Today, 16th September 2024, the world woke up to the sad news of the sudden passing of Michael Jackson’s brother, Toriano Adaryll Jackson AKA Tito Jackson. Like everyone else, I was saddened by the news because I grew up listening to The Jacksons and I believe they’re among the greatest musicians of all time.

Tito Jackson was the 3rd born of the 10 Jackson siblings. He was thus older than Michael Jackson who was the 8th born in the family.

Apparently, Tito Jackson died on Sunday, 15th September 2024. He was born on 15th October 1953 in Indiana, Gray, St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital.

He thus died at the “young-old” age of 70, just a month before his 71st birthday.

Tito Jackson came to the limelight in 1964 when he and four of his brothers formed the pop group, The Jackson 5. The Jackson 5 members were Tito, Jackie, Marlon, Jermaine, and Michael Jackson. Their father, Joe Jackson was their manager.

The Jackson 5 later became The Jacksons as more Jackson siblings joined the group. Their songs are among the best golden oldies in the world to date.

Some of my favorite songs by The Jacksons include Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground), I’ll Be There, and Can You Feel It.

The Jacksons split in 1973 and the siblings started their solo music careers. Michael Jackson went on to become the most famous. The world referred to him as “King of Pop.”

Tito Jackson was not as famous as his brother Michael Jackson because he played guitar and was a background singer in the Jackson 5 pop group. Although Tito Jackson was the least-heard member of the Jackson pop group, he contributed immensely to its success.

After the split of The Jacksons, the siblings went their separate ways. Tito Jackson eventually ventured into his solo music career in 2003.

The songs I love most by Tito Jackson include Get It Baby, Love One Another, and When Magic Happens.

Tito Jackson bagged some prestigious awards over his music career. For instance, he got an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Jackson 5. He also got 3 Grammy Award nominations.

Tito Jackson has taken his final bow and it’s indeed a sad day for the music industry and all those who loved him.

The good news is that he has left a great legacy in the music industry. His legacy will endure, even in death and for generations to come.

In addition, his legacy will live through his three sons Tariano Adaryll Jackson II (Taj) (51), Taryll Adren Jackson (49), and Tito Joe Jackson (TJ) (46). Tito Jackson had the three sons with his Ex Dominican wife “Dee Dee” Jackson.

The three sons followed in their father’s music career. They are members of the 3T R&B/Pop music group. They were mentored by their uncle, Michael Jackson. Michael later signed them to his MJJ Music Label.

Tito Jackson’s sons were devastated by their father’s sudden death. Here is what they said in an Instagram post on Sunday, 15th September 2024, immediately after their father’s death.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are heartbroken, saddened, and shocked. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”

Tito Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson died in 2018. His mother Katherine Esther Jackson (94) is still alive. His famous sisters Latoya, Rebbie, and Janet Jackson are still alive. So are his renowned brothers Jackie, Marlon, Jermaine, and Randy Jackson.

Here is what Michael Jackson once said about his older brother Tito Jackson:

“Tito is very soft and quiet, but he can be very strong when the need arises. He manages to project an inner calm and is always there when we need him. These are vital qualities within a family unit”.

The necessary authorities have not officially revealed the cause of Tito Jackson’s sudden death. However, speculations are rife that he could have died of a severe heart attack as he drove from New Mexico to Oklahoma.  

The sun has set on Tito Jackson. The world is a better place because Tito Jackson was a part of it. May he rest in peace.

Also read: The amazing lessons you can learn about life by watching the sunset.