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:
- Sons of Soul (1993)
- House of Music (1996)
Shaping the Future of R&B: Destiny’s Child & More
After Tony! Toni! Toné! disbanded, Wiggins played a pivotal role in the rise of Destiny’s Child, working closely with Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. He produced tracks on their self-titled 1998 debut album, as well as The Writing’s on the Wall and Survivor.
Collaborations with Music Legends
Beyond his work with Destiny’s Child, Wiggins collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including:
- Keyshia Cole
- Too $hort
- Alicia Keys
- Carlos Santana
In 2003, Tony! Toni! Toné! reunited (without Saadiq) for a feature on Alicia Keys’ hit “Diary”, which peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2023, the full group, including Saadiq, reunited for a national tour, thrilling longtime fans.
Final Tribute
The music industry has lost a true icon and pioneer in R&B. D’Wayne Wiggins’ legacy will live on through his timeless music, mentorship, and contributions to the industry.
We at HOT97 extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of D’Wayne Wiggins.
