Germany Michael Jackson's brother Tito has died

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 that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us," wrote his sons Taryll, Taj and TJ Jackson on Instagram.

"We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken," they continued. "Our father was an incredible man who cared about the well-being of all." In their post, Jackson's sons asked all mourners to remember "what our father always preached, and that is to love one another".

Earlier, "Entertainment Tonight" had already reported on the death of Tito Jackson, citing Steve Manning - a friend and former manager of the family, according to the US magazine.

Tito was part of the famous Jackson Five

The background to Jackson's death remained unclear for the time being. Tito Jackson was part of the famous family band Jackson Five, in which brother Michael also started his career. Together with his brothers Marlon and Jackie and his son Taryll, he had just given a concert in Munich last week. According to the US magazine "People", the three brothers of the King of Pop Michael Jackson, who died in 2009, have also performed as The Jacksons in the UK and the USA in recent months.

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

Their first single "I Want You Back" was an immediate 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.

SDA