D'Wayne Wiggins, guitarist and founding member of the iconic 1990s R&B and soul group Tony! Toni! Toné! has sadly passed away at 64 following a year-long battle with bladder cancer. His family and loved ones issued a statement on Instagram on Thursday (March 6) and the band also joined them in drafting and sharing this statement. The family asks that folks respect their privacy and period of mourning during this time after their previous updates on Wiggins' condition. Moreover, this news arrived at an already mournful time in the music world, and we send our thoughts and prayers to all those affected by his loss.
"Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans and his community," D'Wayne Wiggins' family and Tony! Toni! Tone! stated. "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. 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."
D'Wayne Wiggins Legacy in Music
Alongside cousin Timothy Christian Riley and brother Raphael Saadiq, D'Wayne Wiggins took Tony! Toni! Toné! to great heights in the R&B/soul world in the 1990s. After all, various number-one hits, platinum albums, compelling collaborations, and incredible performances cemented them as one of the premier groups of the time. In addition, Wiggins also developed and signed Destiny's Child to Grass Roots Entertainment and went on to work with other stars like Keyshia Cole and Alicia Keys. In fact, he even worked in the hyphy movement as a proud Oakland native, linking up with the likes of Too $hort and Messy Marv.
Furthermore, D'Wayne Wiggins' musical legacy will continue to resonate for decades to come thanks to his consistent dedication to the craft. While some will focus on his group efforts, those in the industry know that his impact and wisdom reaches far beyond any sole artist. Regardless of how music evolves, Wiggins' spirit was just as impactful personally as it was artistically. Meanwhile, Tony! Toni! Toné! and many others will make sure that he lives on.
