Jackson 5 singer, Michael’s brother, dies at 70

Tito Jackson, the original member of the pop group Jackson 5 and brother of the late Michael Jackson, has died at the age of 70, US media reported.

The official cause of death has not yet been determined.

Tito performed in this famous band with brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, who passed away in 2009.

He was recently in Munich ahead of a performance the group is about to give.

Steve Manning, a longtime friend of the Jackson family and former manager of the Jackson family, told Entertainment Tonight that Jackson died on Monday.

The news was confirmed in an Instagram post by Jackson’s three sons, Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson, who were part of the R’n’B/pop trio, 3T, in the 1990s.

“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” they wrote. “Our father was a wonderful man who always cared about people and their well-being.”

They continued: “We will miss you terribly. For us, this will forever be ‘Tito’s Time’.

“Please remember to do what our father always preached, which is ‘Love one another’. We love you so much.”

Jackson 5 hits included ABC, The Love You Save and I Want You Back.

The group was formed in 1964. Tito played guitar and sang backing vocals.

The Jackson 5 have sold more than 150 million records worldwide.

In 1980, the brothers were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

Days before his death, Tito posted a message on social media from Munich, Germany, where he visited Michael’s memorial with his brothers.

He wrote: “Before the Munich concert, my brothers Jackie, Marlon and I visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson.

“We are so grateful that this special place not only honors his memory but also our shared heritage. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”

The Jacksons performed in Germany on September 10, days after a performance at Boogietown, a British music festival celebrating funk, soul and disco in Surrey.

The brothers also performed at the Fool in Love Festival at Hollywood Park Grounds in Los Angeles on August 31.

Former Jackson 5 drummer Jonathan Moffett led the tributes on social media, write on X:”Tonight I am filled with sadness – I have just learned of the passing of my brother in soul and spirit, Tito Jackson.

“I am stunned, heartbroken and speechless. I love you, Tito. My deepest love and prayers go out to the entire Jackson family. I love you all SO much.”

Tito was the third oldest of the Jackson family and one of nine children. His other siblings included global stars Janet and La Toya Jackson.

All of his siblings, except Michael who died at the age of 50 in June 2009, are still alive.

The family patriarch, Joe Jackson, died at the age of 89 in 2018.

This group of artists and singers has produced a total of 27 chart-topping hits in the US.

Besides his work in the band, Tito also has a solo career as a blues musician which began in 2003.

He was the last sibling to have a solo single hit the Billboard charts with his 2016 hit, Get It Baby.

In 2019, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon embarked on a world tour as The Jacksons.

Two years ago they played a series of shows in the UK as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations and also stopped off to perform at the Glastonbury Festival.

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