**Tito Jackson, Jackson 5 Member and Michael Jackson’s Brother, Dead at 70**
Tito Jackson, a founding member of the legendary Jackson 5 and brother to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, has passed away at the age of 70. The news of his death has left fans around the world mourning the loss of another member of the iconic musical family.
### A Brief Biography of Tito Jackson
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of ten children born to Katherine and Joseph Jackson. He grew up in a musical household, where his father encouraged him and his siblings to pursue music from a young age. Tito was known for his guitar skills and was instrumental in the formation of the Jackson 5, a group that would go on to revolutionize pop music.
### The Jackson 5: A Musical Legacy
The Jackson 5, consisting of Tito and his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, were discovered by Motown Records in the late 1960s. Their infectious blend of pop, soul, and R&B quickly catapulted them to global stardom. Some of their most famous hits include:
– **”I Want You Back”** (1969)
– **”ABC”** (1970)
– **”I’ll Be There”** (1970)
– **”Dancing Machine”** (1974)
The group became one of the most successful acts of the 1970s, with Michael Jackson eventually launching a solo career that would make him one of the most famous entertainers in history.
### Tito’s Solo Career and Later Life
While Tito was often overshadowed by the immense success of his younger brother Michael, he continued to pursue music throughout his life. In the 1990s, he embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album **”I Gotta Play”** in 2003. Tito also performed with his brothers in various reunion tours and events, keeping the Jackson 5 legacy alive.
In addition to his music career, Tito was a devoted father to his three sons—Taj, Taryll, and TJ—who formed their own musical group, 3T, in the 1990s.
### Key Highlights of Tito Jackson’s Career
– **Instrumental Role in Jackson 5**: Tito’s guitar playing was a key component of the Jackson 5’s sound, and he was known for his steady presence within the group.
– **Solo Ventures**: Though less commercially successful than his brothers, Tito’s solo work showcased his passion for blues and R&B music.
– **Family Legacy**: Tito’s sons, as part of the group 3T, carried on the Jackson family’s musical tradition, achieving moderate success in the 1990s.
### The Jackson Family’s Impact on Music
The Jackson family is often regarded as one of the most influential families in the history of popular music. With Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking solo career and Janet Jackson’s own rise to superstardom, the family has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
– **Michael Jackson**: Known as the “King of Pop,” Michael’s albums such as *Thriller*, *Bad*, and *Dangerous* remain some of the best-selling records of all time.
– **Janet Jackson**: Janet carved out her own niche in the music world, becoming a pop icon in the 1980s and 1990s with hits like “Rhythm Nation” and “That’s the Way Love Goes.”
– **The Jackson 5**: The group’s influence on pop and R&B music cannot be overstated, as they paved the way for future generations of boy bands and pop acts.
### Conclusion
Tito Jackson’s passing marks the end of an era for the Jackson family and their fans. As a member of one of the most influential musical groups in history, Tito’s contributions to the world of music will never be forgotten. His legacy, along with that of his brothers, continues to inspire artists and fans alike.