Donnie Iris, the legendary Pittsburgh rock singer known for his powerful voice and popular songs “Ah! Leah!,” “Love Is Like a Rock,” and “The Rapper,” has died at the age of 83. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Iris died on October 26, 2026, after battling bladder cancer for three years.
Born Dominic Ierace on February 28, 1943, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Iris grew up in Ellwood City and became one of Western Pennsylvania’s most recognizable musical figures. His career spanned decades, taking him from local clubs to national charts while earning him a devoted following throughout Pittsburgh and beyond.
Donnie Iris Built His Career With the Jaggerz
Iris developed an interest in music at an early age. His mother, who played piano in church, encouraged him to sing when he was around six or seven years old. Growing up, he listened to artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Elvis Presley before discovering the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Motown.
His professional journey began with local groups before he helped form the Jaggerz in 1964 with Benny Faiella. The band became a popular act in the Beaver Falls area, performing soul music and British Invasion covers.
The Jaggerz achieved national success in 1970 with “The Rapper,” a song written by Iris about men using smooth talk to approach women in clubs. The track climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, establishing the group as one of Pittsburgh’s major musical success stories.
Iris later worked with B.E. Taylor and joined Wild Cherry as a guitarist and backing vocalist in 1978. His time with Wild Cherry introduced him to keyboardist Mark Avsec, who would become his longtime musical collaborator.
“Ah! Leah!” Made Him a Rock Icon
Iris and Avsec eventually formed Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, creating a sound that blended energetic rock, pop melodies and synthesizers.
Their 1980 song “Ah! Leah!” became Iris’ signature hit. Initially gaining attention on radio stations in Pittsburgh and Cleveland, the song reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 after receiving national distribution.
The success continued with the 1981 album “King Cool,” which featured “Love Is Like a Rock” and “My Girl.” “Love Is Like a Rock” reached No. 37 on the Billboard Hot 100, further establishing Iris as a distinctive voice in American rock music.
Although later releases did not achieve the same chart success, Iris and the Cruisers continued recording and performing for a loyal audience. A lengthy copyright lawsuit involving “Ah! Leah!” also created difficulties for the band and affected its momentum.
Beyond music, Iris pursued business interests in the mortgage industry, eventually owning SimCorp in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.
A Lasting Legacy in Pittsburgh
Iris remained a familiar presence on Pittsburgh’s music scene for decades. Fans continued attending his concerts, birthday celebrations and regional performances, often singing along to songs that had become part of the area’s cultural identity.
In 2023, he celebrated his 80th birthday with a sold-out concert at the UPMC Events Center in Moon. Following cancer-related surgery, he returned to performing in early 2024.
His final concert took place on September 28, 2026, at Citizens Live at the Wylie in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. Despite his declining health and pain, Iris performed while seated in a chair. He announced his retirement from live performances shortly afterward.
Friends and fellow musicians remembered him as a warm, humble and generous person. Mark Avsec described their relationship as a close friendship that endured throughout their musical partnership.
Iris is survived by his legacy of memorable songs, his two children and five grandchildren. His music connected generations of fans, and his influence on Pittsburgh rock music will continue long after his final performance.
For many listeners, Donnie Iris was more than a successful singer. He was a hometown icon whose voice helped define the sound of Pittsburgh rock and roll.