D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the renowned R&B trio Tony! Toni! Toné!, passed away on the morning of March 7, 202X, at the age of 64 after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. A true visionary, Wiggins played an instrumental role in shaping the sound of contemporary R&B and neo-soul, not only through his work with Tony! Toni! Toné! but also as a mentor and producer for rising artists. His influence extended beyond music, as he championed Black culture and uplifted his Oakland community. With his soulful vocals, masterful guitar skills, and unwavering dedication to authentic storytelling, Wiggins left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike.
From his early days growing up in Cincinnati and Oakland to forming Tony! Toni! Toné! with his brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Christian Riley in the late 1980s, Wiggins was committed to pushing the boundaries of R&B. The group’s fusion of classic soul, funk, and contemporary production techniques led to groundbreaking albums like Sons of Soul, which solidified their legacy in music history. Even after the group disbanded, Wiggins continued shaping the industry through his mentorship, most notably helping to develop the early careers of Destiny’s Child. His legacy is not just one of musical excellence but also of mentorship, community leadership, and an unwavering commitment to artistic integrity—ensuring his impact will be felt for years to come.