Tito Jackson, brother of the late Michael Jackson and co-founder of the Jackson 5, has died. He was 70 years old.
His family made the stunning announcement Sunday.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us,” Tito’s sons TJ, Taj and Taryll said in a statement on Instagram. “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken.”
While an official cause of death has yet to be determined, Steve Manning, former Jackson family manager, told Entertainment Tonight, he believed the pop icon died of a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma on Sunday.
Tito, born Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson in October 1953 and the third of 10 children, was the least-heard member of the Jackson 5 as he was a backup singer and played guitar for the group, while his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael were more prominently featured.
During their time as the Jackson 5, the family produced several No. 1 hits in the 1970s including “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” and “I’ll Be There.” They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Tito was last seen in Munich, Germany, on September 9, prior to a scheduled performance with his brothers Jackie and Marlon Jackson. The trio have two more performances left on their 2024 tour, however it’s unclear how The Jacksons will handle the upcoming shows.
“Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some know him as ‘Poppa T.’ Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another.’ We love you Pops,” his sons wrote on their own music group’s Instagram page.
It is devastating to hear the news about Tito Jackson. May he rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in knowing that so many people are thinking of them during this extremely difficult time.
Randy Travis: A Story of Resilience and Hope
Randy Travis is a well-known country music performer whose rich baritone voice has won over millions of fans. Travis has had great success in his career, from selling over 25 million albums to collecting Grammy awards. But despite his notoriety and splendor, he has had his share of difficulties.
Travis went to the ER in July 2013 with complaints of congestion; nevertheless, a few days later, he suffered a massive stroke. He was placed on life support to preserve his brain due to the substantial damage to the core of his left brain. With only 1% chance of life, the doctors forced his then-fiance Mary to make an impossible choice. Nevertheless, she remained by his side, resolved to defend his life.
After undergoing brain surgery, Travis stayed in the hospital for more than six months to recuperate. He had trouble walking and speaking after the stroke, but with his wife’s help and physical therapy, he was able to gradually restore his strength. Even though it got harder for Travis to sing and perform, he didn’t let it define who he was.
Randy Travis stunned the crowd in 2016 at the Country Music Hall of Fame by performing “Amazing Grace” for the first time after suffering a stroke. His performance stunned everyone in the room when his wife spoke on his behalf. It served as evidence of both his tenacity and the miracle he encountered.
Eager to reunite with his fans, Travis returned to the CMA Fest three years later. He smiled beautifully as he posed for pictures, signed autographs, and greeted his fans for the first time in twenty years. In terms of getting his life back and sharing his music with others, it was a big step.
Travis shared details of his experience in his autobiography, “Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith, and Braving the Storms of Life.” He was frank in sharing his highs and lows, from his celebrated music career to his struggles with drinking. Travis talked about his serious financial difficulties as well as the lessons he discovered along the way.
Despite his continuous battle with aphasia, Travis’s wife affirms that his singing ability is still present as he approaches his 61st birthday. His baritone voice, which is a testament to his artistic ability, is still audible. He sings in the car when they drive, in the correct mood and with great verses.
The tale of Randy Travis is one of tenacity, optimism, and the force of love. It reminds us that no matter what obstacles we encounter, we can return to what really matters if we have the love and support of our loved ones and a strong will.
As we honor Randy Travis’ unyielding spirit and timeless music, let’s keep him and his amazing journey in our prayers.
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