LOS ANGELES (AP) – Dawane Wiggins, a founding member of the Grammy-nominated group Tony! Toni! tone! It was behind the classic 1990s jam “Anniversary,” “It doesn't rain in Southern California,” and the pillow (putting my head on my pillow). He was 64 years old.
Wiggins died Friday morning after battling bladder cancer, according to a statement released by his family. Social Media.
“D'Wayne's life is unparalleled, and his music and service have impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland California,” his family said in a statement. “He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony! Toni! Tone! He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and guidance to emerging young musicians, and helped shape the early careers of many.”
His family added: “Through this fight, he has committed and continued to exist for his family, his music, his fans, and his community.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfoxsfhi-kk
Wiggins was a vocalist and bass guitarist for his beloved R&B group, including his older brother Rafael Saadik and their cousin Christian Riley. The group became the mainstay of the new jackswing move, blending traces of R&B, jazz and gospel melody.
The natives of Oakland, California entered the music scene with their 1988 debut album, “Who?” With songs like “Baby Doll” and “Little Walter.” But that was their 1990s. New jackswings have been injected The “Feel Good” record, where the group brought mainstream success and reached number nine on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
They released two more studio projects, featuring timeless slow jams like “Let's Get Down,” “What You Want You Want You Want,” “Never Rains (Southern California),” “Law my head on my pillow” and “Anniversary.” Their “It Never Rains” version was the cover of the 1972 hit by British singer-songwriter Albert Hammond.
Blood relatives also could not predict how their success would affect their relationship. Tonyies went their separate ways after their fourth album of the 1996 platinum cellar House of Music. fame. Finance, misunderstandings, and creative differences were unsustainable for the group.
Wiggins and Riley toured under the group's name between 1998 and 2018, with Amal Halil taking over the lead singing duties. Wiggins has also nurtured and grown young artists who will become some of the brightest young stars of today. Zendaya, she, Kerani And more Destiny's Child.
Ultimately, through Saadiq's efforts, the group made amendments I met again on the 2023 tour. It was the first road trip in nearly 30 years to feature three original members.
The family vowed not to retreat outside influences, including managers, record executives and entertainment businesses.
In a 2023 interview with the Associated Press, Tonyies had planned a new project.
“We've got a lot of material, and now we just want to make sure we're bringing out the right energy through music,” Wiggins said.
