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Jackson 5 member, Michael’s brother was 70

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Tito Jackson, who rose to fame with his brothers in the Jackson 5, has died, according to reports. He was 70.

The news was first reported by “ET,” with Steve Manning, a longtime Jackson family friend and former Jackson family manager, telling the outlet that he had died Sunday. Tito’s cousin Siggy Jackson confirmed his death to “People.”

With brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael Jackson, Tito became a Motown hit as one-fifth of the Jackson 5, later The Jacksons. The group’s four consecutive Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles—”I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There”—helped to spark what became known as Jacksonmania, as the brothers sang and danced their way into America’s hearts under the strict management of father Joe Jackson.

USA TODAY has reached out to Jackson’s representative for comment.

Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 as part of the Jackson 5, and earned three Grammy nominations during his career as part of the group for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Contemporary Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. The group released 16 studio albums, 10 as the Jackson 5 and six as the Jacksons, and became a household name both as a unit and as individuals. The Jacksons became a national sensation, a groundbreaking boy band with chart-topping hits and cultural success, particularly in black households across the country.

Jackson also embarked on a solo career, releasing the albums “Tito Time” in 2016 and “Under Your Spell” in 2021. He released new music last year, teaming up with Brazilian singer Natalia Damini for their song “Attitude” and its accompanying music video.

Jackson was born and raised in Gary, Indiana, the third of 10 children in the family, which included his brothers and bandmates, as well as Randy, Rebbie, La Toya, Faloola Tika and Janet Jackson. Parents Joe and Katherine Jackson moved into the 672-square-foot, two-bedroom bungalow at 2300 Jackson St. in January 1950, which served as the name of The Jacksons’ 1989 album and lead single.

As the brothers’ success waned, they pursued solo careers, with Jermaine and Michael Jackson finding their own paths outside the group.

Michael Jackson became one of the most significant figures in music, hailed as the King of Pop for his contributions to music and beyond. Jackson’s death on June 25, 2009, at his Los Angeles home from an accidental drug overdose at the age of 50 shocked the world, though his legacy has been tarnished by multiple allegations of abuse throughout his career and into his death.

Tito Jackson mourned his brother Michael over the summer on the 15th anniversary of his death earlier this year. Tito Jackson shared a black-and-white photo of his younger brother with the hashtags “#15yearswithoutmichaeljackson #gonetoosoon #alwaysinourhearts #MJ4ever #missyoumuch #nowords.”

Just four days before his death, Jackson and his brothers Jackie and Marlon attended a memorial service for Michael in Munich, prior to a concert they performed together.

“We are so grateful for this special place that not only honors his memory, but our shared legacy,” Tito Jackson wrote on Instagram with a photo of the brothers at the memorial, covered in flowers and with photos of Michael Jackson. “Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”

Tito, Jackie and Marlon will perform as The Jacksons. Concerts are scheduled for October 25 in Atlantic City, New Jersey and November 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Tito Jackson is survived by his sons Taj, Taryll and TJ, whom he had with his late ex-wife Delores Martes.

Contributors: Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY; Cheryl V. Jackson, Indianapolis Star