D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the Grammy-nominated R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, passed away on Friday morning at the age of 64 after a year-long battle with bladder cancer.
His passing marks the loss of a legendary musician whose influence on the R&B and soul genres spanned decades. Wiggins was not only a gifted guitarist, producer, and composer but also a mentor and philanthropist dedicated to nurturing young artists and giving back to his community.
His family confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement on social media, reflecting on the deep impact he had on both the music industry and the lives he touched.
“D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California,” they wrote.
They highlighted his passion for artist development and mentorship, noting that he played a crucial role in shaping the early careers of many rising stars.
Despite his battle with cancer, Wiggins remained deeply committed to his craft, his family, and his community. His family emphasized his unwavering dedication, stating, “Even while fighting this illness, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans, and his community.”
His resilience and devotion to his artistry made him a beloved figure not only among fans but also within the music industry.
The news of Wiggins’s passing was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, fellow musicians, and notable figures.
By Saturday, the Instagram post announcing his death had garnered nearly 60,000 likes, with many taking to the comments section to express their condolences.
Among them was former San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who paid tribute to Wiggins’s legacy and his lasting impact on Oakland’s music scene.
“The world has lost a true legend, but Oakland has lost one of its own,” Breed wrote. “D’Wayne Wiggins was more than an artist—he was a visionary, a mentor, and a champion for his community.”
She described him as “a true legend with a heart of gold,” acknowledging both his contributions to music and his generosity in supporting aspiring artists.
As a vocalist and bass guitarist, Wiggins played a vital role in Tony! Toni! Toné!, which he co-founded with his brother Raphael Saadiq and their cousin Christian Riley.
The group became a defining act of the late 1980s and early 1990s, blending elements of R&B, jazz, gospel, and New Jack Swing to create a unique and timeless sound. Their influence helped shape the landscape of contemporary R&B.
Their debut album, Who?, released in 1988, introduced hits like “Baby Doll” and “Little Walter,” showcasing their ability to craft infectious melodies and innovative rhythms.
However, it was their 1990 album Feels Good that catapulted them to mainstream success, with the title track peaking at No. 9 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
Tony! Toni! Toné! continued their momentum throughout the 1990s, delivering party anthems like “Let’s Get Down” as well as soulful ballads such as “Whatever You Want,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” “(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow,” and the classic love song “Anniversary.”
Their reinterpretation of Albert Hammond’s “It Never Rains” further cemented their ability to reinvent and elevate timeless music.
Despite their immense success, internal challenges eventually led to the group’s separation following their fourth album, House of Music, in 1996.
Like many bands navigating fame, financial disagreements, creative differences, and miscommunication played a role in their split. However, Wiggins and Riley continued performing under the Tony! Toni! Toné! name from 1998 to 2018, with singer Amar Khalil stepping in for lead vocals.
Beyond his work with Tony! Toni! Toné!, Wiggins dedicated himself to mentoring and developing young talent. His influence extended to some of today’s biggest artists, including Zendaya, H.E.R., Kehlani, and even Destiny’s Child in their early years.
His ability to recognize and nurture raw talent showcased his commitment to ensuring the next generation of artists had opportunities to succeed.
In 2023, the original members of Tony! Toni! Toné! reunited for a long-anticipated tour, a move initiated by Saadiq. The reunion was met with excitement from longtime fans, and the trio had vowed to remain together moving forward.
It was a moment of celebration, marking a new chapter for the group that had profoundly shaped the R&B landscape.
In a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, Wiggins shared his enthusiasm for the group’s future, revealing that they had been working on new music.
“We got a lot of material, and now we just want to make sure that we put out the right energy through our music,” he said.
While his passing is an immense loss, his legacy lives on in the timeless music he created and the countless artists he inspired.
