Inside Raphael Saadiq Tragic Family Life And Siblings

Raphael Saadiq family had fourteen siblings. Raphael Saadiq was the second youngest child among his brothers and sisters. Saadiq mourns the loss of his four siblings.

The Grammy award singer born Charles Ray Wiggins began playing guitar when he was only six years old. The artist began singing at a local church group at age of 12. He formed a group called Tony! Toni! Tone with his brother Dawayne Wiggins and his cousin Timothy Christian. 

Saadiq adopted an Arabic name in the 1990s, he used his name to distinguish himself from his brother. The artist became popular after the success of his solo single “Ask Of You.” The trio band of Raphael and his brother also became major R&B superstars.

Moreover, his father was also a boxer and a blues singer. He was said to have a voice like Chicago R&B singer Sam Cooke.

The artist performed in multiple summer and music festivals, and he collaborated with artists like Mick Jagger, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, and Ludacris. 

Raphael Saadiq Parents

Throwback. With my mother, Edith Nelson. Celebrating strong women every day. #TBT

— Raphael Saadiq (@RaphaelSaadiq) March 9, 2017

Raphael Saadiq parents names are Charlie Wiggins and Edith James. Per Nytimes, he grew up in a churchgoing household with fourteen siblings. Saadiq’s peculiar interest in music helped him attract attention.

Saadiq’s mom Edith Wiggins was a kind and giving mother, she took care of all of her fourteen children.

Similarly, the singer’s father Charlie was a super lightweight boxer and worked at Sheet metal man at Naval Air Station in Alameda, California.

Moreover, Saadiq was the only son of Charlie and Edith, his siblings were the children of his father’s previous marriage. His mother worked as a hospital aide, and the artist also found his first music opportunity backing a band called “Gospel Messengers.”

Saadiq grew up in a terrible neighborhood in Oakland, his stepfather Jimmy Lee often had records of popular artists but it was often stolen by the local drug addict Jimmy Lee who would break into his Step father’s house.

Raphael Saadiq Siblings

Raphael Saadiq had fourteen siblings. He named his 2019 album “Jimmy Lee” in homage to his brother Jimmy Lee Baker, who passed away in the 1990s from an overdose, after facing HIV. He used to get along quite well with his step-brothers and sisters.

Similarly, the singer’s first funeral was of his brother Alvie Wiggins who was murdered in 1973 in a family dispute. His sister Sarah Wiggins was backed out of her driveway by a criminal during a police chase. 

The artist was recording the second album of Tony! Toni! and Tone! he jumped back into the studio after hearing the news and poured his heart out in the song “It Never Rains.”

Likewise, his brother Desmond Wiggins also passed away due to a drug overdose, he was also a drug addict who often sang with Raphael.

The artist has the tattoo of his brothers Alvie, Desmond, and Jimmy on his arm for the last 20 years. His singing inspiration was his brother older brother Randy Wiggins who sang better than all of them in the family, but he never pursued music professionally.

Raphael Saadiq’s Brother Dwayne Wiggins

Dwayne Wiggins was initially a member of Tony! Toni! Tone! popularized the R&B genre in Oakland, California but he was able to carve out his own identity through his career in music. 

Wiggins is a singer, guitarist, and record producer. He and his brother have sold more than six million albums throughout their career. The artist developed and signed Destiny’s Child to Grass Roots entertainment which became popular globally for their music. 

The 62-year-old also mentored multiple artists like Keyshia Cole. His “House of Music” was supported by artists like Beyonce, Jamie Fox, Alicia Keys, and Eddie Money. He has worked with all of these artists who helped him make a significant contribution to the music genre.

He is the elder brother of Saadiq who has made his own path and achieved significant growth without being overshadowed by the accomplishments of Raphael.

Does Raphael Saadiq Have A Wife?

Is Raphael Saadiq Married? No, Raphael Saadiq isn’t married. Hence, he doesn’t have a wife.

However, the artist is connected with the artists like Nia Long, Lisa Parker, and Joss Stone. 

During the height of his career, he was often photographed with Lisa Parker at different red-carpet events. He seems to have a good friendship with Nia Long and Joss Stone. 

Nia Long

Nia Long is a 52-year-old actress who has worked in movies like Boyz n the hood (1991) and TV series titled Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1991-1995). However, the singer has not commented about his relationship with Long. 

Nia and Saadiq seem to be good friends, Long was married to Ime Udoka, (basketball coach for the Boston Celtics) since 2010, and the couple divorced in 2022. They share the custody of two children. 

Joss Stone 

Joss Stone is a 35-year-old singer, she is a Grammy-nominated artist, and she became famous with her single “You Had Me.” Stone is an R&B singer who has also dabbled in soul and reggae music. 

Similarly, the artist has worked together with Raphael on her third album “Introducing Joss Stone” which was the second-highest debut album achieving Gold certification with RIAA. Her record was produced by Raphael.

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