It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the legendary R&B trio Tony! Toni! Toné!
He passed away on Friday, March 7, after a private battle with bladder cancer.
The Wiggins family shared the heartbreaking news via social media, writing:
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! Toné!
He was deeply passionate about artist development and mentorship, helping to shape the early careers of many emerging musicians.
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
📌 See the original post below:
About Tony! Toni! Toné!
Tony! Toni! Toné! was an influential R&B/soul band from Oakland, California, that rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early-to-mid 1990s.
The group consisted of D’Wayne Wiggins (lead vocals, guitar), his brother Raphael Saadiq (born Charles Ray Wiggins, lead vocals, bass), and their cousin Timothy Christian Riley (drums, keyboards, background vocals).
Originally, the band started as a joke under the name “Tony, Toni, Toné”, but they later realized it “had a nice ring to it.”
Their debut album, Who? (1988), was followed by The Revival (1990), but their greatest commercial success came with the double platinum-certified album Sons of Soul (1993).
The group disbanded after releasing House of Music (1996), which critics often cite as their best work.
Rest In Power, D’Wayne Wiggins
Please join us in extending heartfelt condolences and prayers to all who knew, loved, and cherished D’Wayne Wiggins.
💔 May he rest in paradise.
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