Tony! Toni! Toné! founder D’Wayne Wiggins dies from bladder cancer aged 64
Just two days ago, the group shared that he was 'working through' medical complications.
D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of R&B band Tony! Toni! Toné!, has died.
It comes after the 64-year-old was diagnosed with cancer. Just two days ago, the group shared on Instagram that he was ‘working through’ medical complications ‘one day at a time’.
Sadly, tonight, they confirmed his death after Wiggins quietly suffered from bladder cancer for a year.
Their statement read: ‘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.’
On his life and career, they described him as ‘incomparable’ and praised his music for ‘impacting millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California.’
Just two days ago, it was revealed that Wiggins was suffering from medical complications (Picture: Steve Jennings/WireImage)‘He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony! Toni! Tone!’, they recalled.
‘He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many.’
The message concluded: ‘For now, we ask that you continue to respect our privacy. We mourn with you, and are deeply grateful for your love and support.’
Fans flocked to the comments to express their devastation and send condolences, with ghettogeppetto writing: ‘I can’t press the like button on this. Devastating news. He was an amazing person.????’
‘I just hate this so much!! Thank you for all you contributed to music Dwayne. Your legacy will live forever!! ????????????’, commented carmensandiego_85.
Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball of Tank and the Bangas added: ‘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!’
The trio also consisted of Raphael Saadiq (born Charles Ray Wiggins) and Timothy Christian Riley (Picture: Paul Natkin/Getty Images)Producer DJ Premier said: ‘Sad to see this news. Condolences to the family. Jam in Peace with so many greats Dwayne ????????????????????️’
Wiggins was due to get back on stage on March 22 along with bandmates Timothy Christian Riley and Raphael Saadiq, as they had a performance scheduled at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, California.
Tony! Toni! Toné! rose to prominence during the late 1980s and were especially popular in the early to mid-90s.
During the band’s heyday, Wiggins took the lead on vocals and guitar, while his brother Saadiq (born Charles Ray Wiggins) was on vocals and bass, and their cousin Riley played drums and keys, also singing backing vocals.
They released their debut album Who? in 1988 and The Revival in 1990.
In 1993, their record Sons of Soul went double platinum. They went on to release a fourth album, House of Music, in 1996 before disbanding, with critics widely praising latter releases as their best music.
The group reunited for the first time in 2003 when Wiggins and Riley featured on Alicia Keys’ The Diary of Alicia Keys album, giving them their first top 10 hit in the US in 11 years, as well as a Grammy nomination.
Wiggins also won his own Grammy Award for co-producing another Keys track titled If I Was Your Woman.
In 2023, the full original lineup announced a reunion tour to celebrate the 13th anniversary of Sons of Soul’s release. This was the first time they’d hit the road in 25 years as they performed their own well-known tunes plus solo material.
Tony! Toni! Toné! had 14 Billboard-charting singles in total throughout their career, including five number ones.
Beyond music, Wiggins branched out into TV and film, which included an acting role in 2003’s Get Money.
Then in 2005, he became a bandleader for the TV show Weekends at the D.L., hosted by comedian D.L. Hughley.
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