D’Wayne Wiggins, the legendary guitarist, producer, and co-founder of Tony! Toni! Toné! has passed away at the age of 64 after battling bladder cancer.
“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,” states The Wiggins Family.
His influence on R&B and soul music is undeniable, shaping not just his group’s legacy but also mentoring some of the biggest stars in the game. His family confirmed his death. “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,” continues the release.
Born and raised in Oakland, Wiggins grew up in a city rich in culture and musical heritage. He, along with his brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Christian Riley, formed Tony! Toni! Toné! in 1986, bringing a fresh yet classic sound that bridged the gap between old-school soul and the new wave of R&B that would dominate the late ’80s and ’90s.
Their debut album, Who? introduced them to the world, but The Revival (1990) sent them into the stratosphere. The album went platinum and gave us timeless hits like “Feels Good,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” and “Whatever You Want.” These songs shifted the sound of R&B, blending smooth harmonies with live instrumentation and a groove that felt effortless.
Then came Sons of Soul in 1993, an album that proved they weren’t just here for show. Songs like “If I Had No Loot” and “Anniversary” showed their depth, their range, and their ability to make music that felt both timeless and current. Wiggins’ guitar work and production were key elements in the group’s soulful, melodic, and emotion-driven signature sound.
Wiggins wasn’t just about making hits for the group. He had an eye for talent and a spirit for mentorship. Through his Oakland-based studio, House of Music, he played a poignant role in the early careers of artists like Destiny’s Child and Keyshia Cole.
Even outside of music, Wiggins kept his creative spirit alive. He led the house band for Comedy Central’s Weekends at the D.L. and was deeply involved in community and youth projects in the Bay Area. He never lost sight of where he came from and made it a mission to give back.
In 2023, fans were blessed with a long-awaited Tony! Toni! Toné! reunion when the group embarked on the Just Me and You tour, their first outing in over 25 years. It was a celebration of their legacy and a reminder of the impact they had.
Wiggins’ passing leaves an unfilled hole in the music world, but his influence will never disappear. Rest in power, D’Wayne Wiggins. Your music, your legacy, and your impact will never be forgotten.
