The music world is mourning the loss of one-third of a groundbreaking 1990s trio that scored a series of R&B hits that remain classics to this day.
D'Wayne Wiggins, known as one of the founding members behind Grammy-nominated act Tony! Toni! Tone! died on Friday at the age of 64 following a battle with bladder cancer, as Breitbart reports.
Wiggins' death was made public through a statement his family released on Instagram, one which testified to the expansive nature of his career as well as his personally compassionate nature.
“D'Wayne's life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California,” the tribute began.
Wiggins' family went on, “He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony! Toni! Tone! He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many.”
The statement also referenced Wiggins' valiant year-long battle with bladder cancer, adding, “Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans and his community.”
The severity of Wiggins' condition seemed to emerge on Wednesday, when his bandmates issued a statement revealing that the bassist and vocalist was experiencing some “medical complications” and was attempting to deal with them “one day at a time,” and followers also took note that a March 22 concert in California had been canceled as had a May 23 appearance in Detroit.
Wiggins, together with his brother, Raphael Saadiq, and their cousin, Christian Riley, formed the standout R&B trio that took the world by storm in the 90s, exemplifying the sound known as New Jack Swing.
The group was propelled to stardom by such memorable tunes as “It Never Rains (in Southern California)”, “Anniversary,” “(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow,” and “Feels Good.”
Amid creative and financial disputes among the group's members, Tony! Toni! Tone! underwent a breakup following the release of the band's fourth album, with Wiggins and Riley touring with a new lead singer, but a reunion tour that saw Saadiq's return kicked off in 2023 amid a vow from all three to never allow outside influences to force another split.
According to an Associated Press interview conducted in 2023, the group even had plans to launch a new project.
Wiggins said at the time, “We got a lot of material, and now we just want to make sure that we put out the right energy through our music.”
Among those paying tribute to Wiggins were members of 90s R&B juggernaut En Vogue, whose Instagram account posted a message that said the late star's music “is a lasting legacy, inspiring artists for generations to come.”
Popular radio program The Breakfast Club also commented on the news of Wiggins' death, offering “healing energy to his family, friends, and fans of this legend,” echoing the sentiments of the millions across the world who were – and continue to be – touched by his artistry.
