Tito Jackson, who died on September 15 at age 70 from a suspected heart attack in New Mexico, made two high-profile visits to Jamaica. The second took place in July 2009 at Reggae Sumfest, less than one month after his brother Michael’s death.

Within days after Michael’s passing from cardiac arrest at age 50, promoters of Reggae Sumfest confirmed that members of the Jackson family would attend the annual event in Montego Bay. It made global headlines, sparking speculation in American media that the King of Pop’s siblings would reunite for a performance in his honour.

Robert Russell, a director of Reggae Sumfest, recalls his team reaching out to the Jacksons’ agent who linked them to Tito, the third of Joe and Katherine Jackson’s nine children. He traveled to Jamaica on the private jet of Gordon “Butch” Stewart, owner of Sandals Resorts International and the Jamaica Observer.

Russell said Tito made the trip with an entourage of 10 people, minus his brothers.

After a short performance, he was presented with a condolence book by entertainment minister Olivia Grange, containing hundreds of signatures, paying homage to Michael. Tito presented a plaque to tourism minister Edmund Bartlett as appreciation to Jamaica for recognising his family’s legacy.

Russell told the Observer that his appearance was “a really big deal” for Reggae Sumfest and Jamaica.
“It took us to a new level because the Jacksons are an internationally-famous brand. It gave Jamaica and Sumfest a great boost,” said Russell.

It was Tito Jackson’s second major visit to Jamaica. In March, 1975, accompanied by their mother, he and his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael performed at the National Stadium in Kingston.

They also visited the Hope Road home of Bob Marley where they met the reggae star and members of his band, The Wailers. At the time, The Jackson 5 were signed to Motown Records and were one of the top acts in the United States, thanks to songs such as I Want You Back, ABC and I’ll be There.