Founding member and base player of the Jackson 5, Tito Jackson dies

Beginnings

Tito Jackson, the third oldest of the Jackson children and founding member of The Jackson 5, passed away on 15 September 2024, from a heart attack, at the age of 70, in Gallup, New Mexico. 

Tito was born in Gary, Indiana on 15 October 1953. By 1964, he and his brothers were performing as The Jackson 5. In 1969, the group signed with Motown. In 1976, following a contract dispute, the band departed from Motown and joined Epic Records. As the name The Jackson 5 was owned by Motown, the group relinquished it and subsequently became known as The Jacksons.

Awards and Accolades

The Jackson have won various awards and accolades throughout their career. In 1972, The Jackson 5 was awarded a special commendation from Congress for being positive role models. They won four NAACP Image Awards for Best Vocal Group in 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1980.

On 3 September 1980, The Jacksons received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On 20 November 1984, Michael Jackson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

On May 6, 1997, The Jackson 5 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This induction honored their significant influence on pop, soul, and R&B music, recognizing the groundbreaking success of the group and their contribution to shaping the sound of modern music. In 2001, Michael Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.

While the Jackson 5 as a group did not receive a Grammy Award, their influence on music and pop culture has been monumental, and they were later honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997, recognizing their long-lasting impact on the music industry.

Cartoons and Television

The Jackson 5ive cartoon, which premiered on 11 September 1971, was a fun blend of music and animation that capitalized on the Jackson 5's immense popularity. Due to the strenuous demands of The Jackson 5's touring schedule, the Jackson brothers were portrayed by voice actors, including Edmund Sylvers from The Sylvers of Boogie Fever fame, who voiced Marlon Jackson. The show incorporated the Jackson 5's music with added laugh tracks, creating a unique and entertaining experience. Although the series lasted only a year, it left a lasting imprint on pop culture and remains a memorable part of the 1970s era's entertainment landscape.

In 1976, the Jackson family embarked on a weekly 30- minute variety-skit show for CBS. The show was simply entitled, The Jacksons. Jermaine Jackson was not included in the show due to his contractual obligations to Motown Records. On 16 June 1976, the show premiered, with Sonny Bono being its first guest. Other guests included Redd Foxx, Ed McMahon, Betty White, Dom DeLuise, Georgia Engel, David Letterman, Joey Bishop, Lynda Carter, Carroll O'Connor, Tim Conway, John Byner, Muhammad Ali, The Nicholas Brothers (Harold & Fayard Nicholas) and George Miller.

The show lasted only nine months, with many speculating that it was deliberately undermined due to racial bias. It aired on Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m., while ABC's The Donny & Marie Show was placed in the more favorable time slot on Fridays at 8:00 p.m.  Donny and Marie are part of the Osmond family, a white musical group. Both musical families are talented. However, in addition to talent, a show's success is often influenced by its time slot, as it determines the size and demographics of the audience, who may be affected by their work and personal schedules.

Solo Career

Until the day he died, Tito continue to perform with his brothers. In 2001, he embarked on a solo career and released an album entitled, Tito Time. The album included collaborations with Jocelyn Brown and Big Daddy Kane. 

In  2021, he released his second solo, but first blues album is entitled, Under your Spell. The album included collaborations with Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Eddie Levert, Marlon Jackson, Kenny Neal, Claudette King, Joe Bonamassa, and Bobby Rush. 

Other Jackson Family Tragedies

Tito Jackson's death brings back memories of previous tragedies in the Jackson family, including the murder of his ex-wife Dee Dee Martes and the untimely passing of his brother Michael Jackson. 

In 1972, Tito married his high school sweetheart Delores "Dee Dee" Martes. He was 18 years old- and she was 17 years-old. Three sons followed soon after, Taj born in 1973, Taryll in 1975, and TJ in 1978. The couple divorced in 1988. 

The Death of Delores "Dee Dee" Martes Jackson

Tito Jackson's ex-wife, Delores "Dee Dee" Jackson, died almost 30 years to the date of Tito's death, on 27 August 1994. Initially believed to be an accidental drowning, her death was later ruled a homicide, and her then-boyfriend, Donald Bohana, was charged with the crime. In 1998, Bohana was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to fifteen years to life in prison. He has remained incarcerated since then, with his parole requests denied four times.

The Death of Michael Jackson

Tito's brother and band member, Michael Jackson died  on 25 June 2009 from cardiac arrest due to propofol intoxication.  It was discovered that Jackson obtained the drug from his physician, Conrad Murray and was taking the medication for insomnia. In 2011, Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to four years in prison. However, he was released on parole after serving less than two years. He is barred from practicing medicine. 

The Death of Joe Jackson

The Jackson family's patriarch, Joe Jackson died on 27 June 2018 from pancreatic cancer. He was 89 years old. 

Tito's Legacy

Tito's legacy as a musician, both with The Jackson 5 and as a solo artist, will continue to resonate. His commitment to blues music and the love he spread through his art stands as a testament to his enduring influence. He had recently been performing with his brothers Jackie and Marlon, keeping The Jacksons’ legacy alive​. 

He is survived by his mother Katherine, his sisters, Rebbie, LaToya, Janet, and Joh'Vonnie; his brothers, Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, Randy; his sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ, and his nine grandchildren.