Tony! Toni! Toné! is celebrating 35 Years in the music business.
Raphael Wiggins and Timothy Christian Riley got their first major break when they backed Sheila E. during her opening stint on Lionel Richie‘s “Outrageous” tour. A year later with D’wayne Wiggins, they released an independent single, “One Night Stand,” which garnered Tony! Toni! Toné! some exposure in the Oakland area, which led to the deal with Wing/PolyGram.
In 1988 they released their debut album “Who?” The Tony! Toni! Toné! debut album was released on April 19th. Within a month, the group already had sold more than 100,000 units. Pure sells, before the streaming era.
So who is Tony! Toni! Toné!? No one in particular. Oddly enough, the moniker doesn’t represent anyone in the group.
The three decided the name of the group should be Tony! Toni! Toné! because of a long-standing joke between them. “When one of us was primping, trying to be cool, or going out all suited up, the others would say, ‘Go ahead, Tony, Toni, Toné!’ Could you imagine how someone with that name would act?” Dwayne laughed while telling an industry trade in 1988. “The name just came out one day and stuck.”
The group is comprised of brothers Raphael (multi-instrumentalist) and Dwayne Wiggins (guitar) and cousin Timothy Christian (drums), all of whom do the group’s vocals.
Fast-forward to now, the group has one gold album, 3 platinum plus albums, 5 gold singles and 11 Top 10 singles; including five #1s.
This year the group announced their reunion tour, “Raphael Saadiq Revisits Tony Toni Toné!, the Just Me & You Tour.” Performing from the groups catalog, while exploring Raphael Saadiq‘s journey as a solo artist.
The tour is heading to it’s last leg next month and last Friday October 21st, the fellas hit the Township Auditorium in Columbia, South Carolina.
UB‘s Londa and Niecy were in the building for the exciting show!
One of the added aspects that makes this tour so special, is there is a no phone policy, concert goers place phones in Yondr bags. The intent is to keep the shows special, and it indeed does just that.
To start a video montage featuring various moments of Oakland‘s history from the 60s til now was presented with celebs from Oakland also being represented.
When all of the guys hit the stage, the energy, music, crowd and lighting made it a magical experience. Backed by their band, Ernest Tucker, Keyon Harrold, Isaiah Sharkey, Josh Dunham, Kenneth Whalum, and Daru Jones. With background vocals led by American Idol alum LaToya London, plus Shannon “Sangindiva” Pearson and BJ Kemp.
“This is more than a show. This is the life of D’Wayne Wiggins, Timothy Christian Riley and Raphael Saadiq!”
After the first performance, they took us back to the late 80s with hits from their debut album. They performed “Born Not To Know,” “Little Walter,” “Baby Doll” and “For the Love of You.”
Followed by a slew of later hits including “If I Had No Loot,” “I Couldn’t Keep It To Myself,” “Let’s Get Down,” “Thinkin Of You,” and “My Ex-Girlfriend.”
The crowd of fans didn’t miss a beat, with singalongs and dancing along with the guys as they interacted with them.
Raphael showed mad love to SC and fascinated the audience, by sharing how growing up listening to Al Green inspired his songwriting.
D’Wayne and Raphael hit a few moves and two-steps along the way, making the experience even more enjoyable, as one big party celebration.
Before intermission, Tony! Toni! Toné! gave the crowed of fans one of the biggest treats. Some songs are instantly recognizable and the guitar intro to “Whatever You Want,” is one of those songs. From their 1990 release “The Revival.”
Followed by another fan favorite “Slow Wine,” with lead vocals by D’Wayne, a red, black and green animation displayed his name on the screen.
They concluded the first half with “(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow,” from the 1993 release “Sons of Soul.” During the 10-minute intermission, a video played for the audience, showcasing the band and background singers.
The first part of the second half is dedicated to Raphael Saadiq‘s solo career, which he performed his solo classic “Ask Of You,” plus “Still Ray” and “Be Here.”
When it came to the Lucy Pearl hit “Dance Tonight” LaToya London joined Raphael Saadiq in the center stage, taking over the original vocals of Dawn Robinson. That was one of the shows highlights.
Tony! Toni! Toné! continued with singles like “Still A Man” “I Couldn’t Keep It To Myself” and “Til Last Summer.”
One things for sure, Raphael‘s mic was always on!
The group paid a special tribute and homage to the late great John Singleton, who Raphael credits with teaching them about placements in films and other advice. Then went into an acoustic version of “Just Me & U” from the “Boyz N The Hood” soundtrack. Raphael stated John Singleton was a great man, we concur!
After two hours of nothing but great music, great vocals, and amazing instrumentalist, it was the fact they still had three of their biggest hits yet to perform. That says so much about what these three have accomplished musically and how they know how to put on a show and make every minute matter.
The classics “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” “Anniversary” and their first top-ten hit “Feels Good” ended the evening.
From the gate, Tony! Toni! Toné! has been a gift that keeps on giving. “Raphael Saadiq Revisits Tony Toni Toné!, the Just Me & You Tour,” is not just a show, it’s a once in a lifetime experience!
The only question fans have now, is when is the new album expected? From what we hear..stay tuned!
Check Out More Photos From the Show by David “Odiwams” Wright!
