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D'Wayne Wiggins, a soulful force whose strings and spirit shaped the sound of a generation, left this world on March 7, 2025. Known as the heartbeat behind the iconic group Tony! Toni! Toné!, Wiggins’ legacy is woven through the chords of R&B, resonating with timeless hits that still sway and soothe.
Born on Valentine’s Day in 1961, in Oakland, California, Wiggins grew up with music in his blood and community in his heart. Alongside his brother, Raphael Saadiq, and cousin, Timothy Christian Riley, he co-founded Tony! Toni! Toné! in the late 1980s. Their debut album, *Who?*, delivered hits like “Little Walter” and “Baby Doll,” announcing their arrival with a sound that felt both fresh and familiar. By the time *The Revival* hit the airwaves in 1990, the group’s fusion of R&B, jazz, and gospel had reached platinum heights. Songs like “Feels Good,” “If I Had No Loot,” and “Anniversary” remain etched in the hearts of fans who fell in love with the groove.
But Wiggins’ influence didn’t stop with the mic and the stage. As the founder of Grass Roots Entertainment, established in 1995, he became a cultivator of talent, helping shape the careers of future stars like Destiny’s Child. His production work reached new heights when he collaborated with Alicia Keys on her Grammy-winning album *The Diary of Alicia Keys*, proving his ability to adapt and thrive across musical landscapes.
Beyond the beats and business, Wiggins’ heart was firmly rooted in his Oakland community. He established the House of Music, a cultural hub where creativity bloomed, and youth found a space to learn and express themselves. Always seeking to uplift, he invested in community programs, music workshops, and initiatives that nurtured the next generation of artists.
D'Wayne Wiggins' life was a melody — soulful, textured, and unforgettable. Though his strings may no longer play, the music and the love he shared will forever echo in the hearts of those who listened, learned, and loved alongside him.