Musician: Michael Jackson’s brother Tito dies

US singer Tito Jackson, brother of pop legend Michael Jackson, has died at the age of 70. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson,,” his sons Taryll, Taj and TJ Jackson wrote on Instagram.

“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” the statement continued. “Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone’s well-being.” In their post, Jackson’s sons asked all mourners to remember “what our father always preached, and that was ‘Love one another’.”

“Entertainment Tonight” had previously reported on the death of Tito Jackson, citing Steve Manning – according to the US magazine, a friend and former manager of the family.

Tito was one of the famous Jackson Five

The background to Jackson’s death remains unclear for the time being. Tito Jackson was part of the famous family band Jackson Five, with which his brother Michael also started his career. He gave a concert in Munich just last week with his brothers Marlon and Jackie and his son Taryll. According to the US magazine “People”, the three brothers of the King of Pop Michael Jackson, who died in 2009, had also performed in Great Britain and the USA in recent months as The Jacksons.

Tito Jackson had already made music with his brothers Jacky and Jermaine in the 1960s. With Michael and Marlon they eventually became The Jackson Five and in 1969 they secured a contract with the famous soul label Motown, initially under the wing of soul diva Diana Ross.

Their first single, “I Want You Back,” was a success. With more than 100 million records sold, they became one of the most successful bands in pop history. In 1997, the group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.