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D'Wayne Wiggins
D'Wayne Wiggins
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Key Information

D'Wayne Patrice Wiggins (February 14, 1961 – March 7, 2025) was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and record producer best known as a founding member of the R&B/soul band Tony! Toni! Toné!.[1][2][3][4][5] He formed Tony! Toni! Toné! in 1986 with his younger half brother, Charles Ray Wiggins (later known as Raphael Saadiq), and their cousin Timothy Christian Riley.[2][3][4][5] The band achieved three platinum albums and a slew of hits in the 1980s and '90s.[2]

Wiggins founded the company Grass Roots Entertainment in 1995, which helped develop artists such as Destiny's Child, Keyshia Cole, H.E.R., Zendaya and Kehlani.[2][3][4][5] He released his debut and only solo project with Motown Records, Eyes Never Lie, in 2000.[4][5]

Wiggins worked on the Alicia Keys 2003 album The Diary of Alicia Keys,[4][5] winning a Grammy Award as producer. He was also the bandleader for comedian D.L. Hughley’s Comedy Central series Weekends at the D.L..[4]

Early life

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Wiggins was born on February 14, 1961, in Oakland, California, to Charlie and Mary (Brown) Wiggins;[2] specifically in the Lower Bottoms neighborhood of West Oakland. He was raised in East Oakland, where he attended Castlemont High School, graduating in 1979.

Early career and Tony! Toni! Toné!

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Wiggins started playing guitar at the age of 11.[5] He played in his high school band and after graduation joined a number of bands around Oakland and eventually went on tour with Tramaine Hawkins.[2] The Wiggins brothers and Riley worked with singer Sheena Easton and joined her on Prince's Parade Tour.[2]

The trio decided to start their own band, Tony! Toni! Toné!, after returning to Oakland.[2] The band has 14 Billboard-charting R&B singles, including five number one hits, three Top Ten pop singles, one gold album, two platinum albums and one double platinum album. They sold over six million albums during their career together. Finances, miscommunication and creative differences broke up the band in 1997, and Wiggins and Riley toured under the band’s name between 1998 and 2018 with Amar Khalil taking over lead singing duties.[3] The original lineup of Tony! Toni! Toné! reunited in 2023 for a short tour.[2][3]

Music

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Wiggins established Grass Roots Entertainment located in his West Oakland recording studio, "House of Music". Also in 1995, D’Wayne Wiggins developed and signed Destiny's Child to Grass Roots Entertainment. The group went on to become a powerhouse of female performers and the best-selling girl group of all time. He worked with the group through three albums, which have collectively sold more than 15 million copies. He also worked with artist Keyshia Cole, who resided in the “House of Music” from 1999 to 2001. Cole was mentored and received guidance from Wiggins during that time and went on to sign with A&M Records. He also worked with Laurneá of Arrested Development on her release Laurnea II and collaborated with Jody Watley. His House of Music was patronized by artists such as Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, India.Arie, Keyshia Cole, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Money and producer Scott Storch.

Wiggins released his debut and only solo project with Motown Records, Eyes Never Lie, in 2000 featuring collaborations with Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish, Jamie Foxx and Carlos Santana.[4][5] This album contributed to the foundation of the neo soul genre.

Wiggins also worked with the pioneers of what is known as Oakland's “Hyphy[4][5] movement on such projects as: Too Short’s How Does It Feel and Hoochie; Messy Marv’s Blades; and The Coup’s Pick A Bigger Weapon album released in 2006. You can find his guitar skills and vocals on Ludacris’s Splash Waterfalls Remix. He also formed the group Kenya Gruv, performing Top Of The World on the Menace II Society movie soundtrack.

In 2003, Wiggins went into the studio to work with platinum artist Alicia Keys. The title track single, Diary, made Top Ten on the Billboard charts as well as the album going platinum and winning four Grammy Awards in 2005. D'Wayne Wiggins co-produced another track on the album and performed the sitar, If I Was Your Woman, winning him a Grammy for production.

Film and television

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In 2001, Wiggins was executive producer of the independent movie Me & Mrs. Jones and Life Is, a documentary on the life of multi-platinum music rapper Too Short. He also had an acting part in the movie Get Money in 2003.

In 2005, Wiggins was on TV arena as bandleader for the television show Weekends at the D.L., hosted by comedian D. L. Hughley, which aired on the Comedy Central cable network.

Later life, illness and death

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In 2000, Wiggins married the mother of his 3 children (Ilahn, Dylan, and Jaden).

