Tito Jackson Is Honored in Gary with Heartfelt Tributes

A single red rose, locked to the fence of the small house on Jackson Street in Gary, carried a simple yet heartfelt message: “RIP Tito, Love You Forever.”

As the news of Tito Jackson’s passing spread Monday, visitors from across the country began to gather at the house where the Jackson 5 was born, paying tribute to the man who, alongside his brothers, helped change the face of music.

Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5, died on Sunday at the age of 70 after suffering a heart attack while driving to Oklahoma. His passing has profoundly impacted his hometown of Gary, where he and his family’s legacy is coiled with the city’s history. From locals to fans who traveled from as far as Ohio and England, mourners are making pilgrimages to the family’s childhood home, sharing memories and leaving tributes for the beloved musician.

“It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the Jackson family on the passing of a true Gary legend, Tito Jackson,” said Gary Mayor Eddie Melton. “Tito’s impact on our culture is immeasurable. You will be truly missed.”

The Jackson family’s journey from a small house in the city’s Midtown neighborhood to global fame has always been a source of pride for the community.

Born and raised in Gary, Jackson’s love for music started early. As a child, he would sneak his father’s guitar, playing it behind his back, despite knowing the consequences. After catching him, Joe Jackson punished Tito but later asked him to demonstrate what he could play. Impressed, Joe handed Tito the guitar and instructed him to learn every song on the radio. From there, Tito’s musical journey began. Soon after, Joe gifted Tito a brand-new red guitar, a moment that cemented Tito’s passion for the instrument.

In his autobiography, Moonwalk, Michael Jackson wrote, “The house on Jackson Street was bursting with music,” with Tito often sneaking to play their father’s guitar. “Tito would hoist the guitar onto his belly,” Michael recalled.

In the quiet morning hours, an artist named Demont Pinder, who flew in from Maryland, set up an easel outside the Jackson home. With a brush in hand, he began painting a portrait of Tito, capturing the image of a young man who would become part of one of the most iconic groups in music history.

“It’s only right,” Pinder said. “I got to do it.” As the day wore on, more fans stopped by, admiring Pinder’s work and sharing stories about how the Jacksons influenced their lives.

Tito and his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael formed the Jackson 5, launching to stardom with hits like “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.” Their soulful harmonies and infectious energy made them teen heartthrobs in the 1970s, and Tito’s guitar playing became a key part of their signature sound.

The outpouring of love and grief following Tito’s passing has been felt far beyond the city limits. His sons Taj, TJ, and Taryll Jackson posted a heartfelt tribute on their band 3T’s Instagram account, calling their father an “incredible man” who “cared about everyone and their well-being.” They added, “It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us.”

The city of Gary released an official statement honoring Tito’s contributions to the community: “Thank you, Tito, for all you have done for Gary and for the world. You will be truly missed,” the city said.

Back in Gary, the connection between the Jacksons and their hometown never faded. Tito’s most recent performance in the city was just this past May, when the Jacksons performed at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.

By late morning, a steady stream of visitors arrived at the Jackson family home.

Chris Knople, who traveled from neighboring LaPorte County with his wife, reflected on the deep influence of the Jackson 5 as he stood outside the home.

“We both grew up listening to the Jackson 5,” he said, taking a photo of the house.

As the morning traffic around the Jackson home picked up, Pinder stepped back to admire his nearly completed portrait of Jackson. The tempo and blaring horns of “Dancing Machine” by the Jackson 5 played through his phone’s speaker, providing the soundtrack as he added the final touches to the painting. The upbeat track, one of the Jackson 5’s iconic hits, energized the small crowd gathered to watch Pinder’s work come to life.

“This is what it’s all about,” he said as he brushed the last strokes onto the canvas.

“This is a special place.”

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