D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the legendary R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has sadly passed away at the age of 64. His passing was confirmed in a heartfelt Instagram post shared by the group, revealing that he succumbed to bladder cancer after a private and courageous battle.
Tony! Toni! Toné! Confirms Wiggins’ Passing
“With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D’Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones,” 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 went on to highlight Wiggins’ lasting impact:
“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, and mentor, helping shape the early careers of many young artists.”
The family requested privacy as they mourn, expressing deep gratitude for the love and support from fans.
D’Wayne Wiggins’ Legacy with Tony! Toni! Toné!
Born in Oakland, California, Wiggins co-founded Tony! Toni! Toné! in 1986 alongside:
- Raphael Saadiq (his half-brother, bassist, and vocalist)
- Timothy Christian Riley (his cousin, drummer, and keyboardist)
The following year, they released their debut single “One Night Stand”, followed by their 1988 debut album, Who?, which introduced the world to their signature blend of funk, soul, R&B, and gospel. Their breakout hit “Little Walter” helped catapult them to fame.
A Trailblazing R&B Career
Tony! Toni! Toné! continued their success with their 1990 sophomore album, The Revival, which featured:
- “Feels Good” – Peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100
- “Whatever You Want” – A timeless classic led by Wiggins’ smooth vocals
The group followed up with two critically acclaimed albums:
