March 7, 2025 – D’Wayne Wiggins, the celebrated guitarist, producer, and founding member of the iconic R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has passed away at the age of 64 after a year-long battle with bladder cancer. His family confirmed his death in a statement shared on the band’s official social media accounts Friday.
“With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D’Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones,” the family wrote. “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.”
Wiggins, known for his immense contributions to R&B and his dedication to artist development, leaves behind a legacy that has shaped the sound of modern R&B music. Along with his half-brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Christian Riley, Wiggins co-founded Tony! Toni! Toné! in Oakland, California, in 1986. The group became a staple of ’90s R&B, known for hits like “If I Had No Loot,” “Feels Good,” and “It Never Rains (in Southern California).” Over their career, Tony! Toni! Toné! placed a dozen songs in the top 10 of Billboard’s R&B charts, earning critical acclaim and widespread fan adoration.
Wiggins was not only a key figure in the group’s success but also a dedicated mentor to emerging artists, playing an instrumental role in the early careers of stars such as Destiny’s Child, Zendaya, and H.E.R. In addition to his work with Tony! Toni! Toné!, he was deeply passionate about nurturing new talent and giving back to his community, particularly in his hometown of Oakland.
The band’s breakout album Who? was released in 1988, and their follow-up albums The Revival (1990), Sons of Soul (1993), and House of Music (1996) continued to solidify their place in R&B history. One of their most memorable moments came when their song “Anniversary” was nominated for a Grammy in 1993.
Following the group’s disbandment in the late 1990s, due to creative differences and the pressures of fame, Wiggins continued to work on his own projects, including touring with Riley and collaborating with other artists. His dedication to shaping the next generation of musicians remained a central part of his legacy.
In 2023, the original members of Tony! Toni! Toné! reunited for a tour, with Saadiq hinting at new music during the tour’s promotion. Sadly, Wiggins’ passing marks the end of an era for fans who had hoped for more from the legendary group.
The family has requested privacy during this difficult time and expressed their gratitude to fans for their outpouring of support. Wiggins’ legacy as a musician, mentor, and philanthropist will continue to live on through his impactful contributions to music and the lives he touched.
