Duane Wiggins, a founding member of the Grammy-nominated band Tony! Toni! Tone! and the brains behind such classic 1990s hits as “Anniversary,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California)” and “(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow,” has died at the age of 64.
Wiggins passed away Friday morning after a year-long battle with bladder cancer, his family announced on social media.
“Duane's life was unique, and his musical legacy and service touched the hearts of millions around the world, including his hometown of Oakland, California,” his family said.
“He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor, and co-founder of Tony! Toni! Tone! He was passionate about developing artists and mentoring aspiring musicians, helping many in their early careers.”
The family added: “Throughout his struggles, he remained dedicated to his loved ones, his music, his fans and his community.”
Wiggins was the lead singer and bass player for a beloved R&B group that included his brother Raphael Saadiq and their cousin Christian Riley. The group became the foundation of the New Jack Swing movement, combining elements of R&B, jazz, and gospel.
The band, originally from Oakland, California, burst onto the music scene in 1988 with their debut album, Who?, which featured songs such as “Baby Doll” and “Little Walter”.
However, it was their New Jack Swing-style album Feels Good, released in 1990, that brought them international recognition, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The group released two more collaborative studio albums, which included popular tracks like “Let's Get Down” with DJ Quik, as well as timeless slow jams including “Whatever You Want,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” “(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow,” and “Anniversary,” which have become classics of black romantic music.
Their version of It Never Rains was a reworking of the 1972 hit by British singer Albert Hammond.
But family ties also failed to predict how their success would affect their relationship. Tony! Toni! Tone! disbanded after the release of their fourth album, 1996's platinum-selling House of Music.
Fame, financial issues, misunderstandings and creative differences became an unbearable burden for the group.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