Up until his death, Wiggins continued to tour as bandleader of Tony! Toni! Toné!. In 2023, Wiggins would reunite with fellow members Raphael Saadiq and Timothy Christian Riley for the Just Me and You Tour.[6]

On March 5, 2025, Tony! Toni! Toné! revealed on Instagram that Wiggins was experiencing medical complications and that he was "working through it one day at a time".[7] He died from bladder cancer at his home in Oakland two days later, on March 7, at the age of 64.[8][9]

References

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from Grokipedia
D'Wayne Wiggins (February 14, 1961 – March 7, 2025) was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer best known as a founding member of the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!. A native of , Wiggins blended influences from , , , and hip-hop in his music, contributing to the movement of the late 1980s and 1990s. He died at age 64 from complications of , which he had battled for over a year. Born D'Wayne Patrice Wiggins to Charlie and Mary (Brown) Wiggins in Oakland's Lower Bottoms neighborhood, he grew up immersed in the city's vibrant music scene, influenced by his father's guitar playing and local clubs featuring and hip-hop. In 1986, Wiggins co-founded Tony! Toni! Toné! with his half-brother (born Charles Ray Wiggins) on bass and vocals, and their cousin on drums and keyboards. The group signed with Wing Records, a subsidiary, and released their debut album Who? in 1988, which achieved gold certification and featured the No. 1 R&B single "Little Walter." Tony! Toni! Toné! rose to prominence with subsequent albums that earned platinum status, including The Revival (1990), Sons of Soul (1993), and (1996). Wiggins served as , , and occasional , delivering smooth performances on hits like "" (which peaked at No. 9 on the ), "," "(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow," and "It Never Rains (In )." The group's Grammy-nominated sound fused R&B, , , and elements, influencing a generation of artists and cementing their legacy in the genre. Beyond the group, Wiggins pursued solo endeavors, releasing his debut album Eyes Never Lie in 2000, and established himself as a prolific producer and mentor. He worked with artists such as Destiny's Child (securing their first record deal), Beyoncé, Zendaya, H.E.R., Kehlani, and Keyshia Cole through his House of Music studio in Oakland. Deeply committed to his community, Wiggins founded MindSeed Studios to provide music education and after-school programs for East Oakland youth, supported the nonprofit Youth Uprising, and launched initiatives like the Jahva House café to foster local entrepreneurship. His philanthropic efforts earned tributes from figures like Tina Knowles, who praised his role in uplifting emerging talent and his hometown.

Personal life

Early life

D'Wayne Patrice Wiggins was born on February 14, 1961, in Oakland, California, to parents Charlie Wiggins, a blues guitarist, and Mary (Brown) Wiggins. He was born and initially raised in the Lower Bottoms neighborhood of West Oakland, a historically African American area marked by socioeconomic hardships, including poverty and systemic discrimination that fueled local activism. The family later moved to East Oakland, where Wiggins grew up across from DeFremery Park, a site of community gatherings that included performances by Sly Stone and rallies by the Black Panther Party, exposing him early to themes of self-determination and social justice. These experiences in a challenged urban environment instilled in him a strong community-oriented worldview, emphasizing collective support and resilience amid economic struggles. Wiggins came from a large blended family, with his parents collectively raising 14 children from their previous relationships; he shared a particularly close bond with his younger half-brother, Charles Ray Wiggins (later known as ), who became a significant musical influence during their childhood. Both brothers were immersed in a household rich with Southern roots—his mother from and father from —where family values of unity and hard work were paramount. Oakland's vibrant local music scene further shaped their early years, with Wiggins absorbing , R&B, and from street performances, neighborhood clubs, and his father's gigs, fostering a deep appreciation for genres that blended raw emotion with rhythmic energy. His early interest in music manifested through guitar playing, inspired by his father's style; Wiggins learned the instrument by accompanying his father to local blues clubs and emulating the sounds of Oakland's thriving, musician-filled streets, which he described as having "20 million musicians, bands all over the place." This foundation led to initial musical experiments alongside family members, including jamming sessions with his brother that hinted at their future collaborative path.

Family and relationships

D'Wayne Wiggins married Lochin-Wiggins in 2001, with whom he had three children: daughter Ilahn and sons Dylan and Jaden. The couple divorced in 2013 after 12 years of , during which Wiggins balanced his music with family life in Oakland, their shared heritage as a close-knit musical family. Wiggins' children became involved in music, reflecting the family's deep roots in the industry; his sons Dylan and Jaden performed onstage with him during Tony! Toni! Toné! reunions, and Dylan emerged as a producer and instrumentalist, collaborating with artists like H.E.R. and Kehlani in their early band experiences. Dylan and Jaden also competed as part of the group PopLyfe on America's Got Talent in 2010, showcasing their talents under their father's influence. Beyond the band, Wiggins maintained close creative ties with his brother , co-mentoring emerging Bay Area artists and contributing to production efforts that extended the family's musical legacy. In his later years, Wiggins' family, including his second wife Dori Caminong Wiggins, provided unwavering support amid health challenges, allowing him to remain active in music and community work until the end.

