Tito established his place in music history and popular culture as a member of the iconic hit-making pop-soul group the Jackson 5–later renamed the Jacksons following their departure from Motown in 1975. However, he often didn’t get the shine and recognition he deserved for his considerable talents. People frequently slept on his impressive guitar-playing skills. He laid down super-funky rhythm licks on hits like “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” and “Lovely One.” Tito had his own distinctive playing style that really helped set off a groove. He also contributed killer solos to amazing cuts like “This Place Hotel” and “Push Me Away.”
Moreover, Tito was a talented songwriter and producer. He and his brothers wrote, arranged and produced the critically acclaimed platinum-selling albums Destiny and Triumph. Some of his songwriting credits for the Jacksons include “Everybody,” “Destiny,” “Push Me Away,” and “Things I Do For You.”
In 2003, Tito began gigging around with a blues band that included acclaimed producer and guitarist Angelo Earl. Additionally, he had worked with music heavy hitters such as L.A. Reid and Babyface.
Tito participated in the Jacksons’ Unity Tour (2012 - 2013). He joined his brothers Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon for the 55-city world tour across 19 countries. The tour kicked off on June 20, 2012, in Rama, Ontario and ended on July 27, 2013, in Atlantic City. It was the group’s first tour since their historic Victory Tour in 1984. It also marked the first time that they had toured without Michael, who tragically passed away on June 25, 2009 at age 50. Youngest Jackson brother Randy chose not to join the tour.
Tito released his solo debut album, Tito Time, on December 21, 2016. The collection contains the hit single “Get It Baby,” which features legendary rap artist Big Daddy Kane. The song peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart. The album’s second single, “One Way Street,” climbed to #29 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart. Renowned songwriting and production team Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff penned the song “All In The Family Blues” for the album.
In 2019, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Jackie embarked on the Jacksons World Tour, which began on January 10, 2019, and ended on September 7, 2019. The group performed before a slew of fans in many different countries.
On August 6, 2021, Tito released his second solo album Under Your Spell. The album features esteemed musical guest artists such as Stevie Wonder, Bobby Rush, George Benson, Joe Bonamassa, Eddie Levert and Tito’s brother Marlon. The title track boasts a sleazy blues-funk groove with Tito serving up some scorching guitar work.
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| Tito and Michael performing at the Victory Tour |
Tito was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Jackson 5 in 1997. He received three Grammy nominations for his solo work. (The Jackson 5 were nominated for two Grammys but never won.) Tito’s three sons, Tariano Adaryll Jackson II (“Taj”), Tito Joe Jackson (“TJ”) and Taryll Adren Jackson, formed the R&B/pop trio 3T in 1989. They were mentored by their uncle Michael, who signed them to his label MJJ Music. 3T’s debut album Brotherhood (released in 1995) sold three million copies worldwide. The group is still active and tours frequently.
One of the projects that Tito had in the works before his passing was hosting the reality show “Tito Jackson’s Hooks, Lines & Singers.” Also, he and his brothers were working on a new Jacksons album. And they were pretty “far advanced” in the recording of it, according to their manager Garry Wilson in a recent interview with Billboard magazine. It will be their first album since the release of 2300 Jackson Street in 1989. They had planned for it to be a tribute to Michael Jackson, but now it will be “a tribute to both Tito and Michael,” said Wilson.
Additionally, Tito had plans to open an entertainment center in the Tulsa Arts District. He was also scheduled to be part of the Toons & Spoons Chili Cook-Off in Tulsa. He also hinted that he might perform at the Centennial of Route 66 in 2026.
Tito recently moved to Claremore, Oklahoma. He wanted to get away from the West Coast and experience new surroundings, culture, and a different way of life. He owned a ranch in the area and enjoyed fishing.Tito drops a wicked guitar solo on this fantastic cut from the Jacksons' Triumph album
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