Oakland-born musician, producer, and songwriter D’Wayne Wiggins, best known as a founding member of the influential R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, passed away on March 7, 2025, at the age of 64 following a battle with bladder cancer.
Wiggins rose to prominence in the late 1980s alongside his brother, Raphael Saadiq, and cousin, Timothy Christian Riley, forming Tony! Toni! Toné!. The group became a defining force in contemporary R&B, delivering chart-topping hits such as Feels Good, Anniversary, and It Never Rains (In Southern California). Their signature fusion of soul, funk, jazz, and gospel helped shape the New Jack Swing era and cemented their place in music history.
Following the group’s initial disbandment in 1996, Wiggins continued to make a significant impact on the music industry as a producer and mentor. He played a crucial role in the early careers of Destiny’s Child, Alicia Keys, and Keyshia Cole, among others, helping to develop and refine their sound. His contributions extended beyond performance, influencing a new generation of R&B and hip-hop artists.
In 2023, after nearly three decades apart, the original members of Tony! Toni! Toné! reunited for a highly anticipated tour. Their return was met with widespread acclaim, as fans celebrated the group’s legacy and enduring influence on the genre.
Wiggins’ passing marks a profound loss for the music community. His contributions as a musician, producer, and mentor have left an indelible mark on R&B, inspiring both his peers and future artists. His influence will continue to resonate through the timeless music he created and the countless artists he helped shape.
Details regarding memorial services and tributes from the music industry are expected to be announced in the coming days.