RIP D’Wayne: A Look At When Tony! Toni! Toné! Was Number 1

After already experiencing far too many losses in the Black community within a short span of time, we’re sadly having to say goodbye yet again.

D’Wayne Wiggins of R&B trio Tony! Toni! Toné! died today (March 7) following a yearlong battle with bladder cancer. He was 64 years old.

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RELATED: D’Wayne Wiggins, Co-Founder of Tony! Toni! Toné!, Passes Away at 64

It would be an understatement to say the singing sibling trio made an impact on the sound of R&B music, spending a near-decade from the late ’80s to mid-90s dropping hits on the Billboard charts. Whether it was coming from one of their four classic studio albums or a contribution to the soundtracks for House Party 2 and Boyz n the Hood, the singles that D’Wayne cooked up alongside brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Christian Riley will truly live on forever.

As we’re sure many people across the world will be replaying their favorite jams by the group, or have the grand pleasure of discovering a legendary band for the first time, we decided to put together a list of all the times they reached the top spot on the R&B chart. From 1988 to 1991, it seemed as if Tony! Toni! Toné! could do wrong — their first 10 singles went on a top 20 streak, with eight of those even managing to crack the top 10. Their success came right on the helms of New Edition’s hiatus and helped to usher in the debuts of Mint Condition, Jodeci and Boyz II Men. Although much of their musical legacy as a trio lives within the ’90s, save for a beautiful duet with Alicia Keys on her 2004 hit single “Diary” and a recent reunion tour in 2023, their impact will be felt forever in our hearts and blasting through our speakers.

D’Wayne Wiggins, we thank you for a classic era of hits. May your soul rest while we enjoy all the soul music you helped to provide.

Remember the legacy of late soul icon D’Wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné! by looking back on the many times they were #1 in the world of R&B:

1. “Little Walter” (May 13, 1988)

From the beginning, Tony! Toni! Toné! proved they were a force to be reckoned with while also having a sense of humor. Part cautionary tale, part precursor to Worst Roommate Ever, their debut was accompanied by a music video that featured comedian Sinbad as the titular character in question.

2. “The Blues” (March 29, 1990)

A year after New Edition began a near-decade hiatus following the release of Heart Break, the new jack swing crown was up for the taking. Tony! Toni! Toné! would declare their place in the race with this colorful release that gave them yet another chart-topper.

3. “Feels Good” (June 15, 1990)

Reaching gold-selling status and top 10 ranking on Billboard Hot 100 as well, the new kings of new jack swing were crowned with the arrival of The Revival.

4. “It Never Rains (In Southern California)” (October 19, 1990)

The black & white cinematic vibe seen throughout the music video wasn’t much of a coincidence; actress Lisa Bonet directed it around the time of her final season on The Cosby Show.

5. “Whatever You Want” (February 13, 1991)

Their final R&B chart-topper ironically enough was the first to feature D’Wayne singing lead vocals. Although many will remember him fondly as a guitarist, his vocals shouldn’t be slept on either.