Tito Jackson, brother of co-founder of Michael and Jackson 5, dies at age 70

Tito Jackson, the older brother of Michael Jackson and co-founder and guitarist of the Jackson 5, has died. He was 70 years old.

Jackson died on Sunday while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma, longtime Jackson family friend and manager Steve Manning told several media outlets. His sons Taj, Taryll and TJ confirmed his death, which was later attributed to a heart attack, on Instagram.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us,” they wrote. “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson of the legendary Jackson 5, others may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or still others as ‘Poppa T.’ However, he will be missed terribly. For us, it will always be ‘Tito Time.’ Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love one another.’ We love you, Pops.”

Under the strict guidance of their father Joseph, the Jackson brothers began participating in local talent shows when Tito Jackson was 12 and his younger brother Michael was 7. Before they ever found success, the boys’ evenings were filled with rehearsals and local performances.

A win at the Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night in 1967 helped them get a recording contract, and in 1969 they signed with Motown Records in Detroit, scoring several hits with “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.” Although Tito’s guitar skills were well developed, he was not featured on any of the Jackson 5’s studio recordings that featured session musicians.

The brothers reunited in 1984 for the successful Victory Tour, again in 1997 for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and one final time for Michael Jackson’s 30th anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden. Tito Jackson launched a solo career as a blues musician in 2003, performing in clubs and having a commercially successful single, “Get It Baby,” which entered the Billboard charts in 2016.

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