D’Wayne Wiggins, celebrated for his role as a founding member of the iconic R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! passed away on March 7, 2025, at 64, after quietly battling bladder cancer. A true visionary, Wiggins leaves behind a legacy that will continue to resonate in hearts and playlists everywhere.
His Musical Legacy
Tony! Toni! Toné! hit the scene in 1986, bringing a fresh mix of soul, jazz, and funk to the R&B world. As a guitarist, songwriter, vocalist, and producer, Wiggins helped redefine the genre. Alongside his brother Raphael Saadiq and his cousin Timothy Christian Riley, Wiggins crafted timeless hits. Their debut album, Who?, dropped in 1988, but it was their second album, The Revival (1990), that made them stars. Packed with hits like “Feels Good,” “Whatever You Want,” and “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” the album went platinum and cemented the group’s place in R&B history.
In 1995, D’Wayne Wiggins started Grass Roots Entertainment, running it from his West Oakland studio, the “House of Music.” The space wasn’t just a recording studio, it became a home for artists to grow and create. Wiggins worked closely with Destiny’s Child early on, signing them to his label and helping shape their first three albums, all of which went platinum. He also contributed to Alicia Keys’s The Diary of Alicia Keys in 2003, an album that won three Grammys and sold over 5 million copies in the U.S. These are just two examples of how Wiggins helped shape the sound of R&B.
Wiggins grew up in East Oakland, attending Castlemont High School, and his hometown was always a big part of his story. He made sure Oakland’s energy and soul were reflected in his work and gave back by mentoring local artists and supporting the music scene. Whether through his own songs or the careers he helped build, Wiggins’s impact on music runs deep and will be felt for years to come.
“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! He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many,” the Wiggins family shared in a statement.
D’Wayne Wiggins wasn’t just a talented musician, he was someone who truly cared about his craft, his community, and the people around him. His story reminds us that great music doesn’t just come from talent; it comes from the heart.
Shining a Light on Bladder Cancer
While celebrating Wiggins’s contributions to music, his passing also highlights the importance of bladder cancer awareness. This disease doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but its impact is significant.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 84,870 new cases of bladder cancer are anticipated in the U.S. this year, with men accounting for the majority. Black men, while less likely to be diagnosed compared to their white counterparts, face higher mortality rates; this reflects the systemic inequities in healthcare that our community faces. Awareness is the first step in fighting bladder cancer, and early detection can significantly increase survival rates. Look at a few common symptoms of bladder cancer, provided by Mayo Clinic:
* Blood in the urine (hematuria) may appear pink, red, or dark brown.
* Frequent or painful urination.
* A persistent urge to urinate, even when the bladder is not full.
* Back pain.
These symptoms can be subtle, but paying attention to them and seeking medical advice could make all the difference. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, consider making an appointment with your doctor.
We send our heartfelt condolences to D’Wayne Wiggins’s family, friends, and everyone who loved him. His music touched so many lives, and his legacy will continue to inspire for generations.
