Who was Tito Jackson? Biography, The Jackson 5 and More

Toriano Adaryll 'Tito' Jackson was an American musician best known as a founding member of the Jackson 5, which later became known as the Jacksons. The group gained prominence in the late 1960s and 1970s with the Motown label and continued to enjoy success with Epic Records into the late 1970s and 1980s. Tito started a solo career in 2003, focusing on blues music. Over his career, he received three Grammy Award nominations and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Jackson 5.

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Tito Jackson Early Life and Career

Toriano Adaryll Jackson was born on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, the third of ten children in the Jackson family. Raised in a modest two-bedroom home, Tito's father, Joseph, worked at a steel mill and played in a local R&B band, while his mother, Katherine, was a piano and clarinet player and a devout Jehovah’s Witness. Tito's musical journey began at age 10 when he was caught playing his father's guitar. Impressed, Joseph encouraged him to form a group with Jackie and Jermaine, later joined by Marlon and Michael, rehearsing tirelessly before their eventual breakthrough with Motown.

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Tito Jackson Solo work and other projects

In 2003, Tito Jackson launched a solo career in blues, performing in various clubs with his band, including producer and guitarist Angelo Earl and manager Ed Tate. In 2007, he replaced Lulu as a judge on the BBC’s Just the Two of Us, joining CeCe Sammy, Stewart Copeland, and Trevor Nelson. After Michael Jackson's death, Tito co-produced The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty in 2009.

His first solo single to chart, 'Get It Baby' featuring Big Daddy Kane, came out in 2016 from his album Tito Time, which saw releases in Japan and the U.S. in 2017. The album's singles included 'When the Magic Happens' with Jocelyn Brown.

Jackson performed at the 2019 Living Legends Foundation Gala, showcasing his single 'One Way Street' from Tito Time. In 2021, he released the single 'Love One Another' from his second album, Under Your Spell, featuring Marlon Jackson, Kenny Neal, Bobby Rush, and Stevie Wonder. The album, which leans more towards blues, also includes collaborations with George Benson and Joe Bonamassa.

He continued touring in 2022, performing at Ground Zero Blues Club and the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival. In March 2023, he collaborated with Brazilian artist Natalia Damini on the song 'Attitude,' reviving the Motown and early Jackson sound.

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Tito Jackson in the Jackson 5

The Jackson brothers started performing at school functions and supermarkets before moving on to local talent shows when Tito was twelve. By then, his younger brother Michael, just seven years old, had become the group’s lead singer. In 1965, they renamed themselves from the Jackson Brothers to the Jackson 5 and began winning talent shows in the Gary area. Their big break came in August 1967 when they won the Apollo Theater's Amateur Night competition. This led to a contract with Steeltown Records, and in January 1968, their debut single, "Big Boy," was released.

In 1969, the Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records and achieved major hits like "I Want You Back" and "ABC." Despite his skills, Tito was not allowed to play guitar on the group’s recordings, as Motown used session musicians for all guitar parts. Tito’s guitar work was finally featured after the Jacksons left Motown for CBS Records in 1976, and he began collaborating on songwriting with his brothers. Tito and Jackie Jackson remained constant members of the Jacksons, while others left at various times. Post-Victory Tour, Tito worked as a session musician and producer. The Jacksons were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, and Tito reunited with his brothers for Michael Jackson’s 30th anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden in 2001.

Tito Jackson Death

Tito Jackson passed away on September 15, 2024, at the age of 70, due to a severe heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. He was just one month shy of celebrating his 71st birthday. The news of his tragic death was first reported by 'ET', with longtime family friend and former manager Steve Manning confirming the news. Tito's nephew, Siggy Jackson, also verified his passing to 'People' magazine.

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