We are sad to report that D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the iconic R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has passed away at the age of 64.
Wiggins’ family confirmed his passing on the band’s social media accounts on March 7, revealing that he has been battling bladder cancer over the past year.
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
Born in Oakland, CA on February 14, 1961, Wiggins formed the band with brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Riley in the late 1980s. The band released their debut album, Who?, in 1988. The album’s first single, “Little Walter,” hit #1 on the R&B charts, and the album peaked at #69 on the Billboard 200.
The follow-up, 1990’s The Revival, saw the band incorporate more live instrumentation and more elements of classic soul music. The album was a commercial success, peaking at #34 on the Billboard 200 and going platinum. The album spawned several #1 hits on the R&B charts, including the Top 10 pop hit “Feels Good,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California), and “Whatever You Want.”
The band’s greatest commercial success came with the release of the double-platinum Sons Of Soul album in 1993. With the Tonys paying tribute to the soul pioneers who came before them, the album reached #24 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the R&B Albums chart. The album’s biggest hit, “Anniversary,” peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the band Grammy nominations for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
The band’s original lineup took a hiatus following the release of 1996’s House of Music, but D’Wayne continued to work as a solo artist, releasing his solo debut, Eyes Never Lie, in 2000. He also served as a mentor for future music stars Destiny’s Child and Keyshia Cole.
In 2023, the original Tony! Toni! Toné! lineup reunited for a tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of Sons of Soul, the band’s first tour in 25 years. Plans for a new album were initially discussed but never came to be. Wiggins continued to perform as bandleader of Tony! Toni! Toné! until his health worsened.
RELATED: Tony! Toni! Toné! Member D’wayne Wiggins Faces Health Complications
We send our thoughts and prayers to Wiggins’ family, friends, and fans.
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