Tito Jackson, beloved member of The Jackson 5 and elder sibling to Michael and Janet Jackson, has died at 70. His sons, TJ, Taj and Taryll confirmed the news of his passing in an Instagram post late Sunday night.
Of course, Black folks on X are mourning the legend. One user, @AmberTMzuka, wrote: “I’m glad Joe fixed the strings on his guitar so Tito could show him how talented he was and start The Jackson [5]. That solo in ‘Heartbreak Hotel was [fire]. The swingingest Jackson. A legend. An icon. Rest in power, Tito Jackson.”
Another personality, @xoraveen, lamented over the constant loss of our legends this month. She stated: “First James Earl Jones. The Frankie Beverly. Now Tito Jackson????????? SEPTEMBER IS ONLY 15 DAYS IN AND IT CAN GOOOOOOOOOOO.”
Musician and frequent Jackson 5 collaborator Jonathan Moffett, known @jsugarfootm, expressed how heartbroken he was over the news. Alongside a slew of photos, he wrote: “I’m stunned, devastated and speechless. I love you, Tito. My most sincere love & prayers for the entire Jackson family. I love you all VERY much.”
One person, @travisfromdabk_, gave Jackson his flowers on X. “Tito Jackson was a SELF TAUGHT guitarist. Let that be known. One of the greatest,” he wrote.
Perhaps @filmsbratz said it best: “rest easy, tito jackson, you’re reunited with your baby brother now.”
Jackson — who just performed at Fool In Love Festival last month in Los Angeles — was the oldest male Jackson brother and played guitar for the group, which was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us,” the post read.
“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being,” the post continued. “Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some know him as ‘Poppa T.’ Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously.”
Jackson is survived by his brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon and Jackie, his sisters Janet, Rebbie and La Toya and their mother, Katherine.