Tito Jackson, one of the brothers who formed the iconic pop group the Jackson 5, has died. He was seventy.

Jackson was the third of nine children, including global superstars Michael and Janet, and was raised in a musical family whose songs have sold hundreds of millions of copies.

“With heavy hearts, we announce that our dear father, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson, is no longer with us. We are astonished, sad, and heartbroken. “Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being,” his sons TJ, Taj, and Taryll Jackson said in an Instagram post late Sunday.

Tito Jackson, Member Of Beloved Pop Group The Jackson 5, Dies At 70

The Jackson 5, one of the final major groups formed by Berry Gordy’s Motown business, consisted of teenage and pre-teen brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and lead singer Michael. Gordy signed them in the late 1960s when Motown’s popularity was waning and tastes were turning away from the polished pop-soul of Motown’s heyday and towards the funkier sounds of Sly and the Family Stone.

The group’s breakout single, “I Want You Back,” was openly modeled after Sly and the Family Stone and topped the charts in 1969. The Jacksons followed up with three more No. 1 hits, “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There,” as well as “Mama’s Pearl” and “Never Can Say Goodbye,” which reached the top five.

Some referred to their sound as “bubblegum soul.”

By the middle of the decade, the Jackson 5’s appeal had faded, and the group, except Jermaine, had moved to Epic and renamed themselves the Jacksons. Their subsequent singles were “Enjoy Yourself,” “Lovely One,” and “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground).” Michael Jackson became a multi-platinum solo performer in the 1980s, and duets with his siblings became uncommon following the 1984 album “Victory.”

In 1997, the Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and long-time friend Diana Ross presented them during the ceremony.

Raised in Gary, Indiana, the Jackson 5 were led by their father, Joe Jackson, a steelworker and guitarist. Michael and his sibling La Toya would accuse him of aggressive behavior. Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was the group’s least-heard member, serving as a background singer and guitarist.

Michael Jackson died at the age of 50 on June 25, 2009. Tito Jackson told The Associated Press in December 2009 that his younger brother’s death brought the family closer together.

“Definitely, it drew us closer together. Recognising the love we have for one other when one of us is not here, what a big loss,” he added, adding that he would personally never “be at peace with it.”

“I still have moments when I can’t believe it. “So I believe that will never go away,” he said.

In 2014, Jackson stated that he and his brothers still felt Michael Jackson’s absence during their shows, which included foreign tours.

“I doubt we’ll ever get used to performing without him. He’s sorely missed,” Jackson stated, stressing that his brother’s presence remains “with us when we play.” It fills us with wonderful energy and makes us smile a lot.

Days before his death, Jackson wrote a message on Facebook from Germany on September 11, where he had visited a Michael Jackson monument with his brothers.

“Before our show in Munich, my brothers Jackie, Marlon, and I went to the lovely tribute for our beloved brother, Michael Jackson. We are grateful for this wonderful site that honours both his memory and our common legacy. Jackson wrote: “Thank you for keeping his spirit alive.”

Tito Jackson, Member Of Beloved Pop Group The Jackson 5, Dies At 70

Jackson was the latest of the nine brothers to record a solo album, with his 2016 debut, “Tito Time.” In 2017, he published a song called “One Way Street,” and in 2019, he told the Associated Press that he was working on his second album.

Jackson stated that he purposefully avoided pursuing a solo career in order to devote his time to raising his three boys, who created their music group, 3T. Jackson’s website includes a link to the single “Love One Another,” which features 3T and Stevie Wonder.

Jackson is also survived by his brothers Jermaine, Randy, Marlon, and Jackie, his sisters Janet, Rebbie, and La Toya, and his mother Katherine. Their father died in 2018.

Entertainment Tonight initially reported Jackson’s death.

SOURCE | AP

TORONTO – August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” is truly about bloodline and heritage, so it’s fitting that the new film adaptation, produced by Denzel Washington and directed by his son Malcolm, is a family affair.

“The Piano Lesson,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Tuesday, is the third installment in Washington’s ongoing quest to adapt Wilson’s plays for the screen. It follows “Fences” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and, like those films, includes several standout performances, including Danielle Deadwyler as Berniece and John David Washington, Malcolm’s older brother, as Berniece’s brother, Boy Willie.

Denzel Washington Hands Over To His Son Malcolm And Keeps August Wilson In The Family

In 1930s Pittsburgh, Boy Willie arrives at his sister’s house with plans to sell a family heirloom, a piano carved by their ancestors who took it from their enslaver. In the ensuing painful family drama, Berniece, Boy Willie, and others (including Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Potts, and Ray Fisher) grapple with the haunting shadow of slavery and the weight of familial lineage.

