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US guitarist and singer Tito Jackson, an original member of the legendary Jackson 5 group and older brother of pop superstars Michael and Janet, has died, aged 70.
Confirming his demise, his sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ, who formed the music group 3T, posted on Instagram alongside a photo of them with their father.
They said, “It's with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 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.
“Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another.’ We love you Pops. Your boys, Taj, Taryll and TJ.”
According to a family friend Steve Manning, Tito died of an apparent heart attack on Sunday while driving from New Mexico to his home in Oklahoma.
Tito had recently toured Germany, England, and California with his brothers Marlon and Jackie as The Jacksons.
Tito was a founding member of The Jackson 5, including siblings Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael.
After signing with Motown Records in 1969, they scored several international singles in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There."
Michael, the younger brother who went on to become a solo superstar, died in 2009 at the age of 50.
Tito, along with his brothers in The Jackson 5, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 by fellow Motown legend Diana Ross.
