Wolverhampton pays tribute to 'friend' Tito Jackson

Tito Jackson performed at the 2018 Championship Winner’s Parade in Wolverhampton

While tributes are being paid around the world to Tito Jackson, who has died aged 70, not many will include the fact he had a long standing love for the city of Wolverhampton.

The founding member of the Jackson 5 frequented the Midlands often for work and leisure, having visited as recently as 2019, when the band played the Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival in Moseley Park, Birmingham.

And Wolverhampton would always be on his list, dining at city curry house Zooma in Compton and cheering on Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux stadium.

Jackson performed on stage during the EFL Championship Winner’s Parade in Wolverhampton in 2018.

He admired the city's "quiet and nice" neighbourhoods away from the high rises in the US, where he lived.

There has been an outpouring of love for the star from Wolves fans sharing their condolences for the passing of a fellow fan has died at the age of 70.

While the football club posted a tribute affectionately describing him as a " fan of Wolves and a friend of Wolverhampton."

The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Linda Leach, said he was considered an "honorary Wulfrunian" and she was saddened to hear of his passing.

One man on X, formerly known as Twitter, said it was "always a pleasure to look after him whenever he'd be in Wolverhampton."

Jackson performed in the famous ensemble with brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael.

Speaking previously to BBC Radio WM, he said: "I enjoy coming [to Wolverhampton], I live in two sunny cities in America, Calabasas and Las Vegas, so it gets very very hot.

"You might say, 'Oh boy, you're lucky'. But when it gets to 120 degrees you're not so lucky," he joked.

He said when home reached uncomfortable temperatures it would be time to escape to the Midlands and "cool down and get some showers and shade."