We’ve sadly lost another music legend, I Love Old School Music family. D’Wayne Wiggins, the legendary co-founder and guitarist of the iconic R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, passed away at the age of 64 after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. Wiggins’ family confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement, noting that he was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.
Wiggins’ Family Statement On D’Wayne’s Passing
“With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D’Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones. 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.
D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California. He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony! Toni! Tone! He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many.
For now, we ask that you continue to respect our privacy. We mourn with you, and are deeply grateful for your love and support.
In Solidarity,
The Wiggins Family”
His Impactful Legacy
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Wiggins, along with his brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Christian Riley, formed Tony! Toni! Toné! in 1986. The trio quickly became trailblazers in the New Jack Swing movement, seamlessly blending R&B, jazz, and gospel elements to create a distinctive sound that resonated with audiences worldwide. Their 1988 debut album, “Who?”, introduced fans to hits like “Little Walter,” but it was their 1990 release, “The Revival,” that catapulted them to mainstream success with tracks such as “Feels Good,” which peaked at No. 9 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
Throughout the early ’90s, Tony! Toni! Toné! continued to dominate the charts with timeless classics like “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” “(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow,” and the quintessential slow jam “Anniversary.” Their 1993 album, “Sons of Soul,” not only showcased their musical versatility but also solidified their status as R&B royalty.
Beyond his work with the group, Wiggins was instrumental in shaping the careers of future superstars. In the mid-’90s, he played a pivotal role in the early development of Destiny’s Child, providing mentorship and production that helped lay the foundation for their monumental success. His commitment to nurturing young talent extended to artists like Zendaya, H.E.R., and Kehlani, all of whom benefited from his guidance and expertise.
In 2000, Wiggins ventured into a solo career with the release of his album “Eyes Never Lie,” which featured collaborations with notable artists such as Darius Rucker and Carlos Santana. He also contributed to Alicia Keys’ Grammy-nominated song “Diary” in 2003, further cementing his legacy as a versatile musician and producer.
Despite the group’s initial disbandment in 1996 due to personal and creative differences, the original members of Tony! Toni! Toné! reunited for a highly anticipated tour in 2023. This reunion allowed fans to once again experience the magic that the trio brought to the stage, celebrating a legacy that had influenced countless artists and listeners alike.
Wiggins’ impact extended beyond music; he was deeply involved in his Oakland community, championing artist development and serving as a mentor to emerging musicians. His dedication to philanthropy and his passion for uplifting others left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with him.
As we bid a heartbroken farewell to D’Wayne Wiggins, we remember a man whose soulful melodies and groundbreaking contributions to R&B will forever resonate in our hearts. His legacy lives on through the timeless music he created and the countless artists he inspired. 💔
