Family confirmed that Tito Jackson, who rose to fame alongside his brothers in the Jackson 5, has died at age 70.
"We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being," his sons — Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson — confirmed on his official Instagram account.
The news was first reported by " ET " with Steve Manning, a longtime Jackson family friend and former Jackson family manager, telling the outlet he died Sunday.
Who is Tito Jackson?
Tito Jackson was Michael Jackson's brother and a member of the Jackson 5, later the Jacksons. The group's four consecutive Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There" were part of the foundation of what became known as Jacksonmania, as the brothers crooned and danced their way into the hearts of America under the stiff management of father Joe Jackson.
Read Tito Jackson's obituary: Tito Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 co-founder, dies at 70
About the Jackson 5
Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Jackson 5 in 1997, and earned three Grammy nominations throughout his career as part of the group for best R&B performance by a duo or group and best contemporary vocal performance by a duo or group. The group released 16 studio albums, 10 as the Jackson 5 and six as The Jacksons, becoming a household name as a unit and as individuals. The Jacksons became a national sensation, a seminal boy band with chart-topping and cultural success, especially in Black homes across the country.
Tito Jackson's solo career
Jackson also embarked on a solo career, releasing albums "Tito Time" in 2016 and "Under Your Spell" in 2021. He released new music as recently as last year, joining forces with Brazilian singer Natalia Damini for their song "Attitude" and its accompanying music video .
Tito Jackson and his siblings grew up in Gary, Indiana
He was the third of 10 children born to Joe and Katherine Jackson. They lived at 2300 Jackson Street (which is named for president Andrew Jackson, not the family) in Gary, Indiana .
Joe and Katherine moved into the 672-square-foot two-bedroom bungalow in January 1950, Katherine Jackson is seen saying in a clip for the “2300 Jackson Street” video. The home is just off of I-90, about 45 minutes southwest of Chicago.
“ 2300 Jackson Street " is the name of The Jacksons’ 1989 album and its lead single. The song, about the family’s Gary home, also features sisters Rebbie and Janet Jackson.
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Joe Jackson and the Jackson 5 moved to Los Angeles in August of 1969 and the rest of the family followed them to California that December.
Midwest Connect Manager Jenny Porter Tilley contributed.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Tito Jackson dies at 70. He was Michael Jackson's brother and co-founded the Jackson 5
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