R&B Group Founding Member D’Wayne Wiggins Passes at 64

In a somber news, D’Wayne Wiggins, one of the initial triumvirate behind the influential R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has passed away. At 64 years of age, Wiggins succumbed to a prolonged battle with bladder cancer, as announced by his family via their social media accounts.

“D’Wayne’s life was without equal; his music and philanthropic endeavors touched countless lives globally, particularly in his native Oakland, California,” his family expressed. They highlighted Wiggins not only as a skilled guitarist, producer, and composer but also acknowledged his role as a philanthropist and mentor devoted to nurturing young talents and advancing their musical journeys.

Despite his illness, Wiggins maintained a steadfast commitment to his family, artistic endeavors, and his fans, according to the family’s sentiments.

In the capacity of vocalist and bass guitar player, Wiggins, alongside his brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Christian Riley, forged Tony! Toni! Toné!, an iconic ensemble integral to the New Jack Swing movement, known for fusing elements of R&B, jazz, and gospel.

The band’s groundbreaking entry into the music scene was marked by their 1988 album “Who?”, producing memorable tracks like “Baby Doll” and “Little Walter.” They escalated to mainstream prominence with their 1990 hit “Feels Good,” a track characterized by its New Jack Swing rhythm reaching number nine on Billboard’s Hot 100.

The group went on to release two additional studio albums, carving a niche for themselves with upbeat tracks such as “Let’s Get Down” in collaboration with DJ Quik, and iconic ballads like “Whatever You Want” and “Anniversary.” Their rendition of “It Never Rains (In Southern California)” added to their repertoire an homage to Albert Hammond’s 1972 classic.

However, following their fourth album “House of Music” in 1996, which achieved platinum status, gradual strains within the band due to rising fame, financial issues, and creative conflicts resulted in a separation. Subsequently, Wiggins and Riley carried Tony! Toni! Toné!’s legacy through tours, with Amar Khalil stepping in as lead vocalist until 2018. Meanwhile, Wiggins committed to fostering new talent, guiding emerging stars such as Zendaya, H.E.R., Kehlani, and Destiny’s Child.

Through Saadiq’s endeavors, the original trio reconciled and embarked on a 2023 tour, marking their first shared journey in nearly three decades. This unity coincided with a renewed resolve among family members to prevent external pressures from the music industry from driving their paths apart once more.

In a buoyant 2023 discussion, Wiggins remarked on their future musical aspirations, hinting at burgeoning projects poised to channel the positive essence inherent in their artistry.