Tony Toni Tone Returns to the Stage: In the world of music, there’s a sense of nostalgia and celebration as Tony! Toni! Toné! takes to the stage once again, much like the chorus of their hit song, it “Feels Good.”
It’s been over 25 years since the trio, consisting of Dwayne Wiggins, Raphael Saadiq, and Timothy Christian Riley, embarked on a tour together. Recently, sharing their excitement about hitting the road again.
Wiggins expressed the unique bond they share, saying, “There’s nothing like being at home, and being on stage together is like being at home in our living room. Timing is everything.”
The group made their mark with the release of their debut album, “Who?” in 1988, and subsequently, they became one of the leading R&B/Soul acts of the 1990s. Their chart-toppers, such as “Anniversary,” “It Never Rains (in Southern California),” and “Just Me and You” (also the name of their current tour), have transformed into timeless classics.
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These three artists have not only weathered the test of time but have also ventured into solo projects, maintaining a closeness that’s often elusive for many other groups.
Wiggins explained that they’ve drawn inspiration from legendary acts like Earth, Wind & Fire, emphasizing the importance of refining their craft over time. He noted, “It’s about building a brand, a concept not every R&B or hip-hop artist fully grasps, but we do.”
Saadiq expressed their gratitude for their enduring fan base, acknowledging the uncertainty of longevity in the music industry. “You just hope for the best and strive to create the highest quality music,” he added.
Riley underlined the genuine brotherhood that binds them, revealing that they’ve been a tight-knit unit since their pre-fame days. “It’s like a family. We’ve been through it all, from playing in church to various bands. And then this journey started and it kept going, growing, and evolving.”
Saadiq chimed in, crediting his successful solo career to the foundation laid with his Tony! Toni! Toné! collaborators. He emphasized the profound memories and camaraderie they share, from bus rides to candid conversations, all of which takes them back to where it began.
A new generation of fans is discovering their music, partly due to their track “Feels Good,” featured in Jamie Foxx’s Prime Video film, “The Burial.” The group spoke fondly of Foxx, a long-time supporter, and shared their experiences on the movie set in New Orleans.
“The Burial” delves into the tale of a funeral home owner, portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones, as he strives to salvage his business with the assistance of a flashy lawyer, played by Foxx. The film touches on themes of race, friendship, and corporate greed.
Wiggins emphasized the importance of sharing stories like this, narrated through the right lens. “Jamie is an astute individual who is passionate about preserving our stories,” he added.
Wiggins couldn’t resist addressing the question raised by their 1990 song: “It never rains in Southern California.” He chuckled and responded, “Well, it doesn’t when you’re with the right one. That’s the essence of the song.”
Our Reader’s Queries
Why did Tony Toni Tone disband?
As per Raphael Wiggins, the lead vocalist and bassist, the group members were occupied with their individual music projects, and it was a challenge to align everyone’s time, space, and mindset. However, the trio of Raphael, D’wayne Wiggins, and Timothy Christian Riley collaborated on songwriting and production for other artists during this period.
What year did Tony Toni Tone come out?
Hailing from Oakland, California, Tony! Toni! Toné! was a renowned R&B group that gained immense popularity from the late 80s to the mid-90s. Their soulful music and captivating performances made them a household name in the music industry.
Who is the lead singer of Tony Toni Tone?
“Anniversary” is a soulful track from the renowned American R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!. This song was launched on September 14, 1993, as the second single from their third studio album, Sons of Soul (1993).