Los Angeles, March 7, 2025—D’Wayne Patrice Wiggins, a founding member and guitarist of the Grammy-nominated R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the age of 64. Wiggins, who had been battling bladder cancer for over a year, died peacefully, surrounded by family in Oakland, California, according to a statement released on social media. His death marks the end of an era for the iconic 1990s soul and R&B scene, leaving behind a legacy of music, mentorship, and community impact.
Wiggins, born on February 14, 1961, in Oakland’s Lower Bottoms neighborhood, was the driving force behind Tony! Toni! Toné!, alongside brothers Raphael Saadiq and Timothy Christian Riley. The group, known for hits like “Anniversary,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” and “(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow,” sold over six million albums, earning two platinum and one double platinum certification. With 14 Billboard-charting R&B singles, including five No. 1 hits, Tony! Toni! Toné! became a cornerstone of the neo-soul movement.
In addition to his musical achievements, Wiggins was a prolific producer, mentor, and philanthropist. He established Grass Roots Entertainment, signing and nurturing artists like Destiny’s Child, Zendaya, H.E.R., and Kehlani. His work extended to solo projects, acting, and producing documentaries like Life Is about rapper Too Short. Wiggins’ family described him as “a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor, and founding member whose music and service impacted millions.”
Fan Questions and Answers
As news of Wiggins’ passing spread across social media platforms like X and Instagram, fans flooded the internet with questions, seeking clarity on his life, death, and legacy. Below, we address the most common queries raised by fans, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of this monumental loss.
How did D’Wayne Wiggins die?
Wiggins passed away after a year-long battle with bladder cancer, as confirmed by his family’s statement on social media. He was 64 at the time of his death on March 7, 2025.
What was D’Wayne Wiggins’ role in Tony! Toni! Toné!?
Wiggins was a co-founder, guitarist, and key creative force in Tony! Toni! Toné!, formed in the mid-1980s. He wrote and produced many of their hits, contributing to their signature sound that blended soul, R&B, and funk.
What were some of Tony! Toni! Toné!’s biggest hits?
The group’s most iconic songs include “Anniversary” (1993), “It Never Rains (In Southern California)” (1990), and “(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow” (1990), all of which topped R&B charts and became cultural anthems of the 1990s.
Did D’Wayne Wiggins have a solo career?
Yes, Wiggins released his solo album Eyes Never Lie in 2000 on Motown Records, featuring collaborations with Darius Rucker, Jamie Foxx, and Carlos Santana. It contributed to the neo-soul genre’s foundation.
Who else did D’Wayne Wiggins mentor or produce for?
Wiggins mentored and produced for major artists through Grass Roots Entertainment, including Destiny’s Child (helping them sell over 15 million albums), Zendaya, H.E.R., Kehlani, and early career acts like Keyshia Cole and Jamie Foxx.
What caused the split in Tony! Toni! Toné!?
The group disbanded after their 1996 album House of Music due to fame, financial disputes, miscommunication, and creative differences, as noted in Wiggins’ Wikipedia entry. Wiggins and Riley later toured with new lead singer Amar Khalil from 1998–2018.
Did Tony! Toni! Toné! reunite before Wiggins’ death?
Yes, in 2023, Wiggins reunited with Raphael Saadiq and Timothy Christian Riley for the “Just Me and You Tour,” their first tour together in nearly 30 years, marking a reconciliation after years of estrangement.
What was D’Wayne Wiggins’ impact on Oakland?
Wiggins was deeply rooted in Oakland, where he grew up in West Oakland, attended Castlemont High School, and established “House of Music” studio. His family highlighted his passion for mentoring young musicians and shaping Oakland’s music scene.
How did fans react to his death?
On X and Instagram, fans expressed shock and sorrow, with posts like “RIP D’Wayne Wiggins—your music lives forever” and “Tony! Toni! Toné! won’t be the same.” Many shared memories of 1990s R&B nights, asking, “What’s next for the group?”
Are there any upcoming tributes or memorials for D’Wayne Wiggins?
As of March 7, 2025, no official tributes have been announced, but his family plans a public memorial in Oakland, with details forthcoming on social media. Fans are encouraged to share memories online using #DWayneWigginsTribute.
What was D’Wayne Wiggins’ net worth or final projects?
Wiggins’ net worth isn’t publicly disclosed, but his wealth came from music sales, production, and real estate. His final projects included touring with Tony! Toni! Toné! in 2023 and mentoring young artists until his health declined in 2024.
Did D’Wayne Wiggins leave behind a family?
Yes, Wiggins is survived by his children, siblings (including Raphael Saadiq and Aberforth), and extended family. His family’s statement emphasized his commitment to them during his cancer battle.
Why wasn’t D’Wayne Wiggins’ cancer battle more public?
Wiggins kept his bladder cancer diagnosis private, focusing on music and family. His family revealed it only after his death, respecting his desire for privacy, as noted in their March 7 statement.
What made D’Wayne Wiggins’ music so special?
Fans praised Wiggins’ guitar riffs, soulful production, and ability to blend R&B, funk, and jazz, creating timeless hits. His mentorship of artists like Destiny’s Child also left a lasting mark on modern music.
Will Tony! Toni! Toné! continue without D’Wayne Wiggins?
It’s unclear, but Raphael Saadiq and Timothy Christian Riley may decide to honor Wiggins’ legacy through performances or a tribute album. Fans on X speculate, “Can they carry on without their founder?”
Legacy and Tributes
Wiggins’ passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the music industry. Raphael Saadiq shared on Instagram, “D’Wayne was my brother and musical soul—his legacy will live through our music.” Fans and artists like H.E.R. and Kehlani have expressed gratitude for his mentorship, while Oakland’s mayor plans to dedicate a street in West
Oakland to his memory.
His family added, “Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans, and his community.” Wiggins’ impact on neo-soul, R&B, and Oakland’s cultural fabric ensures his music will endure for generations.
Conclusion
D’Wayne Wiggins’ death at 64 leaves a void in the music world, but his legacy as a co-founder of Tony! Toni! Toné!, mentor, and philanthropist will resonate forever. As fans mourn and celebrate his life, his story inspires a new generation of artists and music lovers.
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