D’Wayne Wiggins, the legendary guitarist and founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné!, has passed away at 64. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news, sharing that he had been privately battling bladder cancer for the past year. Despite his illness, Wiggins never stopped pouring his heart into his music, his fans, and his community. He was surrounded by loved ones when he passed.
In an emotional Instagram post, his family expressed their deep sorrow: “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 also acknowledged the incredible impact he had, especially in his hometown of Oakland, California.
Wiggins was instrumental in shaping the signature sound of Tony! Toni! Toné!, the R&B powerhouse that dominated the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Alongside bandmates Raphael Saadiq and Timothy Christian Riley, he helped craft hit after hit, blending R&B, funk, and soul into something timeless. The group sold over six million records worldwide, with platinum albums like Who?, The Revival, and Sons of Soul. Songs like Feels Good, It Never Rains (In Southern California), Anniversary, and Let’s Get Down remain classics.
But Wiggins’ impact went far beyond performing. He was a mentor, a producer, and a guiding force for up-and-coming artists. His dedication to nurturing new talent helped shape the future of R&B and ensured his influence would live on through the next generation of musicians.
According to TMZ, his passing comes just weeks before Tony! Toni! Toné! was set to perform at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, California. The band had recently shared that Wiggins was dealing with medical issues but hadn’t disclosed how serious they were. Fans had been hoping for his return to the stage, making the news of his loss even more devastating.
As his family, friends, and fans mourn, they’ve 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,” they shared.
D’Wayne Wiggins leaves behind an incredible legacy—not just in his music, but in the lives he touched. His influence will be felt for generations to come.
