# Donnie Iris, Pittsburgh’s Favorite Rocker, Who Scored Hits With the Jaggerz and as a Solo Artist, Dies at 83

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/donnie-iris-pittsburghs-favorite-rocker-who-scored-hits-with-the-jaggerz-and-as-a-solo-artist-dies-at-83/
- Published: 2026-10-27T04:30:55+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-27T05:38:59+00:00
- Original publisher: Variety
- Original article: https://variety.com/2026/music/obituaries-people-news/donnie-iris-dead-pittsburgh-rocker-jaggerz-rapper-ah-leah-1236931843/
- Topics: Art, Culture, Health, Medicine

## Key points

- Pittsburgh rock favourite Donnie Iris has died aged 83.
- The Jaggerz’ “The Rapper” reached No. 2 in 1970.
- Iris performed his final show less than a month before his death.

## Summary

Donnie Iris, a defining figure in Pittsburgh rock, has died aged 83 after three years of bladder cancer treatment. His career spanned six decades, with national hits in the Jaggerz and as a solo frontman, while his lasting importance came from the deep affection he inspired across Pittsburgh and the wider Midwest.

With the Jaggerz, Iris sang on “The Rapper”, which reached No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1970. “Ah! Leah!” peaked at No. 29 in 1980, followed by “Love Is Like a Rock” and “My Girl” in 1981. He later played with Wild Cherry and formed Donnie Iris and the Cruisers with keyboard player Mark Avsec; Iris performed his final show on 28 September, seated after radiation treatment.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.