Jackson 5 brother Tito Jackson dies age 70

By Brian PD Hatton, Associated Press

Tito Jackson, one of the brothers who made up the US pop group the Jackson 5, has died aged 70.

Tito was the third of nine Jackson children, with siblings including global superstars Michael and Janet.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us,” his sons TJ, Taj and Taryll said in a statement posted on Instagram late on Sunday.

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“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being,”

The Jackson 5 included brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael.

The family group, which was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, produced several No 1 hits in the 1970s including ABC, I Want You Back and I’ll Be There.

Born on October 15, 1953, Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was the least-heard member of the group as a background singer who played guitar.

His brothers launched solo careers, including Michael, who became one of the world’s biggest performers known as The King of Pop.

Michael Jackson died at age 50 on June 25, 2009.