Michael Jackson‘s nephew, Taj Jackson, opened up about father Tito Jackson’s self-esteem struggles as a member of the Jackson 5.
Taj, 52, replied to a fan via X who asked why the other members of the Jackson 5 were “not successful” after Michael went solo.
“I’ll answer since this is a very sensitive subject to me,” Taj wrote on Thursday, May 14. “Imagine since you were a teenager being told by everyone that you are worthless without your younger brother and you should thank him for everything you have.”
Taj continued, “That’s exactly what my dad had to deal with his whole life. He told me that personally on multiple occasions. What do you think that does to your self-esteem and life?”
Tito was a founding member of the Jackson 5 alongside brothers Michael, Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon. Tito’s passion for music inspired the group to get together in 1964 under the management of their father, Joe Jackson.
The Jackson 5 made history as one of the first African American performers to become popular in the mainstream. After signing with Motown Records, they achieved multiple No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 charts including “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.” The group became one of the best-selling artists of all-time as they sold 150 million records worldwide. In 1997, the Jackson 5 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Amid their popularity, several members of the Jackson 5 attempted solo careers, but Michael’s effort was the most fruitful, resulting in 13 Grammy Awards.
Jermaine left the group first in 1976. While Michael was releasing solo music while still performing with the band, he decided to leave the Jackson 5 in 1984 after the success of “Thriller.”
Following Michael’s departure, Marlon left shortly after. Tito and Jackie released one final album as a group in 1989. In 2003, Tito went solo and earned three Grammy nominations.
After Michael’s death in 2009, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon got back together with the hopes of planning a reunion tour. The tour came to fruition in 2012.
Tito died in September 2024 after suffering a heart attack. Tito’s sons confirmed the death of their father via an Instagram statement.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us,” the siblings wrote alongside a series of photos of their father over the years. “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.”
