There’s a surprising connection between my name and pop legend Tito Jackson’s | Opinion
Did you know I share a first name with pop icon Michael Jackson’s brother Tito? You do now. Tito passed away at 70, his family announced Sunday on social media.
I do feel a certain kinship with this musical legend. But don’t call me Tito. Ever.
My given name is Toriano LaDaryl Porter. Family and close friends call me Tory for short. Tito’s birth name is Toriano Adaryll Jackson. Mom stuck the ‘L’ on my middle name because my older brother’s middle name is Lamar.
Jackson’s cause of death is unknown at this time. As a member of the Jackson 5, Tito was credited with numerous hit records and musical awards, including induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
In a post on Instagram, Tito’s sons Taj, Taryll and TJ wrote: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some know him as ‘Poppa T.’ Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another.’ We love you Pops.”
Many people assume Toriano is Italian. It very well could be, but I don’t know that for certain. My mother named me after her and my aunt’s favorite Jackson 5 member.
According to family lore, for the first few days of my life, I was known as Eddie Hollins, Jr. Thank God my aunt Theresa Bell stepped in and convinced my mom to consider another name. I love my dad to death. At 72, he is still one cool, smooth dude. But I am sooooo happy we don’t share a name.
No offense to the Eddies or Edwards of the world, but Ed doesn’t have the same ring to it as Toriano.
Why my mom and aunt would favor Tito, as opposed to his more famous younger brother Michael, made more sense as I got older. When I was born, my mom was 20. She is 70 now, the same age as Tito at the time of his death. At the time, Michael was a child. Tito was about the same age as those two. He was tall and handsome and played the guitar for one of the most popular singing groups in music history. Yeah, I could see why they were smitten.
I’m often asked the origin of my name. When I tell the story, I usually end it with the lighthearted punchline I shared above: Don’t call me Tito.
But I was honored to share such a cool name with a legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician. Tito Jackson’s death is a sober reminder of how lucky I am that my parents are still with us. Everyone can’t say the same.
