The music industry has lost one of its enduring legends with the passing of Tito Jackson, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 70. Best known as the talented guitarist and a founding member of the Jackson 5, Tito’s impact on global pop music cannot be denied.
Tito was born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, the third of nine children in the famous Jackson family. Despite the family’s modest means, their household was rich with love and music. His father, Joe Jackson, recognized and nurtured the musical talents of his children, setting the stage for what would become one of the most successful musical dynasty in history. Tito, remembered for his guitar skills, picked up the instrument by secretly practicing on his father’s guitar as a child. In a 2019 interview, he recalled how he once broke one of the strings, prompting a punishment from his father. However, after demonstrating his abilities, Tito got a guitar of his own. This gift though, came with the task of learning every song on the radio.
In 1964, Tito, alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, formed The Jackson 5. A group that would go on to revolutionize pop music. In the Jackson 5, Tito played a crucial role as the lead guitarist. Specifically, his guitar skills, influenced by blues and R&B, added depth and soul to the group’s pop-oriented sound.
More than a band, the Jackson 5 wasn’t just a group of brothers making music — they were trailblazers. Tito, alongside his brothers, brought a fresh, infectious energy to the world of pop and R&B. Their hits, like “ABC” and “I Want You Back,” became the soundtrack of a generation. The excitement they brought to every performance, the joy they gave to fans, was electric. They dominated the stage alongside stars like Diana Ross and Cher. It felt like they were on top of the world.
The Jackson 5 rose to international fame after signing to Motown Records in the late 1960s. Reflecting on those moments, Tito once recalled how thousands of screaming fans swarmed them upon their arrival in the U.K. for the first time. “I got lost in the airport, and 1,000 fans were chasing me, pulling everywhere. It was crazy,” he said.
Tito was always known as the quiet and humble type. Despite their fame, he never sought the spotlight for himself. Even as the group evolved into The Jacksons and his brother Randy replaced Jermaine. Tito still remained steadfast in his love for performing and creating music that brought people together. In 2016, Tito released his solo album, Tito Time, proving once again that his talent and passion for music never wavered. And even recently, he was still performing alongside his brothers, with planned concerts in Atlantic City and Cincinnati this fall. It’s hard to grasp that those performances won’t happen again with Tito.
Tito will always be remembered for the impact he made on the global musical scene and for the profound influence he had on the lives of the people around him. Mariah Carey, who collaborated with the Jackson family over the years, described him as a legend: ‘Tito Jackson was a true legend and an extraordinary musician. We will remember his contributions to the world of music forever.’ Longtime family friend Lionel Richie also said: ‘Tito was not just a remarkable musician but a wonderful soul. We will deeply miss his kindness, humor, and spirit.'”