Pittsburgh Rock Legend Donnie Iris Dies at 83 After Final Seated Performance
Donnie Iris, the Pittsburgh-based singer-songwriter known for hits like 'Ah! Leah!' and 'The Rapper,' has died at age 83. He passed away on October 26 following a three-year battle with bladder cancer. Iris, born Dominic Ierace in New Castle, Pennsylvania, in 1943, was a central figure in the region's music scene from the 1960s through the 1980s. He achieved national success with The Jaggerz and later Donnie Iris and the Cruisers. His final live performance took place on September 28 at Citizens Live at The Wylie, where he sang seated due to his illness. He announced his retirement from live performance on October 9. Colleagues and fans described him as a humble, warm, and iconic figure in Western Pennsylvania music history.
