A Look Back At The Life And Legacy Of A Jackson 5 Icon

The music world is mourning the loss of Tito Jackson, one of the founding members of The Jackson 5 and the older brother of Michael Jackson.

Tito passed away at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of musical achievement, personal triumphs, and public challenges.

According to reports, Tito suffered a suspected heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma on Sunday. Despite efforts to revive him, he tragically could not be saved.

A Jackson family representative confirmed the sad news, but the official cause of death is yet to be determined.

A Cherished Member of the Jackson Family

The Jackson family released a heartfelt statement expressing their grief, calling Tito a “cherished member of the Jackson family, a loving father, and a talented musician.”

His contributions to the world of music and entertainment are undeniable, and his absence will be deeply felt by fans worldwide.

Tito’s final days were spent doing what he loved most—performing.

Just days before his passing, he was seen in Munich, Germany, where The Jacksons, now featuring his brothers Jackie and Marlon, performed.

His last Instagram post, poignantly, was a tribute to his late brother Michael. In the post, Tito shared a photo of himself visiting a memorial dedicated to Michael, writing,

“Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tito Jackson (@poppa3t)

Family and Legacy

Tito Jackson leaves behind three sons, Taj, 41, Taryll, 39, and TJ, 46, who were all part of the band 3T, as well as nine grandchildren.

His sons paid tribute to their father in a touching statement: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened, and heartbroken.

Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”

In their tribute, they reflected on how people knew Tito in various ways, whether as “Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5,” “Coach Tito,” or simply “Poppa T.”

Regardless of how people knew him, one thing is certain—his legacy will continue to live on.

“It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us,” his sons wrote, a reference to the title of Tito’s 2016 solo album.

The family also encouraged people to live by their father’s mantra: “Love One Another.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 3T (@3tworld)

The Tragedy of Delores ‘Dee Dee’ Martes

Tito’s personal life was marked by love and loss.

He married Delores “Dee Dee” Martes in 1972, and the couple had three sons together before divorcing in 1988.

Tragically, Dee Dee was found dead in a swimming pool in 1994 at the age of 39.

While her death was initially ruled accidental, her boyfriend at the time, Donald Bohana, was later charged with second-degree murder in 1998.

He was convicted and sentenced to prison, though he was granted parole in December 2022 after serving 24 years behind bars.

The Rise of The Jackson 5

Tito Jackson was a key figure in the rise of The Jackson 5, one of the most influential musical groups of all time.

Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson, Tito was the third eldest of the Jackson siblings.

He began playing guitar at the age of 10 after his father Joe Jackson discovered his talent when Tito was caught experimenting on his father’s guitar.

Impressed, Joe bought Tito his own guitar and soon formed The Jackson 5, a group that would go on to achieve global fame.

The original lineup of The Jackson 5 featured Tito, Jackie, and Jermaine, with younger brothers Marlon and Michael joining later.

Managed by their father, Joe Jackson, the group initially gained attention in local talent competitions before making their way to the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York.

Their victory at the Apollo amateur night secured them a Motown recording contract, setting the stage for their meteoric rise.

In 1969, The Jackson 5 released their first singles under Motown, quickly scoring multiple number-one hits, including “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There.”

Tito’s guitar skills were a crucial part of the band’s signature sound.

The Jackson 5 became the first American group to have their first four singles reach the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100—a historic achievement that remains iconic in music history.

The Jacksons and Tito’s Solo Career

As the group evolved, Randy Jackson replaced Jermaine in the mid-1970s, and the group became known as The Jacksons when they signed with CBS Records.

Throughout the years, the brothers continued to perform together, most notably reuniting in 2001 for Michael Jackson’s 30th-anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden.

Tito always maintained a close bond with his brother Michael, and fiercely defended him when he faced legal allegations.

Tito once said, “The truth always prevails,” when discussing Michael’s legal challenges, expressing confidence in his brother’s innocence.

In 2003, Tito began a solo career, pursuing his love of blues music.

He released two albums—Tito Time in 2016, which included the successful single “Get It Baby” featuring Big Daddy Kane, and Under Your Spell in 2021.

His track “Love One Another” from the latter album featured collaborations with Marlon Jackson, Kenny Neal, Bobby Rush, and Stevie Wonder.

A Life Dedicated to Music and Family

Conclusion

• As fans and family alike grieve the loss of Tito Jackson, it’s clear that his impact on music, his dedication to his family, and his enduring legacy will never be forgotten.
• The world has lost a member of one of the most iconic musical families of all time, but Tito’s memory will live on through his contributions to the industry and the love he shared with those closest to him.
• Rest in peace, Tito Jackson. It will always be “Tito Time.”

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