Tito Jackson was the father of three sons before his death on September 15, 2024

Tito Jackson inspired his three sons Taj, Taryll and TJ to pursue careers in music like him and his siblings.

The original member of the Jackson 5 died on September 15, 2024, from complications of a heart attack. He was 70 years old. His sons confirmed his death in an Instagram post from their band 3T’s account, writing that they were “shocked, saddened and heartbroken.”

“Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being,” they wrote alongside old photos of themselves and Tito. “Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson of the legendary Jackson 5, others may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or others may know him as ‘Poppa T.’ However, he will be terribly missed.”

Tito and his late ex-wife Delores “Dee Dee” Martes enjoyed their three sons before divorcing in 1988. 51-year-old Taj was born in 1973, followed by 49-year-old Taryll two years later in 1975. 46-year-old TJ completed the family in 1978.

The three brothers formed their own band, 3T, and released their first album, brotherhoodin 1995. They were promoted by their uncle Michael Jackson, who also signed them to his label MJJ Music. The brothers continue to tour and collaborate musically.

In addition to their joint ventures, Taj, Taryll and TJ have launched their solo careers and are raising their families.

From their music careers to their children, here’s everything you need to know about Tito Jackson’s three children.

Tariano Adaryll “Taj” Jackson II, 51

Tito and Martes welcomed their first son, Taj, on August 4, 1973 in Los Angeles. He followed in his father’s footsteps and started a career in music, forming 3T with his two younger brothers.

Before forming the band, Taj graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in television production and sound engineering with a minor in music. He used his television knowledge to work as a director for music videos and documentary series while also performing as a member of 3T.

In 2015, Taj teamed up with Taryll and TJ to serve as executive producer and lead actor on the Lifetime reality series The Jacksons: The Next Generation. The show focused on the brothers’ personal and professional lives, including Taj’s wedding to Thayana Sco Jackson on June 16, 2013. The two have three daughters together: Taylor, Toria, and Tylee.

Taj has also spoken at length about his close relationship with his uncle Michael. The late pop star was a mentor to him and his brothers and even contributed to the song “Why” on the band’s first album.

“He was an absolute creative genius. Every time I worked with him on something, it never felt like work,” Taj said in a 2022 Q&A on the Michael Jackson Community blog.

In addition to his extended family, Taj was also very close to Tito and celebrated him on Father’s Day 2024 on Instagram with a sweet throwback photo of the two.

“Your strength, experience and love have made me the man I am today,” he wrote in a sweet tribute in the caption. “Every day I am grateful for the countless lessons you have taught me, the endless support you have shown me and the unwavering belief you have always had in me. You are not only my father, but also my role model and hero.”

Taryll Adrian Jackson, 49

Taryll was born on August 8, 1975. Like his brothers, he was part of 3T and appeared in their reality show in 2015. Today, he also makes solo music, including the single “All My Love”, which was released two days before his father’s death.

Until his death, Tito performed with his brothers Jackie and Marlon as The Jacksons, and Taryll occasionally toured with them. In August 2023, Taryll spoke in the press room after a show in France about what he was still learning while touring with his father and uncles.

“Uncle Jackie sees me doing a move a certain way and he teaches me how to do it better,” he said. “To me, that’s why they are who they are – they’re always trying to give something to the fans. They’ve been my role models since I was really little and I would sit back and watch them and see how professional they are.”

Taryll also has two sons of his own, whom he has with his long-term partner Breana Cabral. The couple had their son Bryce in February 2008, followed by Adren in February 2011.

Tito Joe “TJ” Jackson, 46

TJ, the youngest of Tito’s children, was born on July 16, 1978. According to TJ, his father maintained a balance between his high-profile career and raising his sons during their childhood.

“My dad was at the peak of his career and had his boys and coaching,” TJ told WGN News in December 2019. “One night I was at Dodgers Stadium watching him play, the next night it was a Little League game and it was just my dad.”

In 2009, the brothers faced tragedy when their uncle Michael died. TJ was named legal guardian of Michael’s three children – Prince, Paris and Bigi – and was also a father to his own four children.

TJ has spoken openly about putting his career on hold to raise his cousins ​​and his children. In 2020, he launched his solo career with the release of his EP obsessionHe followed the project with his first solo album in 2022, Acoustic Sessions 1which included a cover of “Human Nature” in tribute to Michael.

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