Illness and death

In early 2024, D'Wayne Wiggins was diagnosed with , beginning a private battle that lasted over a year. He continued his professional commitments during this period, including touring with Tony! Toni! Toné!, while undergoing treatment. On March 6, 2025, Wiggins' family publicly announced that he was experiencing serious medical complications related to his ongoing cancer treatment, requesting prayers and privacy for the family. Just two days later, on March 7, 2025, Wiggins died at his home in , at the age of 64, surrounded by family and loved ones. The cause of death was complications from . In a statement released on the official Tony! Toni! Toné! account, Wiggins' family expressed their grief, noting: "With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D'Wayne Wiggins... passed away this morning. He was 64. Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling . Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, friends, and community." The statement highlighted his resilience and the support he received from loved ones during his illness. Wiggins' passing prompted widespread tributes from the music community, with bandmate describing him as a "true brother and musical genius" in a social media post shared by multiple outlets. Artists such as and producers like Jimmy Jam also publicly mourned his loss, praising his influence on R&B and his mentorship of Bay Area talent. Memorial events honored Wiggins' legacy in Oakland, where he was born and raised. A private family service was held in mid-March 2025, followed by a public remembrance on April 27, 2025, at Geoffrey's Inner Circle from 12 to 5 p.m., featuring live music and community reflections. An outdoor of music and remembrance took place in May 2025, with details announced via his official , emphasizing celebration in line with his wishes. The city of Oakland organized additional tributes throughout the spring, recognizing his contributions to local music and .

Musical career

Formation and Tony! Toni! Toné!

Tony! Toni! Toné! was formed in 1986 in , by D'Wayne Wiggins, his half-brother Charles Ray Wiggins (professionally known as ), and their cousin . The group drew from their shared family musical background in the Bay Area, blending R&B, , and influences to create a distinctive sound rooted in live instrumentation and harmonious vocals. Wiggins contributed lead vocals and guitar, anchoring the band's rhythmic and melodic foundation. The trio signed with Wing Records shortly after forming and released their debut album, Who?, on April 18, 1988, produced by Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy. The album introduced their innovative style, peaking at number 69 on the and number 14 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with the lead single "Little Walter" reaching number one on the chart. Building on this momentum, their second album, The Revival, arrived in 1990 and achieved platinum certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding one million copies. Son of a Soul followed in 1993, earning double status and solidifying their mainstream breakthrough with its fusion of classic samples and contemporary production. The 1996 release House of Music garnered certification, rounding out their studio . Collectively, the band's albums sold over six million copies worldwide. Over their active years, Tony! Toni! Toné! amassed 14 entries on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, including five number-one hits such as "" from The Revival. These tracks exemplified their ability to craft infectious, emotionally resonant songs that bridged generations, influencing the evolution of R&B into the neo-soul era. In 2023, the original trio reunited for the "Just Me and You Tour," their first full outing together in nearly 30 years, marking a celebratory return that honored their enduring legacy and reignited fan enthusiasm across 25 dates. The tour, culminating in hometown shows in Oakland, underscored the group's unbreakable bond and their pivotal role in shaping West Coast R&B.

Solo work and production

In 2000, D'Wayne Wiggins released his solo debut album, Eyes Never Lie, on Motown Records. The 13-track project, recorded primarily at his House of Music studio in Oakland, California, blended neo-soul with light jazz and R&B influences, often addressing social issues without preachiness. Standout tracks included the title song, a midtempo groove featuring Wiggins' signature guitar work, and "What's Goin' On (Strange Fruit)," a spoken-word piece set over a funky beat that drew inspiration from Marvin Gaye's classic while tackling contemporary concerns. Critics described the album as a solid, laidback effort that echoed the organic feel of his Tony! Toni! Toné! work, though it lacked the same level of distinctiveness. Wiggins founded Entertainment in 1995, establishing it as a key platform for artist development in the Bay Area. Through the label, he signed and nurtured emerging talents, providing and production support that helped launch several major careers. For instance, in 1995, he signed to Grass Roots, co-writing and co-producing tracks like "Birthday," "Bridges," and "Killing Time" on their self-titled 1998 debut album, which contributed to the group's explosive rise and eventual worldwide sales exceeding 60 million records. He similarly mentored , who resided at his studio from 1999 to 2001, producing her early appearances such as on the soundtrack for the 2002 film Me & Mrs. Jones. Wiggins extended this guidance to later artists including H.E.R., , and , nearly assembling them into a group during their formative years and producing elements of their initial projects. A highlight of Wiggins' production career came in 2003 when he co-produced the track "" on ' album , which earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and helped the album win Best R&B Album at the 2004 . Central to his work was the studio, which he opened in West Oakland in 1995 alongside Entertainment. The facility quickly became a creative hub for local and visiting artists, fostering the development of Bay Area talent through hands-on production, songwriting sessions, and community-focused initiatives that emphasized artistic growth.

