D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has died at the age of 64.
In a statement posted to social media, his family said that he died earlier this morning surrounded by his family. He had been battling bladder cancer over the past year, and earlier this week, Tony! Toni! Toné! spoke out about concerns for his health.
“D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California,” said the Wiggins family. “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. ”
Wiggins was the lead vocalist and guitarist in Tony! Toni! Toné!, which he formed with his brother Raphael Saadiq and their cousin Christian Riley. They founded the group in 1986 and went on to become one of the pillars of the New Jack Swing movement, releasing four albums and earning five No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The group most recently reunited for a tour in 2023.
As a solo musician, Wiggins released his debut album “Eyes Never Lie” in 2000, featuring guest appearances from Carlos Santana and Darius Rucker. He launched Grass Roots Entertainment, helping to nurture the careers of Destiny’s Child and Keyshia Cole, and worked with Alicia Keys on her Grammy-nominated 2003 album “The Diary of Alicia Keys” on “If I Was Your Woman”/”Walk on By.”
More to come…
