Tito Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5 and the older brother of Michael Jackson, died on September 15, 2024, at the age of 70. His death near Gallup, New Mexico, was caused by a severe heart attack that led to cardiac arrest, multiple sources confirmed. While officials have not released a final autopsy report, the family has acknowledged the loss of a beloved musician and father.
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of ten Jackson children. He rose to fame as the lead guitarist of the Jackson 5, the Motown group that became a global sensation. His signature afro and fedora hat made him a style icon of the 1970s.
In the weeks following his death, tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians. A private funeral was held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles on November 4, 2024, attended by Michael Jackson’s children, Paris and Bigi.
What caused Tito Jackson’s death?
October 15, 1953, Gary, Indiana
September 15, 2024, age 70
Founding member of Jackson 5 / The Jacksons
Heart attack (cardiac arrest) near Gallup, New Mexico
- Tito Jackson was the third Jackson brother and the only one besides Michael to achieve global fame as part of the Jackson 5.
- His death came just one month before his 71st birthday and months after his last public performance with the Jacksons.
- Despite being less in the spotlight than Michael or Jermaine, Tito was the lead guitarist and contributed to the group’s signature sound.
- His trademark fedora hat and afro hairstyle became iconic in 1970s pop culture.
- He was known by nicknames “Coach Tito” and “Poppa T” among family and friends.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Toriano Adaryll Jackson |
| Born | October 15, 1953 |
| Died | September 15, 2024 |
| Age at Death | 70 |
| Occupation | Musician, singer, guitarist |
| Famous For | Jackson 5 / The Jacksons |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Children | Three (Taj, Taryll, TJ – collectively 3T) |
| Spouse | Delores “Dee Dee” Martes (1972–1988) |
| Notable Awards | Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1997 with Jackson 5) |
How was Tito Jackson connected to Michael Jackson?
Tito was five years older than Michael Jackson and served as both an older brother and a bandmate. Growing up in the same household in Gary, Indiana, the two shared a bedroom and a passion for music. Tito later recalled teaching Michael guitar chords when they were children.
As part of the Jackson 5, Tito and Michael performed together for nearly two decades, from the early Motown hits to the Victory Tour in 1984. After Michael’s death in 2009, Tito became a quiet guardian of the family’s legacy, frequently speaking about his brother in interviews.
Michael’s children, Paris and Bigi, attended Tito’s memorial in November 2024, a sign of the close bond that outlasted the older brother’s passing.
Tito Jackson death
Tito Jackson died on September 15, 2024, at the age of 70. According to reports from People and Variety, he suffered a severe heart attack while traveling from New Mexico to Oklahoma. He was pronounced dead at a hospital in Gallup, New Mexico, after being transported from the American Heritage Plaza around 6:15 p.m.
Although multiple media outlets report a heart attack as the cause, the Jackson family and the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator have not released a final public report. The exact timeline of the medical emergency also remains unverified by an official statement.
Who was Marlon Jackson to Tito Jackson?
Marlon Jackson was Tito’s younger brother and fellow member of the Jackson 5. The two were close in age — Marlon is just one year younger — and often performed side by side on stage. In the summer of 2024, just months before his death, Tito was still performing alongside Marlon and brother Jackie at shows in the United States.
Marlon has not yet issued a public statement about Tito’s death, but family sources indicate he was deeply affected. The surviving Jackson brothers — Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy — continue to honor the group’s legacy.
What was Tito Jackson’s early life like?
Tito Jackson was born on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, a steel-mill town near Chicago. He was the third child of Joseph and Katherine Jackson. His father, Joe, worked at the mill and later managed the family’s musical career.
As a boy, Tito secretly played his father’s guitar after Joe hid it from the children. When Joe discovered Tito could play by ear, he encouraged the formation of a family band. That band, originally called the Jackson Brothers, later evolved into the Jackson 5.
Tito attended Roosevelt High School in Gary but left at age 16 to pursue music full-time after the Jackson 5 signed with Motown Records in 1969.
What were Tito Jackson’s musical contributions?
Tito was the lead guitarist of the Jackson 5 and later The Jacksons. His rhythm guitar provided the backbone for hits such as “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.” Although he rarely sang lead, his harmony vocals were essential to the group’s sound.
After the group left Motown for Epic in 1975, Tito co-wrote several songs and took on a larger role in production. He also formed the group 3T with his sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ in the 1990s, releasing the album “Brotherhood” in 1995.
Tito Jackson guitar
Tito’s guitar style blended soul, funk, and R&B. He was known for his clean, melodic playing, often using a Gibson ES-335. In interviews, he credited B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix as influences. His guitar work can be heard on nearly every Jackson 5 recording.
