Tito Jackson

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Born third of nine children in Gary, Indiana, Tito's musical journey began at age 10 when he was caught playing his father Joseph's guitar after breaking a string. After fixing it, Joe demanded he play, bought him his own instrument, and encouraged Tito, Jackie, and Jermaine to form a singing group. By 1964, Marlon and Michael joined the Jackson Brothers, which became the Jackson Five in 1965. While young Michael became the lead singer, Tito's guitar work was central to their live sound. Although Motown often used session musicians, Tito did play on some Motown-era recordings. The group moved to CBS Records in 1976, where his guitar work became more prominent on record. Throughout the group's evolution, Tito and Jackie were the constants, navigating lineup changes while maintaining their signature sound from local talent shows to international stardom. Marlon left after the Victory Tour but returned for reunions.

In Their Own Story

The backstage air hummed with nervous energy before the curtain rose at the Apollo Theater in August 1967. After winning Amateur Night, Joe Jackson began working part-time at the steel mill to secure a recording contract for his sons. They signed with Steeltown Records that November, releasing "Big Boy" in January 1968. By July 1968, they signed with Motown, scoring number-one hits like "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "The Love You Save." Years later, the dynamic shifted during the Victory Tour, after which Tito focused on production and session work. In 2003, he embarked on a solo blues career, performing in clubs with his band featuring producer Angelo Earl. On July 9, 2021, he released "Love One Another" from his second album *Under Your Spell*, collaborating with Marlon Jackson, Kenny Neal, Bobby Rush, and Stevie Wonder, marking a return to blues roots distinct from the pop sounds of his debut *Tito Time*.

Reader's Guide

Tito Jackson served as the steady backbone of the original vocal ensemble, bridging the gap between the eldest siblings and the younger prodigy. His character arc reflects loyalty and resilience, navigating intense pressures while maintaining family unity. Musically skilled on guitar and vocals, he contributed essential harmonies that defined their signature sound during the Motown era and beyond. While Michael often took center stage, Tito remained a constant presence in the group's evolution into The Jacksons. His defining moments include his 2016 commercial breakthrough with "Get It Baby," making him the ninth sibling to chart solo, and his role as executive producer of *The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty* following Michael's death in 2009. He also served as a judge on the UK show *Just the Two of Us* in 2007, replacing Lulu. Tito passed away on September 15, 2024, at age 70 from a fatal heart attack in Gallup, New Mexico, while transporting antique cars with business partner Terry Harvey.

Did You Know?

• Tito was the first to be caught playing his father's guitar after breaking a string, leading Joe Jackson to buy him his own instrument.
• Despite Motown often using session musicians, Tito did play guitar on some Jackson 5 recordings during the Motown era.
• Tito released his first solo blues album, 'Tito Time,' in 2016, marking his debut as a solo artist.
• Tito was married to Delores "Dee Dee" Martes from 1972 until her death in 1994.
• His final words to his business partner were, "I ain't feeling good in my chest," before he was taken to a hospital where he died on September 15, 2024.