D’Wayne Wiggins dead at 64: Tony! Toni! Tone! guitarist dies after battle with cancer

By DEIRDRE DURKAN-SIMONDS FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: 19:07 GMT, 7 March 2025 | Updated: 19:49 GMT, 7 March 2025

D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has died at the age of 64 after a private battle with bladder cancer. 

His family confirmed the devastating news in a social media post as they revealed the performer passed away on Friday 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,’ they revealed to his fans.

The R&B legend’s family continued: ‘D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California.’ 

They went on to reflect on how Wiggins ‘was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many.’

‘For now, we ask that you continue to respect our privacy. We mourn with you, and are deeply grateful for your love and support,’ they concluded. 

Wiggins, a talented guitarist, producer and composer, rose to fame alongside his half-brother brother, Raphael Saadiq (born Charles Ray Wiggins) and cousin Timothy Christian Riley.

Their band, Tony! Toni! Toné!, was popular popular during the late 1980s and early to mid-1990s.

Their albums include Who?, The Revival, Sons of Soul, which went double platinum in 1993 and House of Music. 

After disbanding in 1996, following the release of their fourth album, Saadiq went on to pursue a solo career and ended up working with artists like Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige.

Meanwhile, Wiggins and Riley reunited in 2003  to appear on the Alicia Keys’ track, Diary, and, most recently, in 2023 for a reunion tour to celebrate the 13th anniversary of Sons of Soul. 

As a solo artist, Wiggins released his debut album, Eyes Never Lie, in 2000. 

It featured 12 songs and appearances from Carlos Santana and Darius Rucker. 

News of Wiggins’ death comes just two days after the band announced that the star was battling a health issue. 

His family confirmed the devastating news in a social media post as they revealed he passed away on Friday morning ‘surrounded by family and loved ones’ (seen in 1993 with former bandmates Timothy Christian Riley and Raphael Saadiq (born Charles Wiggins)

‘We wanted to share that D’Wayne Wiggins is experiencing medical complications. He is working through it one day at a time,’ wrote in an Instagram post on March 5. 

In the comments section, fellow musicians and producers such as Sheila E., Stevie J, Melba Moore, Adam Blackstone, Keyshia Cole, Deborah Cox and more sent their condolences to his family. 

‘A king!! We mourn this lost as a community and celebrate God gaining a musician in his symphony! Much love and gratitude for all you’ve given to us!’ one fan wrote under the post. 

Another commented: ‘Sleep in Peace D’Wayne! Praying for you guys! ❤️’ 

‘I’m glad you were able to share your gifts with the world while you were on this plane. You will be missed,’ a third said. 

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D’Wayne Wiggins dead at 64: Tony! Toni! Tone! guitarist dies after battle with cancer

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