Tito Jackson – “How Big is Your Dream” from the Jackson 5 Days to the Jackson’s Years Is Honored

The Legendary Tito Jackson with Renee Sudderth, and Steven "Ice Buck" Powell
Spread the love

February was an extraordinary month for many celebrations honoring special people and watching dreams come true.

A beautiful, “breath taking” production

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.

Mr. Tito Jackson accepting his award with grace and pride – loved his speech – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
A great presentation from Jorel “JFly” Flynn and wife, Christy Flynn to Tito Jackson – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
Gwen Kendrix and audience were so honored to give their love and support to Tito Jackson – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

 “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

Jorel “JFly” Flynn with the Jackson 2/Jackson Doll Production-Atlanta (Renee Sudderth and Jeanine Jackson) – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
Singer/Actress Chandra Currelley thrilled us with her singing – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
Performer portraying gospel great Mahalia Jackson – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
Chae Stephen portraying Marvin Gaye – I was looking at Tito Jackson and he really loved this performance, after all Tito and Marvin were Motown artistes together in the early years -Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

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.

After Tito awesome, motivating acceptance speech, these young kids surprised him with the early years song – the flip side to “I Want You Back” – Everyone loved it – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

These young lady dancers honored Tito and his brothers in style by dancing to “Dancing Machine” – Photo Courtesy of Edwin Stafford
Joey Sommerville, trumpeters told this beautiful story how this young teenager received her clarinet – Dreams Do Come True – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

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. 

Mr. Joe Jackson, the father of Tito and his siblings with Silva Howard, of Jackson Doll Production in the 80’s at a concert – Photo Courtesy of Silva Howard
Mrs. Katherine Jackson, the mother of Tito and his siblings with Silva Howard, of Jackson Doll Production in the 80’s at a concert- Photo Courtesy of Silva Howard

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.

Legendary Guitarist Tito Jackson getting down – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

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.

Steven Icebuck Powell singing and getting down to “Celebrate, Its Party Time” and we, the audience really got down too – Photo Courtesy of Edwin Stafford

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.

This is my autograph CD/Album of Tito Jackson’s 2nd album which features his cousin Steven Icebuck Powell – Tito first solo album was “TITO TIME” –

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.

The Jacksons still giving all they got in concerts and we fans still screaming – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

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. 

I, Renee Sudderth had drawn this at age 12 or 13 – Tito, his crew and myself laughed at this but Tito said, ” I like the boots” while we were laughing at the many colors and his fancy belt- Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
I, Renee Sudderth had drawn this about age 14. Tito was trying to guess who his brothers were from my drawing (funny) – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

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.

Tito Jackson and Renee Sudderth – It was great talking and laughing with Tito who definitely has a sense of humor too – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
Tito Jackson and his crew Terry Harvey Maltbia and Ronnie – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

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.  

Musical Legendary Icons from the 70’s (Tito Jackson and Larry Dodson, original lead singer of the Bar Kays) still performing but definitely making time for fishing- and look what they caught – Photo Courtesy of Terry Harvey Maltbia

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.”

Tito Jackson making a difference with the young kids who also performed 2 of his songs from the Jackson 5 days – Photo Courtesy of Terry Harvey Maltbia
Renee Sudderth, Stepp Stewart (producer, director, choreographer, songwriter, performer and play wright), Jeanine Jackson, Gwen Kendrix, Toni Sudderth talking about what great evening this was – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth
Entertainers Tito Jackson and Chandra Currelley – Photo Courtesy of Terry Harvey Maltbia
Terry Harvey Maltbia, Tito Jackson, Renee Sudderth and Steven Icebuck Powell chilling backstage after a beautiful evening of Tito being honored – Photo Courtesy of Renee Sudderth

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

http://www.youtube.com/TitoJackson5

www.thejacksons.store

Author

15 Comments

  1. 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!

  2. 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!!

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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🎸

  6. 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 !! 😀

  7. Connie Bryant Berry – April 7, 2023 – Via Email – I love seeing my Cuz hugging and fraternizing with legendary celebs. Looking so good Cuz 😎

  8. 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.

  9. I love it you always put wonderful things about peoples in the world that we need to
    know about, Wonderful.

  10. 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 🤩

  11. 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) ❤️

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*