February was an extraordinary month for many celebrations honoring special people and watching dreams come true.
In Atlanta, Georgia, on February 19, 2023 the Rock N Roll Hall of Famer; 3x Grammy Nominee Tito Jackson of the musical legendary Jackson 5/Jacksons was recognized and honored with the Catylyst Award 2023 with a standing ovation at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center in Dekalb County by renowned drummer Jorel “JFly” Flynn, the CEO and Founder of “How Big Is Your Dream” Foundation and much more.
“JFly” (JFly Music Group) was the host of this “Our Soundtrack in American Music” that show cased the birth of music covering all eras with great professional artists performing with student-artists and captivating the audience including the Honoree, Mr. Tito Jackson. Visit https://howbigisyourdream.org
The musical birth of Tito and his brothers, The Jackson 5/Jacksons have earned their place in the musicals as well as humanitarian history books with hard work, determination, strong love for their craft and is still making history performing nearly 60 years later, earning awards, producing other musical acts and especially making a difference in our youth.
Each Jackson member has their own role they play in forming the success of their group.
However, top honors have to go to the 3rd oldest of the dynasty Jacksons, Mr. Tito Jackson. He had a dream, shared it with his brothers with the confirmation of their father, the late Joseph Jackson and 92-year-old Mother Katherine Jackson.
While father Joseph was away at work, Tito would sneak and play his father’s guitar while brother Jackie and Jermaine sung along. Then, one day Tito did the unthinkable when he broke his father’s guitar string…then Tito’s father said, show me what you can do. Tito must have really impressed his father because he played the guitar every day afterward and continued dreaming.
While still dreaming, him and his older brothers allowed Marlon and Michael to join their Jackson Brother’s group. Later in life, young, gifted Michael would become the Greatest Entertainer of All-Time known as the “King of Pop”. Michael would have never achieved the international success if it wasn’t for his older brother Tito breaking that guitar string and the rest of the family member having their special roles.
Just like every Jackson has their role, everyone had their role to make Jorel Flynn’s event become a success with the great music of blues, jazz, etc. from the past to the present. Tito’s musical family expands across the USA. Here in Atlanta, one of his cousins, our Atlanta own, Steven Icebuck Powell performance was awesome and had us up dancing.
He said he has to give credit to his cousin, Tito. Steven said, “Tito definitely has a big part in my music career from back in the Gary, Indiana days to now continuing the legacy of Joe Jackson work ethics and helping me to make good management decisions.
Our song together right now is a great blues song called, “I Got Caught (Loving in a Dream)”, featuring myself, Steven Icebuck Powell and cousin, Tito Jackson which is on Tito’s “Under Your Spell” album that was released last year”. I have it and really enjoyed the song and Tito’s entire album. That is beautiful how the Jackson family extends.
Tito was featured with the beautiful Natalia Damini singing “Attitude” that was just released March 17, 2023 and is doing extremely well. It is officially on MTV featured on “Spankin New” Pluto TV and is available on your favorite streaming platform. I love the dancing beat, the vocals with “attitudes” and their looks; therefore, let Tito and Natalia know what you think of their hit song and support it.
https://youtu.be/JBKrkYSZ0uk (Natalia and Tito’s “Attitude”) video
Even though Tito appears to be the quiet, reserve, calm and coolest of the Jacksons, his creativity continues to flow beautifully with a style whether if he is singing, writing, producing, arranging, playing his guitar, being instrumental in his sons, “3T” (Taj, Taryll, T.J.) and grandchildren lives, performing with Tito Jackson Jazz Blues Band, and performing with his brothers, still known as the Jacksons, who concerts I still attend and scream like I did when I was 9 years old when Motown introduced them to us in 1969 followed by 4 Number 1 Hit Songs.
Tito and the Jacksons have been so inspirational to me. The day before Tito accepted his award, I was able to sit down and talk with him and his crew about many interesting topics including several laughing moments. That’s when I thought about showing Tito, what I had in my folder. When I showed him and told him I had drawn this picture of him when I was about 12 or 13 (30 years ago), he really smiled, and I believe he was proud of it.
By these drawing, Tito knew he had made an impression on me just like millions of others who appreciates him and his brothers during this lifetime.
Mr. Tito Jackson, I’m so proud to see you achieve this special honor here in Atlanta, Georgia before you took off to Memphis, Tennessee to relax and fish with another popular musical icon, Mr. Larry Dodson, the former original lead singer of the Bar-Kays.
