Tito Jackson, an original member of The Jackson 5 and brother of Michael Jackson, has died aged 70.He performed with siblings Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael – who went on to become a pop superstar and died in 2009.The group had hits in the 1970s including ABC, I Want You Back, Blame It On The Boogie, and I’ll Be There.Tito played guitar in the group and provided backing vocals.
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Tito Jackson pictured in 2019. Pic: Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP
His death was announced “with heavy hearts” by sons Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson, who found fame themselves in the 1990s as R’n’B/pop trio 3T.”We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” they wrote on Instagram. “Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their wellbeingThey continued: “He will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time” for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another.’ We love you Pops.”
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Tito and Michael Jackson in 1984. Pic: AP
There were nine Jackson siblings altogether, including Janet, LaToya, Rebbie and Randy Jackson.The group – who formed in 1964 and were managed by their father Joe Jackson – released four studio albums and sold an estimated 150 million records worldwide.They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997Their success provided the launchpad for Michael to break out and launch solo work. He eventually left the group in 1984 after the huge success of the Thriller album.