Oakland, CA – The music world lost a legend today. D’Wayne Wiggins, one of the creative forces behind the beloved R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, passed away this morning at 64 after a hard-fought battle with bladder cancer, his family confirmed.
In a heartfelt statement posted to the band’s social media accounts, his loved ones shared the news with fans: “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.”
Wiggins wasn’t just a name in the credits—he was the heartbeat of Tony! Toni! Toné!. As a guitarist, producer, and songwriter, he helped shape the group’s signature sound, blending R&B, soul, and a touch of new jack swing that defined an era. Songs like “Little Walter,” “Feels Good,” and the timeless “Anniversary” turned the Oakland trio into household names in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Those tracks still echo in playlists and memories today, proof of Wiggins’s knack for crafting music that stuck with you.
But his influence stretched far beyond the stage. In Oakland, where he was born and raised, Wiggins was a pillar—a mentor to young artists trying to find their voice and a generous soul who never forgot where he came from. His family’s statement captured the scope of his legacy: “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, mentor, and founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné!”
News of his passing follows a vague but worrying update from the band just days ago, hinting at “medical complications.” Now, with his death confirmed, the outpouring of grief has been immediate. Musicians who shared studios with him and fans who grew up singing his lyrics have flooded social media with tributes, all painting a picture of a man who was as kind as he was talented.
For now, his family is asking for space to mourn. But for the rest of us, Wiggins’s music—those smooth riffs, that soulful vibe—will keep his spirit alive, spinning on turntables and streaming through speakers for years to come.