Tito Jackson | Source: Getty Images
Before he passed away, Jackson 5 legend Tito Jackson shared a sentimental Instagram post on September 12 that reflected on the incredible life his late iconic brother Michael Jackson forged. The beautiful familial image and heartfelt caption he posted have fans overcome with emotion now that Tito is gone, like Michael.
Fan comment about Tito and Michael Jackson, posted on September 16, 2024 | Source: Instagram/poppa3t
Capturing the essence of family and brotherhood, Tito and two of his famous brothers, Jackie and Marlon Jackson, took a trip down memory lane before Tito died on September 15.
The trio of brothers visited Michael’s memorial in Munich, Germany, which features a grand monument covered in a shrine of pictures of the late “Thriller” hitmaker, flowers, heart trinkets, and candles.
Some of the photos on the monument featured nostalgic images of Michael and his loved ones, including his brothers. In Tito’s post, he, Marlon, and Jackie gazed at the memorabilia with what looked to be expressions of love and pride as they reminisced over the memories.
“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,” captioned Tito alongside the picture.
Before the start of The Jackson 5, Tito’s musical talents were first recognized by his late father, Joseph (Joe) Jackson, when he was just eight years old.
Fans who have seen Tito’s emotional last photo after they heard about the star’s passing have taken to the post’s comment section to express themselves. “[With] your brother now Tito, my heart is broken💔💔💔,” penned a grieving fan.
Tito and Michael Jackson performing during The Jackson 5’s Victory Tour in 1984. | Source: Getty Images
Another said , “Rest in peace Tito Jackson ♥️😭 you are with Michael now 🕊.” “We will honor you both forever, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING ♥️✨,” remarked an admirer. Someone else noted , “A fitting final post. 🖤🕊️♾️.”
The words shared by Tito’s fans come after news of his death was confirmed by media outlets. One such confirmation came via a post on X from Entertainment Tonight. The outlet reported that a longtime family friend named Steve Manning revealed the “Love One Another” singer had passed away at the age of 70.
“While an official cause of death has not yet been determined, Manning believes that Tito suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. Updates are developing,” disclosed the media outlet at the end of their message.
The late Indiana native, who was born on October 15, 1953, forged an incredible career during his lifetime. According to Tito’s biography on the Jacksons website, as the third eldest of the Jackson siblings, he was often credited for the start of the extremely popular band he performed in with his brothers.
The Jackson 5 posing for a picture at home in Los Angeles, California in 1972. | Source: Getty Images
While he was well-known for being the guitarist of The Jackson 5, he also used his low voice to compliment his brothers’ falsetto notes.
The Jackson 5 performing on a TV show circa 1969. | Source: Getty Images
Before the start of The Jackson 5, Tito’s musical talents were first recognized by his late father, Joseph (Joe) Jackson, when he was just eight years old.
One day, Joseph, from whom Tito said he inherited his talents, discovered a broken string on his guitar, which eventually led him to figure out that his then-eight-year-old son had been playing it every day.
After asking Tito to play the guitar for him, Joseph, who used to be the lead in his blues band “The Falcons,” found himself impressed by his son’s talents.
The late Jackson patriarch was also impressed by the vocal abilities of his other sons, Jermaine and Jackie, and as a result, began envisioning a musical group career for them.
The Jackson 5 posing for a picture in 1969. | Source: Getty Images
By the time 1967 rolled around, Tito, Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon, and Michael Jackson became known as The Jackson 5. Outside of the beloved music group, Tito also worked on his own projects .
The Jackson 5 posing for a portrait in the early 1970s. | Source: Getty Images
During his career, he worked with his iconic sisters Janet, La Toya, and Rebbie Jackson, as well as fellow entertainment industry heavy hitters like Babyface, LA Reid, and Howard Hewett.
The late musician had also served as an executive producer in season one of A&E Network’s reality show “The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty,” in 2010.
In 2016, Tito’s first solo “Get It Baby,” made its way onto the Billboard charts, which made him the ninth and final Jackson sibling to have a solo single on the charts. His victory was followed by the release of more singles and his debut album “Tito Time.”
Three years ago (2021), Tito released his second album “Under Your Spell” — a body of work that featured an array of talented artists.
In addition to leaving behind an everlasting and iconic legacy, Tito Jackson is survived by his family, which includes his three sons.
TJ, Taj, and Taryll Jackson all followed in their legendary late father’s musical footsteps, as they formed a band called 3T.
