On Sunday (9.15), family friend and former manager Steve Manning told Entertainment Tonight that Tito Jackson passed away. He was 70-years old.
While the exact cause of death has not yet been determined, Manning stated that he believed Jackson suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. Representatives for Tito’s family have not yet issued a official statement, though the entertainer’s nephew, Siggy Jackson, confirmed the sad news to People.
Prior to The Jacksons concert last week, Tito and his brothers Jackie and Marlon visited a memorial in Munich, Germany that was dedicated to his late brother Michael Jackson, and taking to facebook, he posted:
“Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I, visited the beautiful memorial dedicated to our beloved brother, Michael Jackson.” “We’re deeply grateful for this special place that honors not only his memory but also our shared legacy. Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson, Tito was an original member of the Jackson 5 that rose to international prominence in the late ’60s with hits such as ‘I Want You Back,’ ‘ABC,’ and ‘I’ll Be There.’
After leaving Motown Records for CBS Records, the brothers changed their name to The Jacksons and Tito and his brothers were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980 and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Most recently, Tito had a solo career as a blues musician and he is survived by his 94-year-old mother Katherine Jackson and three sons; Taj, Taryll, and TJ.
Keep up with the latest trending music news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Gabriel González