Tony! Toni! Toné! Group Member D’Wayne Wiggins Dead at 64 After Cancer Battle

Nationwide — D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member and guitarist of the iconic R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has passed away at the age of 64. His family confirmed the news in a statement, revealing that he had been privately battling bladder cancer for the past year. Despite his illness, Wiggins remained dedicated to his music, his fans, and his community, continuing to inspire those around him. He was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.

In an emotional message shared on an Instagram post, his family described the deep loss they are experiencing. “With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D’Wayne passed away this 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 wrote. They also acknowledged the significant impact he had on countless lives, particularly in his hometown of Oakland, California.

Wiggins played a crucial role in shaping the sound and success of Tony! Toni! Toné!, a group that rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Alongside bandmates Raphael Saadiq and Timothy Christian Riley, he helped create a string of hit records that blended traditional R&B with funk and soul influences. Over the course of their career, the group sold more than six million records worldwide, earning platinum certifications for albums like Who?, The Revival, and Sons of Soul. Their catalog includes timeless classics such as “Feels Good,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” “Anniversary,” and “Let’s Get Down.”

Beyond his success as a performer, Wiggins was known for his dedication to mentoring young artists and nurturing new talent. As a producer and composer, he worked behind the scenes to support emerging musicians, ensuring that the next generation of artists had the guidance they needed to succeed. His contributions to the music industry extended far beyond his own recordings, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future musicians.

According to TMZ, the loss of Wiggins comes just weeks before Tony! Toni! Toné! was set to perform at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, California. The band recently announced that Wiggins had been sidelined due to medical complications, though they did not initially disclose the severity of his illness. Fans had hoped for his return to the stage, making the news of his passing even more heartbreaking.

As his family, friends, and fans mourn his loss, they have asked for privacy during this difficult time. “For now, we ask that you continue to respect our privacy. We mourn with you and are deeply grateful for your love and support,” the family wrote. While his passing leaves a void in the music world, his contributions will live on through his recordings, his mentorship, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable career.