“There are so many legacies tied into this,” says Malcolm Washington. “I believe it is our responsibility as filmmakers to honour and uphold that. We are here because so many people battled, sacrificed, and acted to provide opportunities for future generations. This film, and the story behind it, is ultimately much larger than my family.”

Malcolm, 33, was seated with his older brother and Deadwyler a few hours before the premiere of “The Piano Lesson,” which Netflix will show on November 8 before streaming on November 22. Denzel Washington stormed into the room just as the interview was about to end.

“It really all started with me,” Denzel joked, as the other three howled in amusement. “Then I had two sons, and the next thing I knew I was out of work!”

Denzel, along with his producing partner Todd Black, stated that it was his son’s idea for him to direct “The Piano Lesson.” Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play had a run on Broadway in 2022, with many of the same actors, including John David.

“Malcolm said he had a take,” Denzel explains. “He stated, ‘Let me put something together.'” So he cut a bit short. I looked at it like, “Whoa, OK.” You want to make the film? “This is fantastic; make the movie.”

However, Malcolm did not immediately go for it. He informed his father, “Let me see if I can watch the movie first.” He began developing a treatment and eventually co-wrote the script with Virgil Williams (“Mudbound”).

“At first, I was like, ‘See the movie’? But I understand now,” replies Denzel. “He’s an actual filmmaker. He took his time and didn’t leap right in.”

While John David, the 40-year-old actor of “BlacKkKlansman” and “Tenet,” has firmly established himself as Hollywood’s leading man, Malcolm, an alumnus of the American Film Institute’s directing program, is only now emerging. “He knew what he wanted,” Black explains. “And he wasn’t afraid to reach out to people who knew more than he knew.”

Denzel kept a low profile during the filming of “The Piano Lesson,” allowing Malcolm to work. Nevertheless, his enthusiasm for Wilson’s plays persisted throughout the production.

“He’s such a fan of August Wilson and it’s such an important part of his legacy to continue telling August’s stories,” Malcolm tells me. “His main thing with all of us was to keep that focus: We’re here to honour one of our greats.”

Denzel Washington Hands Over To His Son Malcolm And Keeps August Wilson In The Family

“The Piano Lesson” is a Washington family production in other respects as well. Pauletta Washington, the mother of Malcolm and John David, plays Mama Ola. The film is dedicated to their mother.

“I started with a clear idea of this is about fathers and sons,” according to Malcolm. “As we were shooting, I really began to see this mother-daughter story, and my mother is such an inspiration to me. I’ve always seen my mother as connected to the Berniece narrative.

Malcolm’s sisters are also active. Olivia Washington plays Mama Ola, a young woman, while Katia Washington serves as an executive producer. Ironically, Denzel, the father, is almost the only member of the family who does not appear in the film. But Malcolm, wanting everyone in the family to be represented in the video, asked his father to record a quick voiceover.

“Am I in it?” Denzel says. “I taped something. I did not get credit. Did I receive credit? “I don’t think so.”

SOURCE | AP

Los Angeles — Lil Wayne spoke up for the first time about his disappointment at not being chosen as the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show main artist in his hometown of New Orleans.

The rap megastar publicly vented his disappointment in an Instagram video clip Friday, about a week after Los Angeles rapper Kendrick Lamar was revealed as the headliner. He stated that being neglected “broke” him, adding, “I’m just trying to put myself back together.”

Lil Wayne Feels Hurt After Being Passed Over As Super Bowl Halftime Headliner. The Snub ‘Broke’ Him

Wayne has long expressed a desire to play during halftime of the NFL championship game, which will be hosted at the Caesars Superdome on February 9. It will be Lamar’s second halftime performance, following a special appearance alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, and Eminem in 2022.

Wayne sounded somber in the video, stating he had to find the strength to express himself “without breaking.”

“That hurt a lot,” said lil, a five-time Grammy winner who had singles like “Lollipop” with Static Major, “Mr. Carter” with Jay-Z, “Go DJ,” and “A Milli.” He also fuelled the careers of Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Tyga.

“I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown, for automatically mentally putting myself in that position,” he told me. “I thought there was nothing better than that spot, on that stage, on that platform in my city.”

Wayne praised his fans, including Minaj and Birdman, for speaking up on his behalf.

Lil Wayne Feels Hurt After Being Passed Over As Super Bowl Halftime Headliner. The Snub ‘Broke’ Him

“I feel like I let all of ya’ll down for not getting that opportunity,” Wayne told the audience.

However, He also stated, “Your words turned into arms and held me up when I tried to fall back.”

SOURCE | AP