"It's with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being," his sons TJ, Taj and Taryll said in a statement posted on Instagram.
The Jackson 5 became one of the biggest names in music under the guidance of their father, Joe Jackson, a steelworker and guitar player who supported his wife and nine children in Gary. As the family's music careers took off , they relocated to California, but Gary continued to take pride in their steel city origins. Mayor Eddie Melton issued a statement Monday honoring Jackson for his contributions to the city.
"The City of Gary extends our deepest condolences to the Jackson family on the loss of a true Gary legend, Tito Jackson," Melton said. "His impact on our city and our culture is immeasurable. Thank you, Tito, for all you have done for Gary and for the world.
You will be truly missed." Tito was the third of nine Jackson children, who include global superstars Michael and Janet. 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 Oct.
15, 1953, Toriano Adaryll "Tito" Jackson was the least-heard member of the group as a background singer who played guit.