D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the Grammy-nominated R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has passed away at the age of 64. Known for classic hits like “Anniversary,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” and “(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow,” Wiggins died Friday morning after a battle with bladder cancer, according to a statement from his family.
“D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including his hometown of Oakland, California,” his family shared. “He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, and mentor who was deeply committed to artist development and helping young musicians.”
Despite his illness, Wiggins remained dedicated to his family, music, and community. As a vocalist and bass guitarist, he played a key role in Tony! Toni! Toné! alongside his brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Christian Riley. The group helped define the New Jack Swing movement, blending R&B, jazz, and gospel influences.
Their 1988 debut album, Who?, introduced them to the music world with songs like “Baby Doll” and “Little Walter.” They achieved mainstream success with their 1990 album Feels Good, whose title track peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The group continued to release hits, including “Let’s Get Down” (with DJ Quik), “Whatever You Want,” “Anniversary,” and their cover of “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” originally recorded by Albert Hammond in 1972.
In a 2023 interview, Wiggins revealed that Tony! Toni! Toné! had been working on new music, hoping to bring the right energy to their next project. His passing marks the loss of a true musical icon, but his legacy will continue through his timeless contributions to R&B.
