Jackson to Headline Friday, June 25’s Line-up of Performers
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Tito Jackson |
St. Kitts May 5, 2010 – The St. Kitts Tourism Authority today announced that Jackson 5 Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson has joined the line-up of performers for the 14th Annual St Kitts Music Festival, which will take place on island from June 24-26, 2010. His concert “Tito Jackson in Tribute to the Jackson Family” to be held on the 1st anniversary of his brother Michael’s passing, will include not only his solo repertoire, but selections from the entire Jackson’s catalog, including some of his late brother Michael’s songs, and sister Janet Jackson’s music as well.
“I am so looking forward to visiting the beautiful island of St. Kitts and playing in the upcoming Music Festival in June. I have heard so much about the island, and I have lots of surprises in store for the audience,” stated Tito Jackson. “They are going to hear a great retrospective of Jackson family songs, from Janet, Michael, The Jackson Five, and some of my songs. It will be a great show and will bring back lots of memories and create some new ones, I am sure. It is a show I have been working on really hard with the band I have on the road with me now, and I am sure the crowd will love all of the music we have in store for them.”
Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson, “Tito” has devoted his entire professional life to music, first as a member of Motown’s greatest discovery, The Jacksons (Jackson 5), and presently as a multi-faceted solo artist. During the course of his distinguished musical career, he has performed on stages throughout the world, including Manhattan’s famous Apollo Theater. He has had numerous television appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, Soul Train and on the Jacksons’ own primetime television series in 1976. In 1978, Tito co-wrote the songs, Everybody, Destiny and Push Away on the group’s hit album, Destiny. Their subsequent album, Triumph, sold approximately 10 million copies worldwide, and in 1984 the group released the Victory album, for which the famous Victory Tour reportedly set a new record for the then-largest grossing tour. In 1985, Tito, along with other members of the Jackson family, lent his vocals to USA for Africa’s fund-raising hit single, We Are the World.
“It’s an honor to have Tito Jackson join the line-up for this year’s St. Kitts Music Festival,” commented Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport for St. Kitts. “Tito’s tribute concert to the Jackson family music legacy is certain to be memorable for the many Jackson family fans in St Kitts and the wider Caribbean who will be given a wonderful opportunity to experience this special world-class performance first-hand, while enjoying the unique St. Kitts Musical Festival experience.”
One of the performing highlights of the career of Tito Jackson is the reunion performance on one of histories most watched television specials, Motown 25. The show signaled a pivotal point in his remarkable career and an auspicious focus on the great one ¾ Michael Jackson. In 1997, Tito and his brothers (The Jacksons) were inducted into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Tito’s initial success with the recording masterpieces I Want You Back, Never Can Say Goodbye, I’ll Be There (best selling single in Motown’s history), and other mega-hits, are deeply woven into the world’s fabric of music. Throughout his career, Tito has worked with countless musicians, singers, and producers, such as the preeminent production team of LA Reid & Kenny “Baby Face” Edmonds and is in the process of completing his new project set for a 2010 release.
Now in its 14th consecutive year, the festival attracts both residents and visitors alike and is known for featuring rising local talent alongside internationally-renowned acts. It features a mix of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary, to name a few. Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, KC & the Sunshine Band, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Biggie Irie and Lord Nelson. Performers previously announced in this year’s line-up include Infamous, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Ky-mani Marley. Tickets to the 14th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival are US $40 per person, per night.