Tito Jackson, a prominent member of the legendary pop group The Jackson 5, has passed away at the age of 70. The news was confirmed on the evening of September 15, 2024, by family members, following initial reports from Entertainment Tonight. According to Steve Manning, a long-time friend of the family, Tito Jackson suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.
Tito, whose full name was Toriano Adaryll Jackson, was the third of nine siblings in the Jackson family. In 1964, at the age of 11, he along with his brothers Michael, Jermaine, Marlon, and Jackie formed The Jackson 5, a group that would go on to achieve tremendous success. The group’s debut album, [Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5](https://www.discogs.com/artist/41157-The-Jackson-5), released in 1969, reached significant chart positions, peaking at Number 5 on the US Pop Albums chart and enjoying nine weeks at Number 1 on the US R&B Albums chart. Their notable hit "I Want You Back" remains a classic in the music canon.
Throughout his career, Tito contributed both guitar and vocals, helping to craft the sound that made the Jacksons a household name. In 1997, The Jackson 5 were honored with induction into the [Rock & Roll Hall of Fame](https://rockhall.com/inductees/jackson-5/), solidifying their place in music history.
Despite the fame, Tito chose to prioritize family over a solo career, only releasing his first solo album, 'Tito Time', in 2016. He continued to perform with his brothers, Jackie and Marlon, until shortly before his death. The trio had recently toured in locations including Munich, Germany, and participated in music festivals in the UK and Los Angeles. His sons, members of the band 3T, expressed their deep sorrow on Instagram, highlighting their father's caring nature and the incredible legacy he left behind.