Collaborations and influences

D'Wayne Wiggins forged key collaborations that spanned R&B, hip-hop, and regional movements, often infusing his signature guitar riffs into diverse projects. He provided guitar and vocals for the "Whatever You Want" remix of Ludacris's "Splash Waterfalls" from the 2003 album Chicken-n-Beer, blending smooth R&B elements with Southern rap. Wiggins also partnered with Bay Area icon Too Short on tracks like "Hoochie" and "How Does It Feel," contributing his guitar skills to enhance the rapper's laid-back West Coast sound. These efforts extended to Oakland's Hyphy movement, where he collaborated with pioneers such as Messy Marv, the Team, Mac Mall, Spice 1, and Casual, helping merge energetic hip-hop beats with soulful instrumentation to define the genre's vibrant, bass-heavy aesthetic. Wiggins' songwriting credits encompass more than 17 songs, with co-writes driving major successes for Tony! Toni! Toné!, including "," which reached number one on the chart in 1990, and "Thinking of You," peaking at number five on the R&B chart in 1997. Beyond the group, he co-wrote tracks like "" for ' Grammy-winning album (2003), a top-10 single that showcased his knack for introspective, soulful melodies. His influence on R&B and blues guitar styles stemmed from a fusion of funk, gospel, and blues traditions, earning recognition as a blues guitarist whose elegant, emotive playing added depth to neo-soul's organic sound—particularly through Tony! Toni! Toné!'s innovative albums that bridged 1990s with modern soul. This approach not only shaped the neo-soul genre but also rippled into Hyphy's evolution, inspiring Bay Area artists to incorporate guitar-driven soul amid high-energy production. Wiggins extended his impact through mentorship via Entertainment, which he founded in the mid-1990s to nurture young talent. He signed and developed in 1995, guiding their early recordings and contributing to their breakthrough as one of the best-selling girl groups. At his West Oakland studio, he mentored from 1999 to 2001, offering production and artistic direction that informed her debut album. His guidance reached artists like H.E.R., , Kehlani, and , emphasizing community-based development and genre-blending techniques.

Other professional activities

Film and television

D'Wayne Wiggins extended his musical expertise into film and television through production, composition, and performance roles. As an , he contributed to the independent Me & Mrs. Jones in 2001, where he also served as composer, blending his R&B sensibilities with the film's narrative about workplace romance and personal growth. In the same capacity, Wiggins the 2003 documentary , which chronicled the life and career of rapper , highlighting Oakland's hip-hop scene and Wiggins' ties to the local music community. Wiggins' television work included serving as bandleader for the Comedy Central sketch comedy series Weekends at the D.L. in 2005, hosted by , where he provided live musical accompaniment that underscored the show's energetic humor and musical guests. His soundtrack contributions often overlapped with his production efforts, such as composing and producing tracks for films like (1993), where his group Kenya Gruv performed "Top of the World," a soulful reflection on resilience amid urban struggles. Similarly, for the 2003 action-comedy , Wiggins made an acting cameo in a supporting role.

Business ventures and activism

In 1995, D'Wayne Wiggins founded Grass Roots Entertainment, a and management company based in , which served as a platform for developing emerging R&B and hip-hop artists. The company quickly gained prominence by signing and nurturing talents such as in their early years, providing studio access and guidance that contributed to the group's breakthrough success. Wiggins also established the in West Oakland, which became a hub for local musicians and extended the label's operations by fostering creative collaborations and production work. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Wiggins was deeply engaged in community activism in Oakland, focusing on youth empowerment and social issues in underserved neighborhoods. He collaborated with Youth Uprising, a nonprofit organization in East Oakland dedicated to youth development and violence prevention, where he offered free music education programs to help young people aged 13-24 build skills and avoid societal risks. These initiatives aligned with Youth Uprising's mission to address public safety in one of the nation's most violent cities by promoting health, education, and arts as tools for positive change. Wiggins' efforts extended to supporting local artists through mentorship and resources from his studio and label, emphasizing community building over commercial gain. Wiggins founded MindSeed Studios to provide music education and after-school programs for East Oakland youth, and launched the Jahva House café to foster local entrepreneurship. Wiggins played a key role in promoting Oakland's Hyphy movement, a cultural phenomenon blending hip-hop, dance, and local slang that emerged in the early 2000s, by producing tracks and collaborating with pioneers like Too $hort and Messy Marv. His involvement helped elevate the movement's visibility, contributing to its role in fostering Bay Area pride and providing an outlet for youth expression amid urban challenges. As a philanthropist, Wiggins directed his resources toward Oakland's impoverished communities, inspiring generations through direct service and advocacy for minority youth.

References

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