D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has died at the age of 64 after a private battle with bladder cancer.
His family confirmed the devastating news in a social media post as they revealed the performer passed away on Friday 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,’ they revealed to his fans.
The R&B legend’s family continued: ‘D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California.’
They went on to reflect on how Wiggins ‘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,’ they concluded.
D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has died at the age of 64 after a private battle with bladder cancer (pictured in 2016)
Wiggins, a talented guitarist, producer and composer, rose to fame alongside his half-brother brother, Raphael Saadiq (born Charles Ray Wiggins) and cousin Timothy Christian Riley.
Their band, Tony! Toni! Toné!, was popular popular during the late 1980s and early to mid-1990s.
Their albums include Who?, The Revival, Sons of Soul, which went double platinum in 1993 and House of Music.
After disbanding in 1996, following the release of their fourth album, Saadiq went on to pursue a solo career and ended up working with artists like Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige.
Meanwhile, Wiggins and Riley reunited in 2003 to appear on the Alicia Keys’ track, Diary, and, most recently, in 2023 for a reunion tour to celebrate the 13th anniversary of Sons of Soul.
As a solo artist, Wiggins released his debut album, Eyes Never Lie, in 2000.
It featured 12 songs and appearances from Carlos Santana and Darius Rucker.
In 1995, he developed and signed Destiny’s Child to Grass Roots Entertainment.
His family confirmed the devastating news in a social media post as they revealed he passed away on Friday morning ‘surrounded by family and loved ones’ (seen in 1993 with former bandmates Timothy Christian Riley and Raphael Saadiq (born Charles Wiggins)
‘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,’ they revealed to his fans; seen in 2018
The girl group, whose final lineup comprised Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, went on to sell over 60 million records sold worldwide.
News of Wiggins’ death comes just two days after the band announced that the star was battling a health issue.
‘We wanted to share that D’Wayne Wiggins is experiencing medical complications. He is working through it one day at a time,’ wrote in an Instagram post on March 5.
In the comments section, fellow musicians and producers such as Sheila E., Stevie J, Melba Moore, Adam Blackstone, Keyshia Cole, Deborah Cox and more sent their condolences to his family.
The R&B legend’s family continued: ‘D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California’ (seen in 2014)
Wiggins rose to fame alongside his half-brother brother, Raphael Saadiq (born Charles Ray Wiggins) and cousin Timothy Christian Riley; pictured in 1991
‘A king!! We mourn this lost as a community and celebrate God gaining a musician in his symphony! Much love and gratitude for all you’ve given to us!’ one fan wrote under the post.
Another commented: ‘Sleep in Peace D’Wayne! Praying for you guys! ❤️’
‘I’m glad you were able to share your gifts with the world while you were on this plane. You will be missed,’ a third said.
X users also praised him for forever changing soul music and giving the world the track, Whatever You Want.
Rest in Peace D’Wayne Wiggins. You leave a legacy of great music and good vibes. It was a joy to collaborate with you and share the stage a few times. My condolences to family, loved ones and members of the group. My prayers are with you all,’ Grammy-winning singer, Jody Watley, tweeted.
In the comments section, fellow musicians and producers such as Sheila E., Stevie J, Melba Moore, Adam Blackstone, Keyshia Cole, Deborah Cox and more sent their condolences to his family
In 2023, when asked about touring with his old bandmates, Wiggins said they still had that ‘you’re-at-home feeling’ feeling with each other.
‘All you have to do is look over your shoulder and give your bandmate a wink of the eye. We’re on that stage, and we all speak the same language. It’s almost like levitating. It feels good, man,’ he gushed to Leo Weekly.
He noted performing at ‘Radio City Music Hall was something out of this world for us.’
‘To walk out there and see that room like it was, melts your heart,’ he gushed of the experience.
As for his influences, Wiggins told the outlet: ‘Growing up in Oakland, it was Larry Graham. I would say it’s the same for Raphael. We watched Sly Stone, watched Santana in the parks, watched Tower Power, watched Grateful Dead.’
He also revealed that his favorite song to perform was Anniversary!, which was released in 1993.
‘It does magical things for me,’ he said. ‘When I look at the crowd and we’re doing this song, I think about when we recorded the song.’
