Donnie Iris Dies: ‘Ah! Leah!’ & ‘The Rapper’ Singer Was 83

Singer Donnie Iris, best known for the Jaggerz’ hit “The Rapper” and his solo-era success with “Ah! Leah!,” died in Pittsburgh on 26 October, aged 83. He had been diagnosed with bladder cancer three years earlier, though no cause of death was given. His death was announced by drummer Joe Vitale Jr., and Iris had retired from live performing earlier this month because of health issues.

Born Dominic Ierace in Pennsylvania in 1943, Iris wrote and sang “The Rapper”, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970. After joining Wild Cherry, he formed Donnie Iris and the Cruisers; their 1980 song “Ah! Leah!” peaked at No. 29 and became a fixture on rock radio and early MTV. He continued recording and performing for decades and remained a popular figure in the Pittsburgh area.