D’Wayne Wiggins, the founding member and guitarist of the legendary R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has passed away at the age of 64 following a battle with cancer, his family announced.
In a heartfelt statement, his family shared:
"D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California. He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, and mentor, as well as a founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné! He was deeply passionate about artist development and dedicated himself to mentoring young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many."
The family also expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, adding:
"For now, we ask that you continue to respect our privacy. We mourn with you and are deeply grateful for your love and support."
Wiggins co-founded Tony! Toni! Toné! alongside Timothy Christian Riley and his brother, Raphael Saadiq, playing a key role in crafting the group’s signature sound. The trio rose to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s, delivering timeless hits such as "Feels Good," "It Never Rains (In Southern California)," "Anniversary," and "Let's Get Down."
Recently, fans grew concerned about Wiggins' health after his family disclosed that he was facing medical challenges. A message shared on his Instagram read:
"We wanted to share that D’Wayne Wiggins is experiencing medical complications. He is working through it one day at a time. We know how beloved he is by so many, and we are grateful for your prayers and concern. We also request that you respect the family’s privacy during this time."
D’Wayne Wiggins' legacy will live on through his music, mentorship, and the countless artists he inspired throughout his career.
Source: TMZ