Music historians note that Tito’s steady rhythm guitar provided the foundation for many of the Jackson 5’s biggest hits. His playing style was understated but crucial to the group’s infectious groove.
What were Tito Jackson’s iconic looks?
Tito Jackson was instantly recognizable by his large afro and his wide-brimmed fedora hat. These became his signature fashion statements during the 1970s and 1980s, influencing fans and fashion trends.
Tito Jackson hat
Tito often wore a fedora or a pork pie hat on stage and in public. The hat, usually black or brown, became as synonymous with his image as Michael’s single glove. In later years, he continued wearing hats, as seen in photos from his time in Jamaica.
Tito Jackson afro
His afro was one of the most iconic hairstyles of the Motown era. Tito maintained a large, well-shaped afro through the early 1970s, later switching to braids and shorter styles as fashion evolved. The afro became a symbol of Black pride and cultural identity.
Tito’s afro and hat were not just personal style choices; they reflected a broader movement of Black excellence and self-expression during the 1970s. Many young fans imitated his look, cementing his status as a fashion icon of the era.
Tito Jackson: A Life in Music
- — Toriano Adaryll Jackson born in Gary, Indiana.
- — Forms the Jackson Brothers with Jackie, Jermaine; later becomes the Jackson 5.
- — Jackson 5 signs with Motown, releases first single “I Want You Back”.
- — Group leaves Motown for Epic, renamed The Jacksons.
- — Tito plays lead guitar on hit albums and tours, including the Victory Tour.
- — Jackson 5 inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
- — Tito performs with his sons in the group 3T and solo projects.
- — Tito Jackson dies at age 70 near Gallup, New Mexico, from a heart attack.
Certainty vs. Uncertainty: What We Know About Tito Jackson’s Death
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Tito Jackson died on September 15, 2024, at age 70. | Official cause of death has not been publicly released by the family or coroner; media reports suggest a heart attack, but this is unconfirmed. |
| He was a founding member of the Jackson 5. | Exact location of death and circumstances (e.g., at home or hospital) remain unverified. |
| He was the brother of Michael and Marlon Jackson. | The full autopsy report has not been made public. |
What did Tito Jackson’s death mean for the Jackson family legacy?
Tito Jackson’s death marks the end of an era for the Jackson family, who have experienced the untimely deaths of Michael (2009) and now Tito. The surviving Jackson brothers — Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy — continue to perform occasionally, but the loss of another original member reshapes the group’s history.
His role as the quiet guitarist often overshadowed by Michael and Jermaine is being reassessed. Music historians note that his steady rhythm guitar provided the backbone for many Jackson 5 hits, a contribution that earned him a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside his brothers.
The cultural impact of his hat and afro style in the 1970s reflected Black excellence and pride, influencing fashion trends of the era. His sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ, have vowed to carry on his musical legacy.
What have sources said about Tito Jackson?
Tito Jackson, an original member of the Jackson 5 pop group and brother of the late Michael Jackson, has died aged 70, US media report.
— BBC News
Tito Jackson (October 15, 1953 – September 15, 2024) was an American musician. He was a founding member of the Jackson 5.
Tito Jackson founding member of the phenomenal Jackson Five, leaves behind a timeless legacy.
— Tito Jackson Official Website
For additional reading, the Wikipedia article on Tito Jackson provides a comprehensive biography. The BBC’s obituary and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame page are also authoritative sources.
Tito Jackson’s legacy: what comes next?
An official autopsy or family statement regarding the cause of death may still be released. Tributes from fellow musicians and fans continue to appear. The Jackson family may issue a joint statement, and Marlon Jackson is expected to speak on behalf of the brothers. Tito’s sons — Taj, Taryll, and TJ — have said they will keep their father’s music alive. For more on the lives of musicians who shaped pop culture, read the Faith Evans – Biography, Music Career and Legacy and the Elton John – Biography, Net Worth, and Legacy in 2025.
Frequently asked questions about Tito Jackson
When was Tito Jackson born?
October 15, 1953.
How old was Tito Jackson when he died?
70 years old.
Was Tito Jackson married?
He was married to Delores “Dee Dee” Martes from 1972 to 1988. He later had a partner but details are private.
Did Tito Jackson have children?
Yes, three sons: Taj, Taryll, and TJ, who formed the group 3T.
What instrument did Tito Jackson play?
Lead guitar in the Jackson 5 and The Jacksons.
Is Tito Jackson in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
Yes, as a member of the Jackson 5 inducted in 1997.
Jack Thomas Clarke Thompson is a staff writer for PopCultureDaily.co.uk, covering entertainment news, film, television, streaming and celebrity culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Harriet Winslow and Managing Editor Lucas Bennett, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.