The Jackson 5 member was 70 years old

Tito Jackson, brother of Michael and Janet Jackson, singer and guitarist who was part of the influential pop groups The Jackson 5 and later The Jacksons, has died. He was 70.

Steve Manning, a longtime friend of the Jackson family and manager, said Show tonight that Tito Jackson died Sunday while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.

Tito's sons Taj, Taryll and TJ, who are part of the R&B group 3T, confirmed their father's passing on social media. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. 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, some of you may know him as “Coach Tito” or some of you may know him as “Poppa T.” However, he will be greatly missed. It will always be “Tito Time” to us. Please remember to do what our father always preached, and that was to “Love one another.” We love you Pops.”

A member of perhaps the most gifted musical family in American history, Tito, along with his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, were part of the original lineup of The Jackson 5, a group that was among the first black pop groups to have crossover appeal and also set the template for many boy bands that would come after. The Jackson 5 stole America's hearts with four consecutive No. 1s, including the classic songs “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I'll Be There.” Tito would go on to enjoy a solo career, and his musical legacy would continue when his three sons formed the R&B group 3T.

Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of ten children born to Katherine and Joe Jackson. His siblings included brothers Jermaine, Marlon, Michael, Jackie, Brandon, and Randy, and sisters La Toya, Rebbie, and Janet. With his sons, especially Tito, showing musical promise from an early age, Joe Jackson created The Jackson Brothers in 1964, the first iteration of what would become The Jackson 5, with three members, Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie. In 1966, the group was expanded to include Michael and Marlon, adopting the name The Jackson 5, and under Joe Jackson's strict management, they continued their arduous journey to stardom.

After touring relentlessly and winning a series of talent contests, the Jackson 5 got their big break in 1969, when they signed exclusively to Berry Gordy's Motown Records for a seven-year contract. The band's Motown era began with a bang, as their first four singles, “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I'll Be There,” all went straight to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Jacksonmania” swept America, and the Jackson 5 sold out shows and appearances across the country. By 1970, the band had surpassed the Supremes as Motown's number one hit, and the label wasted no time in signing endorsements and licensing Jackson 5-related merchandise.

Initially, at the height of the group's popularity, the Jackson 5 had achieved international success, with sold-out concerts in the UK and Europe, and the group was mobbed by fans wherever they went.

Although he was a talented guitarist, Tito did not play any of the guitars on the early Jackson 5 recordings, as Joe Jackson and Motown had a series of session musicians play those parts.

While still part of the Jackson 5, Michael and Jermaine pursued solo careers (Michael in 1971 and Jermaine a year later). By the mid-1970s, the band's popularity was declining and Tito and his brothers were chafing under their exclusive contract with Motown. Seeking a new direction, the band left Motown for Epic Records in 1975, but were forced to change their name to The Jacksons. Jermaine decided to stay with Motown and pursue a solo career, so Randy became a full member of the band, and The Jacksons could remain a quintet.

The Epic years saw the Jacksons release two albums (1976 The Jacksons and 1977 Going around) who apparently continued the creative phase of the band, who continued to perform and record songs written for them. The 1978 album Destinyan album over which the Jacksons had full creative control for the first time in their career, proved a smashing success, spawning the international hit singles “Blame It on the Boogie” and “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground).” Destiny sold over 4 million copies worldwide and saw the band embark on a world tour. Notably, Tito would have four co-writing credits on the album as part of the band.

More to come…