Key Facts
- D’Wayne Wiggins had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of his death.
- He was a founding member of the R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!
- Wiggins died on March 7, 2025, at age 64 after battling bladder cancer.
- His production company, Grass Roots Entertainment, signed major artists including Destiny’s Child.
- Wiggins won a Grammy Award for his production work on Alicia Keys’ album.
- He established the “House of Music” recording studio in West Oakland.
The Musical Journey That Built His Fortune
D’Wayne Patrice Wiggins, born February 14, 1961, in Oakland, California, built a substantial fortune through his multifaceted career in the music industry. As a founding member of the influential R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, Wiggins established himself as a significant figure in the music world, ultimately accumulating a net worth of approximately $10 million according to Celebrity Net Worth.
His financial success stemmed from multiple revenue streams within the music industry. The primary foundation of his wealth came from his work with Tony! Toni! Toné!, which he co-founded in 1986 alongside his brother Raphael Saadiq and their cousin Timothy Christian Riley. The group achieved remarkable commercial success, selling over six million albums throughout their career.
Record Sales and Performance Income
Tony! Toni! Toné! released several commercially successful albums that contributed significantly to Wiggins’ wealth. Their discography included one gold album, two platinum albums, and one double platinum album. The group’s commercial peak came with their 1993 album “Sons of Soul,” which reached #24 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Throughout their career, the group produced 14 Billboard-charting R&B singles, including five number-one hits and three top-ten pop singles. Their highest-charting single, “If I Had No Loot,” reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. These chart successes translated into substantial royalty income for Wiggins as a songwriter and performer.
The group’s touring revenue also contributed to Wiggins’ financial portfolio. Even after their initial breakup in 1996, Tony! Toni! Toné! continued to perform periodically, including their participation in the 2006 New Jack Reunion Tour. Most recently, they reunited for the “Just Me & You” tour in 2023, nearly 25 years after disbanding.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Production Work
Beyond his performance career, Wiggins demonstrated significant business acumen by establishing Grass Roots Entertainment, a production company based in his West Oakland recording studio called “House of Music.” This entrepreneurial venture became a crucial component of his income and net worth.
Through Grass Roots Entertainment, Wiggins discovered and developed major musical talents. Most notably, he signed Destiny’s Child in 1995, working with the group through three albums that collectively sold more than 15 million copies. This relationship with what would become one of the most successful girl groups in music history undoubtedly provided substantial financial returns.
His production credits extended to numerous high-profile artists. Wiggins worked with Keyshia Cole, mentoring her at his “House of Music” studio from 1999 to 2001 before she signed with A&M Records. His studio also attracted established stars including Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, India.Arie, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Money, and producer Scott Storch.
Grammy-Winning Production Work
Wiggins’ production talents earned him critical acclaim and financial rewards. In 2003, he collaborated with Alicia Keys on her album “The Diary of Alicia Keys.” The title track single reached the Top Ten on the Billboard charts, and the album went platinum, winning four Grammy Awards in 2005.
Notably, Wiggins co-produced another track on the album, “If I Was Your Woman,” on which he performed the sitar. This work earned him a Grammy Award for production, adding prestige to his portfolio and likely increasing his market value as a producer.
Solo Career and Additional Revenue Streams
In 2000, Wiggins released his solo debut album “Eyes Never Lie” through Motown Records. The album featured collaborations with notable artists including Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish, Jamie Foxx, and Carlos Santana. This project contributed to the foundation of the neo-soul genre and represented another income stream in his diverse career.
His versatility as a musician allowed him to work across various musical styles. Wiggins collaborated with pioneers of Oakland’s “Hyphy” movement, working on projects with Too Short, Messy Marv, and The Coup. His guitar skills and vocals can also be heard on Ludacris’s “Splash Waterfalls Remix.”
Film and Television Ventures
Wiggins expanded his income sources beyond music by venturing into film and television. In 2001, he served as executive producer for the independent movie “Me & Mrs. Jones” and the documentary “Life Is” about rapper Too Short. He also had an acting role in the 2003 film “Get Money.”
His television work included serving as bandleader for the Comedy Central show “Weekends at the D.L.,” hosted by comedian D.L. Hughley, in 2005. These diversifications into visual media likely provided additional financial compensation while expanding his professional network.
Legacy and Final Years
Up until his death, Wiggins continued to tour as the bandleader of Tony! Toni! Toné!, maintaining an active income stream from live performances. In 2023, he reunited with fellow members Raphael Saadiq and Timothy Christian Riley for the “Just Me and You Tour,” which likely generated significant revenue.
On March 5, 2025, Tony! Toni! Toné! revealed on Instagram that Wiggins was experiencing medical complications, stating he was “working through it one day at a time.” Sadly, he passed away from bladder cancer at his home in Oakland two days later, on March 7, at the age of 64.
Philanthropic Work and Community Impact
Beyond his financial achievements, Wiggins was known for his community activism and philanthropic efforts. He was deeply committed to providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many artists.
His “House of Music” studio in West Oakland served not only as a business venture but also as a community resource, providing opportunities for local talent to develop their skills and make industry connections. This commitment to nurturing new talent reflects Wiggins’ dedication to giving back to the music community that supported his own success.
The Financial Legacy of D’Wayne Wiggins
D’Wayne Wiggins’ $10 million net worth at the time of his death represents the culmination of a diverse and successful career spanning nearly four decades in the music industry. From his foundational work with Tony! Toni! Toné! to his production company, solo projects, and mentorship of emerging artists, Wiggins built a financial legacy through multiple revenue streams.
His business acumen in establishing Grass Roots Entertainment and the “House of Music” studio demonstrated his understanding of the music industry beyond performance. By discovering and developing major talents like Destiny’s Child and collaborating with established stars like Alicia Keys, Wiggins secured his place not only as a performer but as a significant behind-the-scenes force in R&B and soul music.
The financial success Wiggins achieved allowed him to pursue his passion for mentoring young artists and giving back to his community, creating a legacy that extends beyond monetary value to include his lasting impact on the music industry and the artists he helped develop.
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