Again, we in Atlanta and the world, Congratulates, Mr. Tito Jackson on your Distinguish Award and the many more awards you will continue to receive because you have really stood the test of time with the gifts God has given you. Also, you are still making dreams come true for you, the younger and older generation.
And we will not forget what you said, “Hard work and having big dreams are worth it. You must work hard, strive for it and stay dedicated and put away the time that it takes to accomplish your dreams. If you have a dream to do music or become a doctor or whatever, you have to work on it, practice and study it, and it gets easier as you go. That’s my message for the young people.”
Thank you and we shall see you and your brothers again at your exciting, energetic and entertaining concerts.
Jacksons Concert Dates (2023) and more are being added –
Jul 15 Sat • 8:00pm The Jacksons (21+ Event) Yaamava Resort and Casino at San Manuel Highland, CA
Jul 16 Sun • 7:30pmThe Jacksons and Village People The Rady Shell at Jacobs ParkSan Diego, CA
22 July 2023: ROSES, Spain (Sons del Món Festival)
25 July 2023: AGDE, France (Scène Estivale Flottante)
27 July 2023: MARBELLA, Spain
29 July 2023: TURKU, Finland (DBTL Festival)
31 July 2023: COLMAR, France (Foire aux Vins d’Alsace – FAV) FREE concert
4 August 2023: CADIZ, Spain (80’s Legends Festival)
Sep 8 Fri • 8:00pmThe Jacksons (Rescheduled from 3/17) Music Hall Center -Detroit, MI
And don’t forget to check out the Jacksons’ youngest sister on tour – Janet Jackson “Back Together” Tour 2023
http://www.instagram.com/poppa3t
http://www.twitter.com/titojackson5
Gwendolyn Kendrix – April 26, 2023 Via Facebook- I truly enjoyed the entire night we celebrated Tito Jackson getting his award. “How Big Is Your Dream” was the theme. Tito’s acceptance speech was so inspiring. All of the talent that was displayed that night was over the top. Truly enjoyed myself. I just wish I could have gone backstage with you and taken pictures with you and Tito!
Gwendolyn Kendrix – April 4, 2023 – On FB – You go girl!!! Renee Sudderth your article was outstanding and it certainly was a beautiful night. Sitting next to Tito definitely a night to remember!!
C.C. – April 22, 2023 – It was really good. I learned some new things about Tito that I didn’t know. It was interesting that I sent to other friends.
M.B. – April 21, 2023 – I really enjoyed your article, very well written. I’m so happy you finally getting to meet the Jacksons. Tito looks like he’s cool.
TyRone Brown – April 4, 2023 – Via Facebook – Awesome
Deborah Bronner – April 24, 2023 – Via Facebook – This was great. Tito deserves credit for getting the Jackson’s started and I love your drawings of the guys😊…Tito, You Rock🎸
Harold Keeling- April 7, 2023 – Via Facebook -Renee Sudderth, you’re Big Time… ! Tito Jackson from the Jackson 5 ! I remember we were at the Jackson’s concert (front row) then you went backstage (to assist with their Proclamation from Georgia State Representative Debra Bazemore) and kicked it with the Jackson’s the rest of the night! You dat chick !! 😀
Paul D – April 8, 2023 – Via Text – Your story was Amazing
Connie Bryant Berry – April 7, 2023 – Via Email – I love seeing my Cuz hugging and fraternizing with legendary celebs. Looking so good Cuz 😎
Carrie Peek – April 4, 2023 -Via Email – This is great! I meant to tell you that the orchestra is up again and if you think someone needs us give us a call.
I love it you always put wonderful things about peoples in the world that we need to
know about, Wonderful.
Janet Crawford Ibanez – April 3, 2023 – Via Email – It takes a journalist to put the story out there and you did and YES, I am proud of you. I did like that you wrote (not quoting because I would need to find it), there would be no “Michael Jackson” if Tito hadn’t done what he did with his father’s guitar 🎸. I always thought that Tito and Jackie were the cool, calm, and collected types. I was right about Tito 🤩
Kelvin Lynn Walton – April 3, 2023 – Via Facebook – Very Nice
Janet Crawford Ibanez – April 2, 2023 – Via Email – Nice!!! I’ve always loved that Tito not only admitted to breaking a string of his father’s guitar, but impressed dear ol’ dad with his playing skills. I know that you were super excited to cover this story. It’s good to know that Tito is still playing “this here guitar 🎸 “ (courtesy from George Benson—from that album in your article) ❤️
Phillip Hall – April 2, 2023 – Looking good cuz. You do great works all the time. 👍