D'Wayne Wiggins, Tony! Toni! Tone! Singer and Guitarist, Dies at 64
Briefly

D'Wayne Wiggins, the beloved co-founder of the influential R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, passed away at 64 due to bladder cancer. His family highlighted his profound impact on music and mentorship, especially within his hometown of Oakland. Wiggins and the band were pivotal in the emergence of new jack swing, seamlessly blending R&B with hip-hop and other genres. The trio achieved commercial success in the late 80s and early 90s, producing hit albums and memorable performances, including a Grammy tribute. Their recent reunion tour in 2023 underscored Wiggins' enduring legacy as an artist and mentor.
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 deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many.
Tony! Toni! Toné! were key figures of new jack swing, a genre that fused R&B, hip-hop, pop, dance, and jazz music.
Together, Wiggins, along with his brother and cousin, released albums in the 80s and 90s that significantly influenced the music landscape.
Read at Pitchfork
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