D’Wayne Wiggins, the Grammy-nominated singer and guitarist renowned for his role in the soul/R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has passed away at the age of 64.
The news of Wiggins’ death was shared on Friday, March 7, through an official statement on the band’s Instagram page. The post revealed that he had been battling bladder cancer privately and courageously for the past year.
“With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D’Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and friends,” the statement read. “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.”
The statement further emphasized Wiggins’ lasting legacy, describing his life as “incomparable” and highlighting the impact he had on millions, particularly in his hometown of Oakland, California.
D’Wayne Wiggins’ Contributions to Music and Mentorship
“He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné!,” the statement continued. “He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many.”
The announcement came just two days after Wiggins’ family had shared an update on social media stating that he was “experiencing medical complications” but was “working through… one day at a time.”
Wiggins co-founded Tony! Toni! Toné! in 1986 alongside his half-brother Raphael Saadiq and their cousin Timothy Christian Riley. The group made their debut two years later with the release of their first album, Who?
Tony! Toni! Toné!’s Musical Journey and Wiggins’ Solo Career
Tony! Toni! Toné! rose to prominence with their 1993 critically acclaimed album Sons of Soul before releasing their fourth and final album, House of Music, in 1996. Throughout their decade-long career, the trio achieved a dozen Top 10 hits on Billboard’s R&B/hip-hop charts, praised for their “seamless fusion of new jack swing, gospel roots, and classic R&B influences,” as noted on their official website.
Following their split in 1996 to pursue individual careers, Wiggins continued making his mark in the music industry. In addition to his own solo work, he played a key role in mentoring emerging artists, particularly through his Grass Roots Entertainment label. He is credited with helping to shape the early careers of Destiny’s Child.
Wiggins released his first solo project in 2000, which featured collaborations with notable artists such as Carlos Santana and Darius Rucker. His contributions to music earned him a Grammy nomination in 2003 for his work on Alicia Keys’ hit single “Diary.”
A Lasting Legacy in R&B
Although Tony! Toni! Toné! disbanded in the late ’90s, Wiggins continued to tour with the group over the years. In 2023, Saadiq, now 58, reunited with the band for a special reunion tour, bringing their signature sound back to audiences once again.
Wiggins’ influence in the world of R&B, both as an artist and a mentor, remains undeniable, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire musicians for generations to come.
