“Soul, Strings & Magic” Issue 4 Volume 2

D’Wayne Wiggins – Soul, Strings & Magic

March 23, 2025 - ISSUE 4 - VOLUME 2

Welcome back to "Taste Music. Hear Food."!

Welcome back to “Taste Music. Hear Food.” This week, we turn our attention to a Bay Area legend—D’Wayne Wiggins, founding member of the groundbreaking R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, and a creative force who left an indelible mark on soul music, culture, and the next generation of artists. His story is one of rhythm, reinvention, and community—and like a well-seasoned recipe, it keeps giving long after the first bite.

Music Highlight: The Sound of Oakland’s Soul

Born and raised in Oakland, California, Wiggins was more than a musician—he was a musical architect. In 1986, alongside his brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Christian Riley, he helped form Tony! Toni! Toné!, a group that would reshape R&B with a blend of gospel roots, New Jack Swing energy, and timeless melodies. Their breakout single “Feels Good” soared up the charts, but it was their deep catalog and live instrumentation that truly set them apart. Wiggins, with his guitar slung low and soul running deep, helped craft hits that felt like backyard cookouts, Sunday church, and Friday night house parties all rolled into one.

“Food” Fact: A Studio That Served More Than Sound

In 1995, Wiggins opened Grass Roots Entertainment and House of Music, a studio space that doubled as an incubator for raw talent. One of his most notable protégés? A young group called Destiny’s Child. But Wiggins’ real genius wasn’t just in developing chart-toppers—it was in nurturing community. Much like preparing a soulful, home-cooked meal, his approach to music was rooted in love, layers, and attention to detail. His studio became a space where beats marinated, stories simmered, and careers were cooked to perfection.

Connection: Legacy, Mentorship & The Flavor of Oakland

D’Wayne Wiggins didn’t just play music—he poured it out like a seasoned chef who knows exactly when to stir the pot and when to let it simmer. His guitar licks were smooth, his vocals sincere, and his mentorship generous. His work echoes the core of our mission: blending preparation, creativity, and culture in every experience—be it musical or culinary. Like a great grill session, his legacy is one of sharing heat, elevating flavor, and feeding the soul.

Recipe: Grilled Veggie & goat cheese Flatbread

Ingredients

Whole wheat naan

½ grilled portobello

½ cup grilled red onions

¼ cup roasted bell peppers

¼ cup baby spinach

2 tbsp crumbled goat cheese

Olive oil drizzle

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your indoor grill.
Lightly brush flatbread with olive oil and warm it on the grill for 1–2 minutes.
Layer spinach, grilled mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
Sprinkle with cheese and return to the grill just until cheese begins to soften.
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs. Slice and serve warm.

Thank you for joining us for another edition of "Taste Music. Hear Food."!

Thank you for joining us for this soulful edition of “Taste Music. Hear Food.”This week we honor a man who brought flavor to everything he touched—whether through chords, community, or kitchen vibes. D’Wayne Wiggins will be remembered not only for the music he made but for the hearts and futures he helped shape.

Reflective Question:

What’s one creative gift or legacy you’d like to pass down—through music, food, or mentorship?