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Donny Iris RIP
Posted on 10/26/26 at 8:33 pm
Posted on 10/26/26 at 8:33 pm
Donnie Iris, the Pittsburgh music legend behind "Ah! Leah!," has died, according to a former bandmate on Monday. He was 83.
Iris, who called Ellwood City his hometown, had been diagnosed with bladder cancer shortly after his sold-out 80th birthday show in 2023. He canceled several shows but later returned to the stage. He continued to perform until he announced his retirement earlier this month after a show at Citizens Live at The Wylie on Sept. 28.
"After much thought, and in light of recent health issues, I have made the difficult decision to retire from future concert performances," Iris said in a letter posted to social media on Oct. 9. "Music has given me far more than I could ever put into words. From the earliest days to every chapter of my life, your support has been a constant source of joy and inspiration."
Iris' climb to fame began in 1970 when he earned a gold record for writing and singing the No. 1 song "The Rapper" with the Jaggerz. After joining Wild Cherry in 1978, he met Mark Avsec, and the two founded Donnie Iris & The Cruisers. They recorded the album "Back On The Streets," which had the hit song "Ah! Leah!"
Iris was christened the "new king of cool" by a reviewer after a show in 1980, and from that name, the follow-up album "King Cool" was born. The album had songs "Love Is Like A Rock," "That's The Way Love Ought To Be" and "My Girl." LINK
Iris, who called Ellwood City his hometown, had been diagnosed with bladder cancer shortly after his sold-out 80th birthday show in 2023. He canceled several shows but later returned to the stage. He continued to perform until he announced his retirement earlier this month after a show at Citizens Live at The Wylie on Sept. 28.
"After much thought, and in light of recent health issues, I have made the difficult decision to retire from future concert performances," Iris said in a letter posted to social media on Oct. 9. "Music has given me far more than I could ever put into words. From the earliest days to every chapter of my life, your support has been a constant source of joy and inspiration."
Iris' climb to fame began in 1970 when he earned a gold record for writing and singing the No. 1 song "The Rapper" with the Jaggerz. After joining Wild Cherry in 1978, he met Mark Avsec, and the two founded Donnie Iris & The Cruisers. They recorded the album "Back On The Streets," which had the hit song "Ah! Leah!"
Iris was christened the "new king of cool" by a reviewer after a show in 1980, and from that name, the follow-up album "King Cool" was born. The album had songs "Love Is Like A Rock," "That's The Way Love Ought To Be" and "My Girl." LINK
Posted on 10/26/26 at 8:45 pm to DeltaTigerDelta
Posted on 10/26/26 at 8:54 pm to DeltaTigerDelta
I saw him in 1982 at the Centraplex. He opened for Hall and Oates. He played the keyboard and had on tube socks, pulled up to his knees. The king of cool thing must’ve been sarcasm.
Posted on 10/27/26 at 4:50 am to DeltaTigerDelta
Thanks for posting this.
I somehow got on a Donny Iris kick a few months ago. Folks were posting in YouTube comments, as recently as about three years ago, that they had seen Donny perform, and he was still decently hitting the high notes on "Ah! Leah!".
I somehow got on a Donny Iris kick a few months ago. Folks were posting in YouTube comments, as recently as about three years ago, that they had seen Donny perform, and he was still decently hitting the high notes on "Ah! Leah!".
Posted on 10/27/26 at 6:15 am to Twenty 49
In the early 80's I had a couple friends from Pittsburgh where Iris was huge. I really got into him at that time and always liked his music since then.
Posted on 10/27/26 at 8:24 am to DeltaTigerDelta
quote:
He was 83.
Surprised he was that old, considering his hits came out in the early 80s.
For comparison, Mick Jagger is 83.
Posted on 10/27/26 at 8:58 am to DeltaTigerDelta
Takes me back-pure early 80s pop brilliance. ...Sweet Merilee,,,those high notes...those singalong hooks...those layered harmonies-pure ear candy.
And quintessentially Steel Town...so all my peeps there all loved him.
And quintessentially Steel Town...so all my peeps there all loved him.
This post was edited on 10/27/26 at 9:05 am
Posted on 10/27/26 at 9:16 am to DrewTheEngineer
quote:Oddly enough, the band that got Donnie noticed first was the Jaggerz (originally the "Jaggers").
For comparison, Mick Jagger is 83.
Posted on 10/27/26 at 10:31 am to DeltaTigerDelta
I saw him open for Hall and Oates in 82 ( I think) at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago.
Actually a really good concert.
Actually a really good concert.
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