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Unhappy information from the world of music as we speak, as one more ’90s R&B legend has handed away:
D’wayne Wiggins — one of many founding members of the long-lasting group Tony! Toni! Toné! — has handed away on the age of 64.
Information of Wiggins’ passing involves us courtesy of an announcement from his grieving household:
D’Wayne Wiggins’ household broadcasts his passing
“D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and repair impacted tens of millions all over the world, together with in his hometown of Oakland, California,” said the Wiggins household in a press release issued on Friday.
“He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony! Toni! Tone! He was deeply keen about offering artist improvement and mentorship to rising younger musicians, serving to to form the early careers of many,” the assertion continued.
“For now, we ask that you simply proceed to respect our privateness. We mourn with you, and are deeply grateful to your love and assist.”
D’Wayne Wiggins’ reason for demise revealed
Of their assertion, the Wiggins confirmed that D’Wayne had been battling bladder most cancers for a number of years, and his demise was associated to issues from the sickness.
As a part of Tony! Toni! Toné!, Wiggins contributed to the acclaimed album Sons of Soul, which spawned the hits “Anniversary” and “(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow.”
Earlier than they disbanded in 1996, the trio earned 5 primary singles on the Billboard Sizzling R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
They’re nonetheless thought-about one of the crucial influential acts of the early- to mid- ’90s.
An epic second profession
As a solo artist Wiggins launched his debut album “Eyes By no means Lie” in 2000, that includes visitor appearances from Carlos Santana and Darius Rucker.
He was additionally a profitable trade mogul, founding Grass Roots Leisure, which helped to launch the careers of artists reminiscent of Future’s Baby and Keyshia Cole.
Wiggins produced a number of tracks on Alicia Keys’ Grammy-nominated 2003 album The Diary of Alicia Keys.
And he carried out on her tune “Diary” from the identical album.
Tony! Toni! Toné! launched into a profitable reunion tour in 2023. Group member Saadiq advised Variety final month that footage from their performances will likely be utilized in an upcoming documentary in regards to the band.
Wiggins’ passing comes only one week after the death of fellow R&B legend Angie Stone.
Our ideas exit to D’Wayne’s family members throughout this enormously tough time.
