R&B legend D’Wayne Wiggins died Friday morning, the Wiggins family said in a social media post, saying he’d been “privately and courageously battling bladder cancer” for the last year.
Wiggins, 64, was a founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné!, a Bay Area R&B trio that rose to prominence in the late 1980s. Wiggins’ brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Christian Riley rounded out the rest of the trio.
Among the band’s many hits are “Feels Good,” “It Never Rains In Southern California,” and “Let’s Get Down.”
Beyond his music, Wiggins also served as a mentor to other young artists in the early stages of their careers, including Beyoncé, Keyshia Cole, Kehlani and Zendaya, according to San Francisco radio station KQED.
“D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California,” the family said.
“He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many.”
Underscoring Wiggins’ community-building efforts, the City of Oakland remembered the “true legend” in a separate post on Friday:
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Dwayne Wiggins was more than an artist—he was a visionary, a mentor, and a champion for his community. His influence stretched across the globe, yet he remained deeply rooted in the city that shaped him. Through his music, leadership, and unwavering dedication, he uplifted generations and left an indelible mark on our hearts. We are devastated by his passing but forever grateful for the light he shared with us all.
The Wiggins family closed with a request for privacy, adding, “We mourn with you, and are deeply grateful for your love and support.”