Tito Jackson, member of the Jackson 5 and Michael's brother, dies at age 70

Tito Jackson, an original member of the hit-making pop group The Jackson 5, has died, his family confirmed Monday. He was 70 years old.

NBC Los Angeles spoke with a family member who confirmed the death. Her sons also posted the news on Instagram.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” his sons TJ, Taj and Terrill said in the post. They added that “he will be sorely missed. This will forever be a 'tart time' for us.”

Along with Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, Jackson was a founding member of the group of five brothers, who rose to fame with a string of hits in the late 1960s and 1970s.

Tito Jackson was nominated for three Grammys and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 as a member of the Jackson 5.

The Jackson 5 is known for hits including “ABC” and “I Want You Back,” sung by a young Michael Jackson, which were released in 1969 after signing with the Motown label.

The Jackson family grew up in Gary, Indiana, with the group led by their domineering father, Joe Jackson.

The Jackson 5 achieved massive chart success but their career was overshadowed by the solo career of Michael Jackson, who became one of the most successful and recognizable music stars of the century before his death in 2009 at the age of 50.

Tito Jackson, who stopped playing guitar on Jackson 5 records in favor of session musicians, later began his career as a solo blues musician in 2003.