The group skyrocketed to fame after signing with Motown Records in 1969, releasing iconic hits like “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.” Their combination of youthful energy and soulful music made them international stars in the late ’60s and early ’70s.
The Jackson 5 helped launch the solo careers of both Tito and his younger brother Michael, who became one of the biggest stars in music history before his death in 2009. Tito and the rest of the Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, with fellow Motown legend Diana Ross leading the tribute.
Beyond his work with the Jackson 5, Tito had been carving out his own solo career since the early 2000s, performing with his blues and funk band. In 2016, Tito scored his first solo hit with the single “Get It Baby,” followed by his debut solo album Tito Time. His 2021 blues album Under Your Spell featured collaborations with music icons like George Benson, Bobby Rush, and Stevie Wonder.
Tito Jackson leaves behind his three sons. His ex-wife, Dolores, passed away in 1994. His legacy as a member of the iconic Jackson family and as a solo artist continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
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