Few stars have left as profound a mark on music history as the Jacksons. While Michael Jackson is widely remembered for his rise to becoming the King of Pop, his brothers and sisters also forged highly successful careers.
Though they each found stardom on their own, they are most famously known for their work as the Jackson 5, later renamed The Jacksons. Formed in 1964, the group originally included brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. Their influence as one of the most successful pop performances remains unmatched.
On September 15, we bid farewell to Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson, a key member of the band. In addition to being a three-time Grammy nominee, Tito was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying his A-list status.
Tito Jackson’s last days
The news of Tito Jackson’s death was first reported by Entertainment Tonight, revealing that the 70-year-old passed away from an apparent heart attack while driving on a road trip.
Tito Jackson of The Jacksons performs onstage at the 2017 Black Music Honors at Tennessee Performing Arts Center on August 18, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Source: Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
The announcement came as a shock, as Tito was actively involved in numerous projects. In recent weeks, he had been performing with his brothers, Jackie and Marlon, as part of The Jacksons, with shows scheduled throughout the summer of 2024.
Most recently, they performed on September 8 in England and were slated for upcoming shows on October 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and November 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Even sadder, earlier this week, while in Munich, Tito visited the memorial for Michael placed there, and shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, expressing his gratitude for a space to honor his late brother.
Tito’s last release was the single “Love One Another” in 2021, which he recorded in response to the pandemic. The song carried a message of love, unity, and peace, offering solace during difficult times. His presence and legacy will be deeply missed.