D'Wayne Wiggins, a pivotal figure in the R&B world, has died at 64 after a long battle with bladder cancer.
According to AP News, D'Wayne Wiggins, celebrated guitarist, producer, and a key member of Tony! Toni! Tone!, succumbed to bladder cancer, marking the end of an era in the music industry.
Wiggins was not just a musician but a versatile figure who had an extensive impact on the R&B genre through his work with the iconic group Tony! Toni! Tone!. His battle with cancer lasted over a year, a struggle he faced while maintaining his commitments to his loved ones and community.
His family expressed, “Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans, and his community.”
Wiggins founded Tony! Toni! Tone! along with his brother, Raphael Saadiq, and cousin, Christian Riley. They debuted in 1988, a launch that would usher in a new era of New Jack Swing with their album “Who?”. By 1990, the group had achieved mainstream success with hits like “Feels Good.”
The group's music continued to resonate through the decade, with popular tracks like “Let’s Get Down” and “Whatever You Want,” coming from their repertoire of four studio albums. Their cover of Albert Hammond's “It Never Rains (In Southern California)” also gained significant attention. Despite their success, Tony! Toni! Tone! faced internal challenges, leading to their disbandment after their 1996 album due to issues over fame, finances, and creative differences.
Following the separation of the original group members, Wiggins and Riley continued to tour under the group’s name until 2018, with Amar Khalil taking on the role of lead singer. Despite the split, Wiggins focused on nurturing young talent, significantly impacting the careers of artists including Zendaya, H.E.R., Kehlani, and Destiny’s Child.
His efforts in artist development extended beyond mentoring, as he was deeply committed to his community in Oakland, California. Wiggins's work encompassed not only music but also significant contributions to philanthropy and local initiatives. The family noted, "D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California."
In a surprising turn of events, the original members of Tony! Toni! Tone! reunited for a tour in 2023, their first group performance in nearly three decades. This reunion was part of a renewed effort to ensure that external pressures did not hinder their relationship again.
D'Wayne Wiggins, in a 2023 interview, hinted at future creative projects, stating, “We got a lot of material, and now we just want to make sure that we put out the right energy through our music.” This vision of continued musical innovation highlights Wiggins’s enduring passion for his craft.
The resurgence of Tony! Toni! Tone! on stage in 2023 was a reminder of the group's significant influence on the R&B scene and its ability to captivate audiences decades after its peak. It was an opportunity for fans old and new to experience the magic that helped define an era of music.
As the music world mourns the loss of D'Wayne Wiggins, his legacy remains vibrant through his music, his family, and the artists he helped propel to stardom. His work continues to inspire new generations of musicians and producers who look to his career as a beacon of creativity and resilience.
His commitment to his community, his craft, and his family stands as a lasting testament to his character and the profound impact he had on the world around him. D’Wayne Wiggins will be remembered not only for his contributions to music but for his role in shaping the future of R&B through his mentorship and dedication.
In losing D'Wayne Wiggins, the world has lost a true icon whose music and spirit will continue to influence for years to come.