Tito Jackson passed
Tributes continue to flood in for Tito Jackson, the original Jackson 5 member who died at the age of 70.
Jackson died on Sunday, September 15, after having an apparent heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma, as previously reported.
The singer began to prominence as a child, touring with his siblings Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael as the Jackson 5.
The quartet joined with Motown Records in 1969, propelling the family from humble roots in Indiana to global success.
Tito's sons, TJ, Taj, and Taryll, who founded the rock trio 3T, paid tribute to their father on Instagram Sunday following his passing.
"We are astonished, sad, and heartbroken. "Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone's well-being," TJ, Taj, and Taryll said.
Others from the music industry have since expressed their respects.
Questlove, a drummer and producer, wrote on Instagram, "All of the Jackson brothers are heroes to me." I just don't have any words right now. May the entire Jackson family find comfort and serenity in this hour. Thank You, Tito. "Rest in melody, @poppa3t."
Former Jackson 5 drummer Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett sent a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
"This evening, my heart, spirit, and soul are filled with profound melancholy. My wife and I just stepped out of a movie theater after receiving a text from a close friend that Tito Jackson, my brother in spirit, had died away. I'm startled and devastated to get and hear such disappointing news. I adore Tito like he is one of my biological brothers. I'm stunned and dismayed. May God and Jesus Christ greet his soul and spirit with open arms and welcome him to Heaven's gate.This is my real prayer for tonight, today, the month, and the year. He wrote, "I'm at a loss of spirits."
The Jackson 5 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. The organization remembered Jackson Monday on Instagram.
“Tito Jackson helped to define Motown in the 1970s, contributing vocals on many of the J5’s hits, including ‘I Want You Back,’ ‘ABC,’ and ‘The Love You Save.’ When the Jackson 5 transformed their sound and rebranded themselves The Jacksons in the mid-1970s, Tito’s role increased, as he began co-writing songs with his brothers and adding his rhythm guitar playing to their recordings. He went on to work as a session player and producer and re-emerged with several R&B hits including ‘Get It Baby’ and ‘Love One Another,” the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame shared.
Jackson is survived by his sons, his siblings Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, Jackie, Janet, Rebbie, and La Toya, as well as their mother Katherine Jackson.
As of publication time, Tito’s siblings had not posted public tributes.