D'Wayne Wiggins, Founding Member of Tony! Toni! Toné!, Passes Away at 64.
Tony! Toni! Toné! is mourning the loss of one of its founding members, guitarist D'Wayne Wiggins, who has passed away at the age of 64 after a courageous battle with bladder cancer.
Family Statement on Wiggins’ Passing
Wiggins’ family shared the heartbreaking news in an official statement posted on Instagram on Thursday, March 6. “With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D'Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones,” the message read.
The statement went on to honor Wiggins’ life, describing him as a passionate musician, mentor, and philanthropist. “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 family’s tribute continued, saying, “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! Toné! He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many.”
Legacy of D’Wayne Wiggins
Wiggins, along with bandmates Raphael Saadiq and Timothy Christian Riley, helped shape the sound of Tony! Toni! Toné!, one of the most influential R&B bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for their smooth sound and timeless hits, the group released platinum albums that included classics such as “Feels Good,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” “Anniversary,” and “Let’s Get Down,” featuring DJ Quik.
Beyond his musical achievements, Wiggins’ commitment to mentorship and supporting up-and-coming artists made a lasting impact on the music industry, especially in his hometown of Oakland. His dedication to helping emerging musicians reflects his belief in the power of music to create opportunities for future generations.
Recent Health Struggles and Performance Plans
Just days before his death, Tony! Toni! Toné! was scheduled to perform at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, California, on March 22. However, the band had already announced that Wiggins was dealing with medical complications, which we now know were due to his cancer battle.
Final Moments and Family Privacy
The family also expressed their gratitude for the support they’ve received during this difficult time, adding, “For now, we ask that you continue to respect our privacy. We mourn with you, and are deeply grateful for your love and support.”
Fans of Tony! Toni! Toné! and music lovers everywhere will continue to celebrate Wiggins’ musical legacy and the mark he left on the world.
Wiggins’ passing is a significant loss to the music community, but his contributions to the genre and his legacy as a mentor and advocate for emerging artists will live on.
D'Wayne Wiggins: A Legacy in Music
Wiggins’ passing comes as a reminder of his profound influence on R&B music. As a guitarist, producer, and songwriter, he was integral to the creation of Tony! Toni! Toné!’s signature sound. The group’s impact on the genre is undeniable, with their smooth blend of soul, funk, and pop that resonated with fans for decades.
He is survived by his family, friends, and millions of fans worldwide, all of whom continue to honor his memory.
