D’Wayne Wiggins, Tony! Toni! Toné! Founder, Dies at 64

D’Wayne Wiggins, Tony! Toni! Toné! Founder, Dies at 64 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the iconic R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has died at age 64 following a battle with bladder cancer. Known for hits like “Anniversary” and “It Never Rains (In Southern California)”, Wiggins was a guitarist, producer, and mentor who shaped the careers of stars like Zendaya, H.E.R., and Kehlani. His family confirmed his passing and honored his commitment to music, family, and community.

D’Wayne Wiggins’ Legacy: Quick Looks

• Founding Member of Tony! Toni! Toné! – Helped create New Jack Swing classics.
• Died at 64 – Battled bladder cancer for over a year.
• Hit Songs Defined R&B – “Anniversary,” “It Never Rains,” and “Feels Good.”
• Producer & Mentor – Helped launch Zendaya, H.E.R., Kehlani, and Destiny’s Child.
• Band Reunited in 2023 – Original members planned a new project.

Deep Look

The music world is mourning the loss of D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné!, who passed away at age 64 after battling bladder cancer for over a year. Wiggins was more than just a talented musician and producer—he was a mentor, innovator, and a key architect of 90s R&B. His contributions shaped the sound of an era, and his influence extended beyond his own music, helping launch the careers of H.E.R., Zendaya, Kehlani, and even Destiny’s Child.

Wiggins’ family announced his passing Friday morning, sharing a heartfelt tribute:

“D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California.”

They praised his dedication to mentoring young artists, his commitment to his community, and his unwavering passion for music—qualities that made him one of the most beloved figures in R&B.

The Rise of Tony! Toni! Toné! and the Birth of a New R&B Sound

Wiggins, along with his brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Christian Riley, founded Tony! Toni! Toné! in Oakland, California. Their music blended soul, jazz, gospel, and New Jack Swing, creating a sound that was both timeless and ahead of its time.

The group burst onto the scene with their 1988 debut album “Who?”, featuring early hits like “Baby Doll” and “Little Walter”. However, their 1990 breakthrough album “The Revival” catapulted them into mainstream success.

Classic Hits That Defined R&B

Tony! Toni! Toné! became one of the most influential R&B groups of the 90s, delivering chart-topping hits that remain timeless classics:

• “Feels Good” (1990) – A New Jack Swing anthem that peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• “Anniversary” (1993) – One of the greatest love songs in R&B history.
• “It Never Rains (In Southern California)” (1990) – A smooth, emotional slow jam.
• “(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow” (1993) – A sultry, intimate ballad.
• “Whatever You Want” (1990) – A laid-back groove that showcased their signature harmonies.
• “Let’s Get Down” (1996) – A party hit featuring DJ Quik.

These songs defined a generation of R&B lovers, influencing countless artists who followed.

The Breakup: Creative Differences and Industry Pressures

Despite their success, internal conflicts, financial disputes, and creative differences led the group to split after their fourth album, 1996’s platinum-selling “House of Music”.

• Raphael Saadiq pursued a solo career, producing for D’Angelo, Solange, Joss Stone, and others.
• D’Wayne Wiggins and Christian Riley continued touring under the Tony! Toni! Toné! name with Amar Khalil as lead singer.
• The group’s separation lasted for nearly three decades, though Wiggins and Saadiq remained professionally active in the music industry.

A Mentor to the Next Generation of Stars

After Tony! Toni! Toné!’s split, Wiggins dedicated himself to artist development, shaping the careers of some of today’s biggest stars:

• Zendaya – Wiggins helped guide her early music career before she transitioned into acting.
• H.E.R. – He played a major role in developing the Grammy-winning artist’s early sound.
• Kehlani – Wiggins mentored the Oakland-born singer, helping launch her career.
• Destiny’s Child – He worked with Beyoncé’s group in their early years, contributing to their rise.

Wiggins’ influence as a producer and mentor proved that his musical legacy extended far beyond his own discography.

The 2023 Reunion: Healing Old Wounds

After years of separation, Tony! Toni! Toné! reunited in 2023, embarking on a highly anticipated tour—the first time the three original members performed together in nearly 30 years.

The reunion marked a turning point in their relationship:

• Fame and industry pressures had driven them apart, but time had healed old wounds.
• They vowed not to let outside influences—like record labels and managers—divide them again.
• Fans celebrated the reunion, proving that their music still resonated decades later.

Wiggins himself was excited about the group’s future, hinting at a new project in a 2023 interview:

“We got a lot of material, and now we just want to make sure that we put out the right energy through our music.”

A Legacy That Lives On

D’Wayne Wiggins was more than just a founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné!—he was a visionary, a mentor, and a pioneer in R&B.

• His music will continue to inspire future generations.
• His mentorship shaped some of today’s biggest stars.
• His impact on R&B is undeniable, leaving behind a rich, influential legacy.

As the world mourns his passing, fans will forever remember the smooth sounds, heartfelt lyrics, and timeless grooves he helped create.

D’Wayne Wiggins’ contributions to music, culture, and the next generation of artists ensure that his legacy will never fade.

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