D’Wayne Wiggins, one of the founding members of the legendary R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has passed away at the age of 64 after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. His family announced his passing on March 7, expressing their deep sorrow while celebrating the incredible legacy he leaves behind.
“With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D’Wayne passed away this morning, surrounded by family and loved ones,” the Wiggins family said in a heartfelt statement on the band’s official social media accounts. “Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer. Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans, and his community.”
Wiggins wasn’t just a musician—he was a force in the industry. A gifted guitarist, producer, composer, and mentor, he dedicated much of his life to artist development and philanthropy. He played a pivotal role in shaping the early careers of many young artists, including some of today’s biggest stars like Destiny’s Child, Zendaya, and H.E.R. His influence stretched far beyond the music charts, impacting countless aspiring musicians and creatives.
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Wiggins, along with his half-brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Christian Riley, formed Tony! Toni! Toné! in 1986. The group quickly made waves with their unique blend of new jack swing and classic R&B, eventually scoring a string of hits that defined an era. Their debut album, Who?, released in 1988, introduced them to the world, but it was their follow-up projects that cemented their place in music history.
Throughout their career, Tony! Toni! Toné! delivered a catalog of unforgettable tracks, including If I Had No Loot, Feels Good, It Never Rains (In Southern California), Anniversary, and (Lay Your Head on My) Pillow. Their music wasn’t just popular—it was timeless. In 1993, Anniversary earned a Grammy nomination, marking a peak moment in their journey. The group’s discography includes four albums: Who? (1988), The Revival (1990), Sons of Soul (1993), and House of Music (1996).
After the group disbanded in the late ‘90s—reportedly due to creative differences, financial disputes, and the pressures of fame—the members pursued their own paths. Wiggins continued performing and collaborating with Riley, while also dedicating himself to artist development. His work behind the scenes helped shape the careers of future superstars, proving that his contributions to the music industry extended far beyond his own recordings.
Nearly a decade later, the group found themselves back in the Grammy spotlight when they were featured on Alicia Keys’ song Diary. Though it wasn’t an official Tony! Toni! Toné! project, the collaboration was a reminder of their lasting impact on the music industry.
Then, in 2023, something truly special happened—the original members of Tony! Toni! Toné! reunited for a tour. Fans who had been longing to see them perform together again finally got their wish. While promoting the tour, Saadiq teased that there was even more to come, saying in an interview with Vulture, “We definitely gonna do an album after this tour. We’re working on it as we speak, in all these rooms.”
Though Wiggins is no longer with us, his music and legacy will continue to inspire generations. His family has asked for privacy during this difficult time while also thanking fans for their outpouring of love and support. His contributions to music, his community, and the industry as a whole will never be forgotten.
Rest in power, D’Wayne Wiggins. Your music will live on forever.
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