Condolences: Tito Jackson

• Tito Jackson, who along with brothers Michael, Jermaine, Jackie and Marlon was a founding member of the legendary Jackson 5, died Sunday, Sept. 15 at the age of 70. As reported by Variety, Jackson reportedly died of a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma.

Jackson played guitar and sang on a string of Jackson 5 hits that included four straight No. 1’s: “I Want You Back” in 1969 and “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There” in 1970. “Dancing Machine,” released in 1974, peaked at No. 2.

Tito had recently been performing with brothers Marlon and Jackie under the renewed aegis of The Jacksons, including a date as recently as one week ago in England. An L.A. audience saw a set by The Jacksons at the Fool in Love Festival at Hollywood Park on Aug. 31. Tito had also recorded and done many shows as a blues guitarist in the last 20 years, under his own banner or with the B.B. King Blues Band.

Tito was inducted with the rest of the Jackson 5 into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Michael, who died in 2009, is the only member from the original lineup of five brothers to have preceded Tito in death.

Jackson’s sons Taj, Taryll and TJ paid tribute to their father on Instagram, writing, “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. 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. 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.”