Oakland music legend D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the iconic R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, passed away on March 7 at the age of 59. The news of his sudden departure has left the music industry and fans heartbroken, as Wiggins was not only a talented musician but also a beloved figure in the Oakland music scene.
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Wiggins was destined to make his mark in the music world. With a passion for music from a young age, he started playing guitar and writing songs in his teenage years. In the early 1980s, Wiggins, along with his brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Christian Riley, formed the group Tony! Toni! Toné!. The trio quickly gained recognition for their unique blend of R&B, soul, and funk, and became one of the most influential groups of the 1990s.
Wiggins’ soulful voice and exceptional guitar skills were a major part of Tony! Toni! Toné!’s success. The group’s debut album, “Who?”, released in 1988, immediately put them on the map with hits like “Little Walter” and “Born Not To Know”. Their follow-up album, “The Revival”, solidified their position as R&B superstars with chart-topping singles such as “Feels Good” and “It Never Rains (In Southern California)”.
But it wasn’t just their music that made Tony! Toni! Toné! stand out. The group’s unique fashion sense, incorporating elements of Oakland’s street culture, also became a trademark of their style. Wiggins, with his signature dreadlocks and stylish outfits, became a fashion icon for many young fans.
As Tony! Toni! Toné! continued to dominate the R&B scene with their third album “Sons of Soul” and fourth album “House of Music”, Wiggins also pursued a solo career, releasing his first solo album “Duces ‘N Trayz: The Old Fashioned Way” in 2002. He also collaborated with other artists, including Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Wiggins’ impact on the Oakland music scene was not limited to his own success. He was known for his support and mentorship of other local artists, helping to cultivate the next generation of musicians. He also gave back to the community through various philanthropic efforts, including co-founding the Tony! Toni! Toné! House of Music Foundation, which provides music education to underprivileged youth in Oakland.
The news of Wiggins’ passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians, fans, and the Oakland community. Many have expressed their gratitude for his contribution to the music industry and the city of Oakland. His brother Raphael Saadiq shared a heartfelt message on social media, saying, “My heart is broken, but I am grateful for every moment we shared. Your legacy will live on forever.”
Fellow Oakland native and Grammy award-winning artist, H.E.R., also paid tribute to Wiggins, saying, “He was one of the first people that believed in me and my music. He will truly be missed, but his music and spirit will live on.”
Wiggins’ impact on the music world and the city of Oakland will never be forgotten. He will be remembered as a talented musician, a fashion icon, and a pillar of the community. His music will continue to inspire and influence future generations, and his legacy will live on through his timeless hits and the memories of those who knew and loved him.
In the words of Tony! Toni! Toné!’s hit song “Feels Good”, “You know it feels good when you’re doing all the things that you wanna do. Get the best out of life, treat yourself to something new.” D’Wayne Wiggins certainly embodied this message and brought joy to many through his music. He may have left this world too soon, but his music and spirit will continue to live on, reminding us to always chase our dreams and make the most out of life. Rest in peace, Oakland music legend D’Wayne Wiggins. Your legacy will live on forever.
